In the study, Zhang Yanling was pacing back and forth, thoughts boiling in his mind.
According to the current situation, it can be basically concluded that the message asking for help was intercepted. It is not difficult to guess who the interceptor was. It must be Yang Tinghe. Because only Yang Tinghe had the opportunity to intercept such an important report, it was also
Only he has the courage.
In Zhang Yanling's eyes, Yang Tinghe was already a person without any bottom line. If other people could do such a thing, Zhang Yanling might be surprised. But if Yang Tinghe did this, Zhang Yanling would not be surprised at all.
Yang Tinghe strongly advocated the launch of this so-called military operation to recover the Hetao. He originally wanted to gain great benefits from it. However, now the army is trapped and facing destruction. After Yang Tinghe learns about this, he will
How to do it?
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In Zhang Yanling's view, Yang Tinghe concealed the news of the blockade immediately, and then found ways to shirk responsibility or make amends.
Although Luo Hu did not see Qiu Yue's fate, it was obvious that Qiu Yue was dead. The purpose of killing Qiu Yue was to silence him and block the news of asking for help. This was probably the order issued by Yang Tinghe. From this, it can be inferred that Datong
Commander-in-Chief Hu Zuguang was Yang Tinghe's man, or someone under Yang Tinghe's control.
The question now is that Yang Tinghe is desperate to conceal the news of asking for help, but once the imperial army is defeated or destroyed, the matter will eventually become unstoppable. How can he quibble at that time?
Could it be that he was stalling for time so that he could find a way to relieve the army's difficulties and remedy the situation?
But unless he reported to the court and mobilized a large army to go to the rescue, there was no way to solve the situation. And after the frontier army dispatched 200,000 troops, there were not many remaining troops and horses that could be mobilized.
The Xuanfu Datong Yansui and Ningxia towns have a total strength of more than 400,000 troops that can be rescued nearby. But those are numbers on paper. The limit that can be dispatched is only more than 200,000 people. Each city under the jurisdiction of the border town has its own strength.
It is impossible to spare the troops and horses in the walled fort. The basic strength and security of the soldiers and horses in the walled fort in each city must be guaranteed.
Even if troops and horses could be mobilized from the border towns, they would only be able to draw out at most 30,000 to 50,000 people. Of what use would this be? These 30,000 to 50,000 people would not be able to relieve the siege at all, but would be in vain.
This is a simple truth. It is impossible for Yang Tinghe to understand and do such a thing that has no chance of success.
In order to rescue the trapped soldiers and horses, only the soldiers and horses of the Beijing camp can be dispatched quickly. And a large number of cavalry must be gathered to go. But it is obvious that Yang Tinghe did not do this at all. This is tantamount to taking the initiative to expose the loopholes without asking for it.
News of the army's defeat.
So, how is Yang Tinghe going to shirk responsibility and save the situation? Or is it that he has already made corresponding countermeasures, but he just can't think of his means.
Zhang Yanling originally planned to go to the palace to see Zhu Houzhao immediately and report the matter to Emperor Ming. However, he suddenly realized that he actually had no conclusive evidence at hand. He only had the information reported verbally by Luo Hu.
Perhaps in a hurry, Qiu Yue didn't even ask Luo Hu to bring a brief letter or a token to prove his identity.
If you rashly accuse Yang Tinghe of concealing anything, you will fall into a passive position and be considered to be slandering Yang Tinghe. In the absence of conclusive evidence, unless you arrest Yang Tinghe with thunderous means and force him to plead guilty, it is impossible to prove that Yang Tinghe deliberately concealed it.
crime.
However, he cannot do it by forcefully arresting Yang Tinghe. The result will be counterproductive. Not only will it arouse the anger of Zhu Houzhao and the court, but it will also plunge the court into chaos. As long as he takes action, the court will be
There will inevitably be chaos, and the officials of the foreign court will inevitably make a fuss. Unless they have the ability to control the situation, regardless of Zhu Houzhao's feelings, they will forcefully control the situation and suppress everyone.
However, the question is, why do you control the situation? The troops that you can absolutely control in the capital are not even as many as Jiang Bin. Zhang Lun, Xu Guangzuo and the princes of the regiment camp will stand by themselves unreservedly without evidence.
This side? They forcibly arrested the chief minister of the dynasty without any actual evidence. In their eyes, it was a treasonous act and the behavior of a traitor. Are they willing to follow them unconditionally?
The answer is obviously no. I don't have a reputation among the Xungui Group, let alone doing something that they won't approve of. The only people who can follow me are the two naval battalions training in the capital and Zhenwei.
Apart from the soldiers and horses, there is probably nothing else.
Moreover, the most urgent thing at the moment is not to liquidate Yang Tinghe, but to send troops to rescue hundreds of thousands of trapped border troops. At this time, if I act recklessly, it is very likely to cause internal strife among the soldiers and horses in the capital. The whole court is in chaos, so what else can I do?
Send troops to rescue?
According to Luo Hu's report, the trapped soldiers and horses can have food and fodder for a month. Now more than 20 days have passed, and there are already 100,000 soldiers in desperate need. If these 100,000 border troops are destroyed, it will be a major blow to the Ming Dynasty.
The overall situation is the most important thing. Rescue of the trapped border troops is the top priority. As for Yang Tinghe, after rescuing the army, we will deal with this thief. He will never be able to escape. No matter how capable he is or how much he shirks, he can't.
He must be put to death. He will find strong evidence and make Yang Tinghe plead guilty and punished. Even if he uses unconventional means, he cannot keep this scourge.
Zhang Yanling's thoughts gradually became clearer. Although he felt a little frustrated and annoyed, in his current position, many considerations must focus on the overall situation and cannot rely on personal ambition. Yang Tinghe's matters can only be put aside, and nothing can be done to him for the time being.
something.
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Once the emperor knows the news that the Hetao army is besieged, he will definitely ask Yang Tinghe. Let's see how Yang Tinghe makes excuses. Let's see what excuses he makes.
"Come here!" Zhang Yanling walked to the door and said in a deep voice.
Outside, both Changshun and Feng Gang were talking, and they hurriedly came to the corridor.
"What are your orders from the Duke?" Tan Changshun said with cupped hands.
"Get your horses ready immediately," Zhang Yanling said.
"Going out at this time? It's already the second watch." Tan Chang said.
"What nonsense are you talking about? Go and prepare your horses. Follow me into the palace!" Zhang Yanling shouted.
Tan Changshun agreed quickly, and went out with Feng Gang to prepare horses and call for people. Zhang Yanling quickly returned to the back room to change clothes. Xu Wanyi had not yet fallen asleep, and was leaning on the bed with a big belly, letting the maid pinch her legs.
Promotes blood circulation and soothes legs that are swollen due to pregnancy.
Seeing Zhang Yanling changing clothes and putting on a cloak to go out, Xu Wanyi sat up and said, "It's so late, where are you going, husband?"
Zhang Yanling came over, stretched out her hand to touch Xu Wanyi's belly, and said with a smile: "There are some things that need to be dealt with, so come as soon as you go."
Xu Wanyi said: "What can't be dealt with tomorrow? We have to go in the middle of the night. It can't be something happened. Husband, don't make us worry. In one month, Ruqing, I, and Youtang can
She’s about to give birth.”
Zhang Yanling was startled for a moment, then smiled and said: "Don't worry, it's nothing. Don't be sensitive. It's just a small matter. I'll be back soon. Do you think I want to go out in the middle of the night?"
Xu Wanyi sighed and said, "That's all, go ahead."
Zhang Yanling turned around and left, went to the vestibule, got on his horse with a few personal guards, and left the house, heading east along Mashi Street south of Xuanbeifang. Soon after, he arrived at the imperial road on Zhengyangmenwai Street in the outer city. Zhang Yanling suddenly strangled
The horse lived.
"My lord, what's wrong?" Feng Gang asked.
Zhang Yanling was silent for a moment and said in a deep voice: "I'm not going to the palace anymore. I'm going to the British Duke's Mansion in Zhengnanfang."
After saying that, he raised his whip and waved his horse, turning its head to the south and galloping towards Zhengnanfang.
Zhang Lun was sleeping soundly with his two concubines in his arms. In his sleep, he learned that Zhang Yanling had come to visit. He hurriedly dressed and got up, feeling very confused.
When I came to the flower hall where I was meeting guests, I saw Zhang Yanling sitting in the hall, frowning and thinking.
"Brother Trillium, why did you come to my house so late? What happened? Or you haven't seen me for a while and you miss me? Hahaha." Zhang Lun chuckled and said, cupping his hands.
Zhang Yanling stood up and returned the courtesy, smiling and saying: "Britain forgives me, but I'm really sorry that I came here in the middle of the night to disturb your sweet dreams."
Zhang Lun waved his hand and said with a smile: "It's okay if you know that I'm sorry. I'll punish you by being the host of Chunfeng Tower and treat me to a drink."
Zhang Yanling smiled and said: "That's right. You can't get away with this drink."
Zhang Lun laughed heartily. He was humorous by nature and liked to joke, and Zhang Yanling was used to it.
"What? What do you want from me? If it's a good thing, just tell me. If it's a bad thing, I don't want to hear it." Zhang Lun sat down and smiled.
Zhang Yanling sighed and said: "It's a bad thing, but it doesn't matter if you don't want to hear it."
Next, Zhang Yanling told Zhang Lun exactly what he had learned about the trapped army in the Hetao. Zhang Yanling had some reservations about Qiu Yue and did not tell him. He only said that Luo Hu came to the capital to report to him.
, did not mention the fact that Hu Zuguang killed Qiu Yue, or that Luo Hu was Qiu Yue's personal guard. It's simple, Zhang Yanling didn't want to alert the enemy.
Zhang Lun was smiling at first, but soon, his mouth opened wide, his eyes widened, his expression was dull, and his eyeballs almost fell off.
"Brother Trillium, are these all true? This is no joke. Don't make such a joke with me." Zhang Lun shouted.
Zhang Yanling said in a deep voice: "Do you think I came to see you in the middle of the night just to play this kind of joke on you? I just got the news. If you don't believe it, I will order people to bring Na Luo Hu and ask him personally.
.”
Zhang Lun waved his hands and said: "How could I not believe what you said? I mean, do you think that Luo Hu's words are true and credible? How dare Yang Tinghe be so bold as to conceal this news? Oh my god, this is incredible.
"
Zhang Yanling said solemnly: "Mr. British, according to my judgment, Luo Hu did not lie. Besides, if he says he did not lie, it will be known once he investigates. This kind of thing can be hidden from people in the capital, but it must not be hidden from the border towns.
Especially the soldiers and horses of Yulin Guard and Yansui Town. The defeat of Baichengzi must have been reported to the border town. Once you check it, you will know. In any case, when you hear such news, you must believe it.
It must be clarified.”
Zhang Lun nodded and said: "That's right. I'd rather believe it. Does the emperor know?"
Zhang Yanling shook his head and said: "I haven't reported it to the emperor yet. I originally wanted to enter the palace, but when I reached the intersection, I turned to you."
Zhang Lun was surprised and said: "Why is that? Why don't you report it to the emperor?"
Zhang Yanling said solemnly: "Mr. British, if this thing is true, we must go to the rescue. I think it is best for you to take action, because if we want to rescue this time, I am afraid that the Beijing camp will have to be dispatched. This time you will be the only one to lead the army."
Only by going to the rescue can I feel at ease."
Zhang Lun frowned and said, "What about you? Why didn't you go?"
Zhang Yanling said: "I can't leave. Firstly, I am busy with things at hand and really can't be distracted. Secondly, Princess Ruyi and my two concubines will give birth next month. I can't ignore anything this time. In addition, I also
We can't always be in the limelight and block the way for Mr. Hou to make meritorious deeds. So, for this matter, it's best for you to go."
Zhang Lun scratched his head and said, "But this is a war... I'm afraid..."
Zhang Yanling smiled bitterly and said: "Brother Zhang Lun, do you think there is still enough time? It has been more than twenty days. If the frontier army was besieged, unless you had wings and flew to rescue the siege, by the time you arrived with your army, you would have been out of food and defeated.
.I
It is judged that the soldiers and horses in the city will not sit still and wait for death. They will launch a breakout before they run out of food. If the emperor asks you to lead the troops and send out troops, it will only be to respond to the breakout soldiers and horses, not to continue fighting. So you don't have to worry."
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Zhang Lun thought for a while and said in a deep voice: "I understand. I can't count on you for everything, and I have to let you rest. Besides, your wives and concubines are about to give birth, so it's unreasonable for you to send troops. So...
I will go to see the emperor and explain this matter."
Zhang Yanling cupped his hands and said, "I'll leave this matter to you. Brother Zhang Lun, I'll take my leave."
Zhang Yanling said goodbye and left. Zhang Lun sat in the hall for a while, calming down. The butler beside him said in a low voice: "My lord, the Lord Protector can definitely report this kind of bad news to the emperor. Let me report such bad news to you."
, it’s really a bit treacherous.”
Zhang Lun scolded in a deep voice: "What do you know? How could he have such thoughts? Are you looking down on him too much? You are a typical example of judging a gentleman's heart with a villain's heart. I think he is doing this to me
The opportunity to lead the army on an expedition. This is exactly how he respects me. If you talk nonsense in the future, I will not be polite to you."
The steward apologized profusely. Zhang Lun didn't mind, and ordered his men to prepare their horses immediately and enter the palace that night.
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