Chapter 124 Chapter 22 Internal and External Troubles

Chapter 22: Internal and External Troubles In the twenty-seventh year of Wuwei in Dayong, Wang Cong supervised the army's strategy of Hou Zhe of Chu Township, and used heavy troops as his side. He killed Tan Ji, and then hurried thousands of miles to attack the main force of the Northern Han army.At that time, Long Tingfei knew Wangli's army and attacked with all his strength. The Marquis of Chu Township beat drums to encourage the army's morale, and served as the Northern Han army all day and night.On November 9th, Wang led his personal guards forty miles away from Qinze.Knowing the difficulty, Long retreated, and the king pursued for three hundred miles. Long Tingfei personally cut off the rear army. The two armies clashed more than ten times, each winning or losing.On November 15th, Duan Wudi of the Northern Han Dynasty led the army to respond. Wang Yi's soldiers were exhausted and returned to Zezhou.The two armies fought for more than half a month. The Yong army suffered 60,000 casualties, and the Northern Han army suffered nearly 40,000 casualties. It may be said that this battle was inconclusive. However, after this battle, the Northern Han army had no spare power to attack Zezhou and Zhenzhou.

——"Yong History.The Family of King Qi Yongdu, Chang'an, since the urgent military report from Zezhou at the beginning of the month, almost all the officials in the court were worried. This time, Long Tingfei attacked Zezhou aggressively. But it doesn't mean that there is certainty of victory. Not to mention that Long Tingfei is a famous general in the world. Although King Qi can barely resist these years, it is very difficult to win. Besides, the knot between King Qi and the emperor is still unresolved. The generals in the state camp are not in harmony, and there are many hidden worries that make people headaches.This heavy cloud did not dissipate because the emperor sent a new supervisor, the Marquis of Chu Xiang. After all, Jiang Zhe was just a literati, and many people did not believe that he could really restrain the king of Qi, but he had the ability to mediate between the king and the generals The conflict between them may not have a chance of winning against Long Tingfei.

Moreover, as soon as the Northern Han army entered Zezhou, rumors appeared in various places in Dayong. Some people said that this time Longting flew all the soldiers from the whole country to attack Zezhou, and Dayong’s military strength was no longer dominant. Life and death, and some people said that there was an internal turmoil in the Yong army, which could not resist the attack of the Northern Han army. The Northern Han army had been raging in Zezhou for many days, killing countless soldiers and civilians.When the rumor spread to Chang'an, the hearts of the people were in chaos.Although Dayong's prosperity over the years has made the people more confident in their hearts, but the rumors are so vivid that people can't help but believe them a little more.Not long after, another voice sounded, saying that Li Zhi was the first to be promoted by the famous general of Yong Dynasty, and only Li Zhi's personal conquest could bring back the defeat.

But in this undercurrent lurking situation, Princess Changle played a role in stabilizing people's hearts.Princess Changle had just returned to Beijing, and she heard these rumors on the way, and King Qing even asked her in private whether Jiang Zhe had a way to restrain King Qi.Princess Changle could only comfort King Qing with a smile, saying that there would be no disputes between King Qi and the son-in-law, and King Qi was responsible for the battle ahead.But King Qing seemed to be very worried. Although he didn't say it clearly, he secretly sent someone to strengthen the protection of the car.It's not that Princess Changle is not worried about the battle ahead, but she believes that Jiang Zhe can stabilize the Zezhou camp, and she also believes in King Qi's military strategy. It's protecting.So she still looks calm, and just takes Roulan and Li Lin to watch the scenery along the way every day, and of course sometimes hugs Jiang Shen. Speaking of these three children, Jiang Shen seems to be the most curious. If you want him to sleep for a while and don't let him look out of the window, he will often cry.

However, the rumors were so rampant, Princess Changle also felt something was wrong, and after receiving a secret decree from Yongdu one day, Princess Changle deliberately slowed down her itinerary, detoured through many county houses, and whenever she went, she took the initiative to meet the local senior officials. family members of officials.Although she didn't say a word about the Zezhou war and rumors, her calm and joyful mood infected those imperial wives.Everyone knew that the son-in-law, the Marquis of Chu, was in Zezhou. If something happened in Zezhou, how could the princess be so peaceful and peaceful? Such thoughts were quickly passed on among the middle and low-level officials.When Princess Changle returned to Yongdu many days late, although there was no battle report from Zezhou, the rumors hardly affected the officials.Although this is due to the imperial court's control, the credit of Princess Changle is obvious.

On November 17th, Princess Changle's Luanjia finally arrived in Chang'an. Emperor Yong ordered Prince Li Jun to lead the officials of the third rank and above to go to Chang'an for thirty miles. Who in Beijing doesn't know the achievements of Princess Changle in soothing people's hearts on the way back to Beijing this time. Lifting the bead curtain on Luan's car, Princess Changle's eyes were misty, and memories flashed by. In the seventeenth year of Wuwei, I married Nanchu far away. There is no smoke in Chang'an.In the twenty-three years of Wuwei, he returned from Southern Chu. Although he returned to the emperor's hometown, his heart was like an ancient well, and he only wanted to spend the rest of his life with his relatives.Afterwards, although I tried my best to dodge it, I was still disturbed by the regret of the concubine, and could hardly live in the palace. At this time, I, who was already a widow, felt a little turmoil in my heart, but the beloved in my heart was so far away.It wasn't until Wuwei left Chang'an with her husband in spite of everything in the 25th year of Wuwei that she got the happiness and peace she had never had before.Now that I have returned to Chang'an, I am afraid that I will not have the opportunity to go back to the East China Sea to live in seclusion. I have the joy of reuniting with my relatives in my heart, but I also have the helplessness of getting involved in the world again.

At this time, Zhou Shangyi came over with a few maids, and took the children away. Princess Changle calmed down her excitement, showed a faint smile, stepped down from Luanjia, and calmly looked at the people who greeted her. Prince Li Jun, who was nearly ten years old, hurriedly waited for Huanggu's car early in the morning. To be honest, he and Huanggu were not very familiar, after all, he hadn't met a few times, but he understood the Huanggu's car very well. status.If it weren't for Princess Ningguo Changle, maybe his father would not have had the chance to sit on the throne, and he would have died long ago, but Li Jun certainly understands that the most important thing about his father is that the emperor's aunt married Chuxiang Hou Jiangzhe, in the words of his father, this is the best way to tie that genius of idle clouds and wild cranes to the Dayong chariot, and there is no reluctance or estrangement.But for Li Jun, the most important point is that the little sister who hadn't seen him for many years also returned to Beijing with Huanggu.Thinking of this, Li Jun couldn't help being annoyed thinking that when he returned to Chang'an from Youzhou, he wanted to reunite with Rou Lan after a long absence, but it was a bolt from the blue, and Rou Lan was actually taken away by Mr. Jiang, and after two years Not even a letter in many days.I feel a little uneasy in my heart, I hope Roulan has forgotten me.

Finally arrived at Princess Changle's luanjia. When Li Jun saw the aunt in a princess gown smiling and walking in front of him, his eyes widened. He still remembered the appearance of the aunt, but now it seems that Obviously the appearance has not changed much, but it seems to be another person, that kind of gentle and elegant, calm and joyful expression makes people feel admiration and admiration spontaneously. After the welcome ceremony in the suburbs, at this time, a cute and cute little girl rushed out from among the maids standing behind Luanjia, grabbed Li Jun's sleeve, and said eagerly: "Brother Jun, do you still remember?" Blue."

Li Jun looked at the somewhat familiar little girl, and the memories of the past almost immediately returned to his mind. At this moment, he forgot all the etiquette, reached out and hugged the little girl as before, and said happily: "Lanlan, you are back , Why haven’t you written to me for the past two years? I thought you didn’t remember me. Mr. Jiang, no, did my uncle bully you? If so, I’ll go and tell my mother, and she will definitely get it back for you.” Seeing that the childishness faded and Li Jun had become handsome, Roulan suddenly burst into tears and said, "Daddy bullied me and forbade me to send letters to brother Jun." A thick stack of letters, all letters that were written but failed to send.Li Jun only felt that there was some water in his eyes for some reason. At this time, he had already remembered that he should not lose his composure in front of others, so he tried his best to raise his head to prevent tears from falling, and solemnly accepted the letters, saying: "Okay, I will read them one by one. , Lanlan will take it as a letter and be delayed on the road for a long time." Only then did Roulan laugh through tears.Li Jun looked behind him with some guilty conscience. Fortunately, those officials were very sensible and avoided them. Li Jun finally let out a sigh of relief and put Rou Lan down. When he looked up, he saw Princess Changle's smile. With a blushing face, she said: "Aunt Huang, Grandfather, Grandmother, Emperor Father, and Empress Mother are all waiting for you." Princess Changle smiled and took Rou Lan's little hand, and said: "Okay, then let's go on the road quickly Let's go." After saying that, he led Roulan to the Luanjia, and Zhou Shangyi also sent Shen'er to the Luanjia.Now that they have entered Chang'an, it is inconvenient for Li Lin to sit on the Luanjia. From the corner of Princess Changle's eyes, she saw Li Lin with a stubborn expression, and whispered a word to Li Jun before going to the Luanjia.

After Luan rode away, Li Jun walked up to Li Lin and said gently, "You are brother Lin, how about riding with me?" A trace of warmth flashed in Li Lin's eyes, which was originally indifferent, and the sourness just now because Rou Lan left him to talk to Li Jun gradually dissipated.He who is not good at words said coldly: "I can ride a horse myself." Li Jun had a look of surprise in his eyes and said: "You can ride a horse at such a young age, it's amazing." He asked the guards to lead a royal horse, and said with a smile, "This is the royal horse bestowed on me by my father. It has a very gentle temperament. You ride and watch, don't be afraid." Li Lin nodded dumbly.He was still young, but the saddles on this royal horse were all specially made, so after Li Lin got on the horse, he quickly controlled the horse and followed Luan Jia and Li Jun to Mingde Gate.Along the way, Li Jun asked Li Lin various questions from time to time. While Li Jun felt a little wordy, Li Lin also felt warmer in his heart. It seemed that he would not be too sad in Chang'an.

When Princess Changle walked into the Palace of Compassion and Ning, where the Empress Dowager lived, she saw the loving eyes of the Empress Dowager. She couldn't help crying, and stepped forward to bow down. The Changsun stepped forward to help her daughter up, and she was pleased to see her face shining , not as haggard as before, the mother and daughter said a few homely words, and Changsun took her daughter by his arm and let her sit beside him.Princess Changle saw that Concubine Yan Gui was still sitting next to her, and hurriedly got up to greet her.Although Concubine Yan has still been honored and favored in the past few years, because of worrying about the estrangement between her beloved son and the current emperor, her appearance is a bit old.The news in the palace spread quickly. She had already learned that Princess Changle had brought her own grandson here. Although she was a little annoyed that Qin Zheng had hurt her son, but in any case, if Qin Zheng hadn't committed suicide and apologized, things would have been more difficult. Li Lin is even more her darling. If she had no other choice, she would not let King Qi bring Li Lin to the battlefield. This time, she heard that Princess Changle brought Li Lin back, and she was very grateful to Princess Changle, and she also I heard that Changle's son-in-law went to Zezhou to join the army. From now on, Aizi's honor and disgrace may depend on Jiang Zhe and his wife, so Concubine Yan helped Changle very politely and kindly, and said: "Zhen'er, I heard that you brought Roulan and Shen'er come over, sister has long been thinking about her grandson, so hurry up and bring them in." After hearing this, the Empress Dowager Changsun said, "Sister, do you think Aijia is confused? I thought about letting the children in, but when I saw Zhen'er, I forgot everything. Tian Shanggong, hurry up and let the children come in." Come in." Not long after, Zhou Shangyi personally hugged Jiang Shen, Roulan and Li Lin walked in behind Prince Li Jun, but Li Jun couldn't bear to part with Roulan, so he followed. The Empress Dowager Changsun first beckoned Roulan to come closer, hugged her on her lap, and said, "Little Lanlan, do you still remember Aijia?" Excitement flashed in Roulan's eyes, she grabbed the Queen Mother and said, "Remember, Lanlan misses Empress and Grandpa the Emperor very much." The queen mother said kindly: "Now that you are called Zhen'er's mother, you should change your name to Aijia's grandmother. The emperor has talked about you from time to time in the past two years, but today he used an excuse to go hunting. Alas, who made him so good-faced? Remembering the fact that you did not agree to the marriage between Zhen'er and your father back then, I was worried that you would make him look bad." Everyone found it funny when they heard it, but they all held it back. The queen mother can say that, they can't laugh at the emperor. Then the Empress Dowager said again: "Okay, quickly bring Shen'er over here, and let Ai's family see this little grandson." Princess Changle took her son personally, and carried her to the Queen Mother. Rou Lan obediently jumped down from the Queen Mother's lap. The Queen Mother took the baby, tears flashed in her eyes, this is her grandson with blood, she naturally thought love extremely.Jiang Shen was also very energetic, not afraid of life at all, although even walking was staggering, basically still in the crawling stage, but it did not prevent him from touching the queen mother's phoenix crown with his small hands.After kissing for a long time, the Queen Mother suddenly asked: "Why hasn't the Queen come over yet, didn't she say she will come over early this morning?" Tian Shanggong respectfully said: "Reporting to the Empress Dowager, the empress dowager was going to come, but Duan Cairen suddenly suffered from abdominal pain this morning, probably due to premature delivery, the empress was very worried, so she sent someone to report, and she had to come later .” The Empress Dowager Changsun sighed: "The empress is indeed virtuous, but the emperor's heirs are difficult. Up to now, only Jun'er is the only son. If there is any accident, wouldn't it make the emperor worry? Now the court is not peaceful, and there are wars at the border. It is also thanks to the empress who is a virtuous son. Helper. Four months ago, if the empress hadn't intervened in person, I'm afraid Duan Cairen would not have been able to keep the child." Concubine Yan Gui saw that Princess Changle was a little strange, and said: "This is also a tragedy in the palace. After the emperor ascended the throne, he instructed the Ministry of Rites to abolish the imperial palace Pinyi, and determined the main position in the inner court. The queen, the four concubines Gui, Xian, Shu and De, Zhaoyi , Zhaorong, Zhaoyuan, Xiuyi, Xiurong, Xiuyuan, Chongyi, Chongrong, and Chongyuan are nine concubines, nine are Jieyu, nine are beauties, nine are talents, and all the rest are abolished. Concubine Yong is naturally in the middle palace. Both Zhao and Yun have been side concubines for many years and gave birth to a princess again, so Zhao was named Xianfei, and Yun was named Defei. Because the harem is too cold, so the Queen Mother Xia Yizhi selected beautiful women, and the most outstanding one was Sima Xiuai, the empress of the Yonghe Palace. This woman was a bit spoiled, but she was both talented and beautiful, but unexpectedly she was vicious.In the Lixiang Pavilion in Yonghe Palace lived Duan Cairen. Duan Cairen came from a poor family and had a docile disposition. The emperor was lucky twice and became pregnant. But Sima Xiumei found out first, and broke into the Lixiang Pavilion with her cronies after the palace gate, forcing Duan Cairen to drink abortion pills.The halls of Yonghe Palace belonged to Sima Xiuai, and Lixiang Pavilion was relatively remote, so she was allowed to do whatever she wanted.But this talented person is also soft on the outside and strong on the inside. After being drugged, taking advantage of the lax defense, he dragged his life and fled to the Xipei Hall where Cheng Jieyu lived.Cheng Jieyu is a distant relative of Wei Guogong, and her family is also a general. This girl is born chivalrous and courageous. She usually protects Duan Cairen and other concubines who are bullied by Sima Xiumei. After leaving Yonghe Palace, he went to Kunning Palace overnight to ask to see the queen and report the matter.This time the matter became serious, the queen rushed there overnight, ordered Sima Xiumei to be placed under house arrest, and summoned the imperial physician to treat her with all her strength, it was Duan Cairen who was in good health and struggled desperately, only drank half a bowl of medicine, and was able to survive The child and life, it is a pity that it is premature again now, no wonder the queen is so nervous that she can't take care of picking you up. " These things are not uncommon in the court, but Princess Changle was still unhappy, and asked: "What is the background of this Sima Xiumei, who is so arrogant, let alone a Xiumei, even if it is a fourth concubine, he would not dare to do such a thing." ?” The Empress Dowager Changsun asked some children to be taken outside to play when Concubine Yan Gui started to talk about this matter, and dismissed the palace staff, and she also said with a gloomy expression at this moment: "Who says it is not, all dynasties, unless it is the emperor How can a concubine dare to be so presumptuous? Now the emperor is very indifferent to the harem, and the empress is a shocking person. This matter is strange to the Ai family. After the empress's detailed investigation, this Sima Xiu She was originally the daughter of an aristocratic family in the Shu Kingdom, but now her relatives are still the number one family in Dongchuan. If not, even if she is both talented and beautiful, she would not be able to enter the palace and become a concubine. The Sima family is now in Dongchuan and belongs to King Qing. The biggest help was that King Qing went to the palace to intercede with the queen himself, so to hinder King Qing's face, the queen had no choice but to order Sima Xiumei to be sent to the cold palace to settle the matter. Duan Cairen was innocently victimized, but because he can't get up now, and the child hasn't given birth, so there is no reward yet." A cold light flashed in Princess Changle's eyes, and it was King Qing again. She originally had some sympathy and admiration for this imperial brother, but after this meeting, she saw that he was always in trouble with King Qi. Because what happened to Fengyimen in the past left him with lingering hatred.But what happened to Sima Xiumei was a bit strange.The Empress Dowager Changsun and Concubine Yan Taigui exchanged glances. They were very dissatisfied with this matter. Concubine Yan Taigui was naturally because King Qing was the main person who attacked her son, while the Empress Dowager Changsun felt sorry for each other, and her sons did not live. To this day, she dislikes the harming of children the most. Sima Xiumei offended her Ni Lin, but although the Queen Mother has a noble status, the Changsun family is unwilling to meddle in the affairs of the harem. After all, the emperor is not her own son, and she does not want to Too much interference with the Queen's power.But Princess Changle is different, as the most honorable princess of the Dayong royal family, and her son-in-law is the emperor's confidant, if Princess Changle comes forward, no one will dare to talk about this matter. A trace of hesitation flashed in Princess Changle's eyes. She also had murderous intentions towards Sima Xiumei. Back then, she had no choice but to kill the baby in her womb with her own hands. She once dreamed back at midnight, wet with tears, even though it was the flesh and blood of someone she didn't like.However, Princess Changle couldn't help being a little worried about interfering in the royal affairs like this. She knew Jiang Zhe's temperament, and she didn't like to cause trouble the least. At this moment, hurried footsteps came from outside the door, and the three of them looked up, and Shang Gong outside said loudly: "The Empress is here." Princess Changle stood up, and the Empress Dowager Changsun and Concubine Yan Gui also looked out eagerly. Go, Empress Gao looked a bit haggard, followed by the harem master and concubines, after coming in to greet the Empress Dowager, the Empress said sadly: "Duan Cairen forced to give birth to a prince, but she is so pitiful that she left the child behind. Didn't even see the child's face." Everyone sighed endlessly, and Princess Changle felt angry, and stepped forward to salute the queen.Gao quickly helped Changle up, forced a smile and said: "My sister came back today, but I couldn't go to greet her, it's really rude." Princess Changle persuaded the emperor's sister-in-law a few words, and raised her eyes to see a beautiful woman with a heroic face among the concubines, who was very sad, so she asked the queen with her eyes, and the queen sighed and said: "Cheng Chongrong, you also Don't be sad, this is a doomed fate. I know that you and Duan Cairen have a good relationship, and I will not treat her badly in the aftermath. The queen mother and daughter-in-law think that Duan Cairen has made a contribution to conceiving a prince, so she chases after Zhao Rong Bar." Cheng Chongrong went up to bow down and said: "The queen mother, the noble concubine, the empress empress, the concubine is not qualified to speak. Although the concubine and Duan Cairen have a good relationship, it is just a general, but the concubine is not fair. The murderer Although she was thrown into limbo, she is still alive, and after a few years of amnesty, she can go out of the palace and return home, but the poor Duan Cairen is gone, and she asked her mother and empress to make decisions for her." The three of them were a little embarrassed, the queen glanced at Princess Changle from the corner of her eye, and said: "Mr. Sima has already been punished, and it is very difficult for me to add guilt for this matter." Cheng Chongrong looked sad and indignant, got up with tears in his eyes, the queen saluted the queen mother and said: "My queen, the second prince was born and lost his mother, and should have been taken care of by me, but my palace has been complicated recently, why not give the second prince to Cheng Chongrong to take care of." The queen mother nodded and said: "Cheng Shi, you are the empress of Zhongliang and the benefactor of the second prince. May you take good care of him." Although Cheng Chongrong was sad, he couldn't help being flattered, saying: "I'm afraid that my concubine will not be able to do her duty." The queen comforted her gently, and Cheng Chongrong finally accepted such kindness calmly. Seeing that the matter was suppressed for the time being, the queen smiled and said: "It's almost time. I will hold a family banquet in Kunning Palace to clean up Changle. The emperor will come later. Why don't the empress and the concubine go now, see Let's see if the delicacies prepared by this Palace are satisfactory." Empress Dowager Changsun and Concubine Yan Gui were all smiling, and they went out accompanied by concubines and female officials. The empress deliberately fell behind, holding Princess Changle's arm and said: "Sister, your mansion and this palace have all been taken care of. , you can live in, but you can’t leave the palace today.” Princess Changle's heart warmed up, she held the queen's hand behind her back and said, "Sister-in-law Huang is bothering you." Then she whispered in a low voice, "What did brother Huang say?" Although she asked vaguely, the queen immediately replied: "The emperor said that King Qing should also be given a small warning, but it is not appropriate to reorganize Dongchuan's defense now, so it is not easy for the emperor and this palace to refute King Qing's face." .” Princess Changle understood in her heart, nodded slightly, and stopped talking. The Kunning Palace was brightly lit that night, and the Supreme Emperor Li Yuan finally couldn't bear the longing for his daughter and came back. When he saw Princess Changle, he smiled happily, and seeing his daughter in high spirits, nothing made him happier than this. Shen'er is still young. Xiao, naturally couldn't take the seat, but Rou Lan was dragged by Li Yuan to sit beside him.Li Zhi who came after him asked Li Jun and Li Lin to sit beside him.Li Kang looked gloomy. After the happy break up, Princess Changle did not fall asleep at midnight, and brought Zhou Shangyi, Xiaoliuzi and several strong and powerful court ladies and eunuchs into the cold palace, and looked coldly at the girl who was originally pampered and beautiful, but now described The emaciated Sima stayed for a while, and then ordered him to be killed with a stick.That night, Sima's wailing alarmed the entire cold palace. On the second day, Princess Changle apologized to the queen mother and queen in person. The queen mother had just reprimanded Princess Changle a few words. His father protested. Three days later, Zezhou's victory news came, and almost at the same time, the Southern Chu army situation came. Lu Can left Luocheng, occupied Shuzhong, and suppressed Jiameng Pass. There is no room for maneuver.