After entering the city, Zhu Houzhao climbed to the top of the city tower without even taking a break. He had a bird's eye view of the scenery and was full of praise.
Zhang Yanling mainly focused on the defensive measures of Guancheng. The North Pass should be the key location for defense. Because compared with the South Pass, the Wengcheng tower here is taller and the city wall is thicker. And on the north tower,
There are several black cannons placed impressively, which are obviously used to defend against enemies coming from the north.
Zhang Yanling went to observe these cannons. They were extremely rough in casting, but they seemed to be quite powerful. Looking at the inscriptions on the cannon bodies, he realized that these were the famous "Shenwu General" cannons. Although the name of this cannon is powerful, it looks like it is powerful.
In this way, the power should be average. However, if it is set up in such a dangerous place, if there is an enemy attack from the north, it will probably be a terrifying presence.
After a tour, everyone returned to the military office in the pass to rest.
Zhu Houzhao sat at the top, and a group of people were waiting below. Zhu Houzhao asked Dong Yang and other generals guarding the pass about the situation, and was very pleased to learn that there were currently more than 5,000 troops stationed at Juyong Pass, with sufficient supplies and stable soldiers.
"I left Beijing this time to patrol the border towns of Xuanfu to express condolences to the soldiers in the border towns. Passing through this heroic pass, I told you the reason for the stability of the Ming Dynasty. But I want to tell you that although the heroic pass is dangerous, it also needs to be protected.
Loyal and brave soldiers can defend themselves against the enemy. The Art of War says: Heaven
Time is not as good as the right place, and the right place is not as good as the people. People and people are the most important thing. Although I lament the danger of the pass, I am even more pleased with the loyalty of the soldiers guarding the pass. Therefore, I hope that you will be loyal to your duty and guard this great pass for me. My most important thing is
What matters most is your loyalty and bravery."
Even Zhang Yanling was convinced by Zhu Houzhao's words. A fifteen-year-old boy could say this truth, which is enough to show that Zhu Houzhao is by no means a mediocre person. Maybe he is just naughty, but he understands the truth in his heart.
Although Xiongguan is dangerous, talent comes first. Fortresses are broken from the inside. Think about the behavior of Wu Sangui, the commander-in-chief of Mingshan Customs, when the Qing army entered the pass. This is clear evidence.
Dong Yang and others repeatedly promised. The emperor's affirmation and eager entrustment made them feel very comforted.
"Your Majesty, I will keep your words in mind. Your Majesty, please rest assured that your Majesty Dong Yang and all the officers and soldiers will never disappoint His Majesty's expectations and entrustments." Dong Yang said loudly.
Zhu Houzhao nodded with a smile and said: "I came out in a hurry this time and didn't bring anything as a reward. Well, I see that there is no plaque on the pass tower, so how about I write a plaque for you?"
Dong Yang was overjoyed and ordered people to prepare pens and papers in the study room. Liu Jin quickly sharpened his ink, and Zhu Houzhao took up his pen and wrote the words "The most powerful pass in the world".
Dong Yang and others shouted long live and quickly ordered people to make plaques. Naturally, the emperor's original writings cannot be hung on the gate tower to be corroded by wind and rain. They only need to mold the plaques according to the handwriting. And two plaques must be made, one on the south and one on the north.
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Everyone took a break, and Liu Jin whispered to Zhu Houzhao: "Your Majesty, I suggest leaving someone here to guard the pass."
Zhu Houzhao said: "Guard the pass? What does this mean? Who are you guarding?"
Liu Jin said softly: "I am worried that the adults in the capital will come to chase us and persuade us to go back. Although we have been out for a few days, we are only walking on small roads and the speed is not fast. I estimate that if they catch up,
Want it tonight
We've arrived here. We will definitely be overtaken by them when we turn around. Even if we can't catch up, they ran to deliver a message to the officials and defenders of the Xuanfu. Wouldn't it make a fuss. The emperor wants to be free without anyone noticing.
I can’t go hunting and patrolling.”
Zhu Houzhao was stunned, then nodded and said with a smile: "You are still thoughtful. If they want to chase me, they can only pass through here. Let's order people to guard here, block them, and not allow them to leave, so I can be undisturbed.
It’s time to start this trip. You can make arrangements for it. I’ll leave it to you.”
Liu Jin was so happy that he drafted an edict and called everyone together to discuss the matter.
After hearing this, Zhang Yanling thought with a wry smile in her heart: I didn't expect that Juyong Pass didn't have to guard against the Tatars, but it had to guard against the officials of the Ming Dynasty first.
"Brother Gu, how about you stay and guard here? Take the edict and stop anyone who comes after you. Just don't allow Dong Zongbing to turn on and off." Liu Jin said to Gu Dayong.
Gu Dayong jumped up and said: "Why me? I won't stay. I want to follow the emperor to patrol the border. You can call someone else."
Liu Jin stared, unable to do anything, and it was hard to reprimand him. Obviously, this accompanying tour was the best opportunity to get closer to the emperor, and no one wanted to waste it. If you stayed here, you would have lost this opportunity.
That's why Gu Dayong refused to stay.
Liu Jin looked at the others, who all curled their lips to avoid his gaze, seemingly unwilling to do so.
Zhang Yanling smiled and said: "How about I stay."
Liu Jin waved his hand and said, "Are you kidding me? How can Lord Marquis stay?"
Zhang Yonghu, who was standing aside, said: "Eunuch Liu, our family is here to stay."
Liu Jin was surprised and said: "Eunuch Zhang is willing to stay?"
Zhang Yongdao: "Why don't you want to? Although our family also wants to serve the emperor, we stay here to guard the pass so that the emperor can patrol the border with peace of mind. It is also an errand. It's fine for me to stay."
Liu Jin looked at Zhang Yong in deep thought, and murmured in his heart. Among the eunuchs of the East Palace, Zhang Yong had the worst relationship with Liu Jin. However, Zhang Yong was also the emperor's favorite, because Zhang Yong was strong, good at martial arts, and used bows.
horse
Skilled, this was a favorite of Zhu Houzhao, who liked to dance with guns and sticks. Before, Zhang Yong was Zhu Houzhao's absolute helper when practicing formations and playing offensive and defensive tricks in the East Palace, while Liu Jin could only watch and cheer.
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Among all the servants in the East Palace, Zhang Yong is almost equal to Liu Jin. The two of them are actually quite competitive overtly and secretly. However, Zhang Yong is a bit rough-tempered and cannot compare with Liu Jin in terms of means and skills, so now he is with the emperor.
, Liu Jin's status is higher than Zhang Yong. The other chamberlains basically only listen to Liu Jin's orders.
Zhang Yong's stay was originally the result that Liu Jin wanted to see the most, but due to Zhang Yong's status, he did not dare to bring it up directly. But now that Zhang Yong took the initiative to bring it up, Liu Jin felt a little strange, and was afraid that there was something fishy in it.
How could Zhang Yong give up this opportunity to accompany the driver on a patrol?
"What? Eunuch Liu doesn't think it's appropriate for our family to stay? Or else Eunuch Liu can stay by himself, and our family can accompany the emperor." Zhang Yong saw Liu Jin's thoughts and said with a slightly sarcastic smile.
Liu Jin hurriedly said: "It is most reassuring if you stay. We will go and tell the emperor now. It will be fine if the emperor nods."
Zhang Yong smiled and said, "Just ask the emperor."
Liu Jin went to the inner hall to consult the emperor's opinion. After a while, he came out and said: "The emperor agreed, then I have to help you. Just bring the emperor's decree here and stop all those who are chasing you."
Zhang Yong nodded in agreement. Although Liu Jin was suspicious, he couldn't say anything else. Besides, it was best for Zhang Yong to stay, so as not to show off in front of the emperor. This trip was all about hunting on horseback, so Zhang Yong was not here.
Save yourself the embarrassment and prevent the emperor from relying too much on him.