Chapter 15 Chapter fifteen

One by one, the beacon towers ignited wolf dung, and the turbid yellow smoke went straight for a long time. Beacon smoke is up! An alert from the north!Besides Hu Hanxie raising troops, who else?Shi Xian couldn't explain his surprise, but he didn't dare to conceal and delay the enemy's invasion, so he immediately went to the court to play. "There is such a thing," the emperor said angrily more than anything else, "Hu Hanxie is really hastening his own death." "I can't believe such a thing." Shi Xian replied: "First, Hu Hanxie sent a letter and did not wait for an answer, so he improvised an attack, which is unreasonable; second, Hu Hanxie should save himself How can you dare to be an enemy of the Celestial Dynasty?"

"Then Fengyan made a mistake?" "Fengyan can't make a mistake." "That's it, there must be police at the border, Hu Hanxie dared to be so rude! Is it tolerable, which is unbearable?" The emperor ordered: "Call a court meeting!" At that time, the ministers of the DPRK and China had been informed of the alarm.But they can't believe it is true, because after much deliberation, Hu Hanxie has no reason to claim that the soldiers have violated the country.It wasn't until I met Shi Xian and learned of this threatening letter that there was a reason for the incident.

The atmosphere of the court meeting was of course very heavy.The emperor in particular seemed agitated.He patted the imperial case repeatedly, and said sharply: "Hu Hanxie is too deceitful, don't think about how much I, the Han Dynasty, have helped him, and dare to violate him for no reason. Let's see, how should he be punished?" The ministers looked at each other silently, and they all felt that this was something that must be carefully considered. "Shi Xian," the emperor asked by name, "what do you say?" "I think," Shi Xian replied slowly, "the emperor should always ask the emperor to make a decision on peace and war.War is the way to fight, and harmony is the plan for peace. "

"Where can we talk about peace? Of course we have to send troops to fight head-on!" "Qi Zou the emperor," Feng Yewang couldn't help it again: "The matter of sending troops should not be taken lightly. Since ancient times, soldiers have been fierce and dangerous. Moreover, it seems that the teacher came from no name." The last sentence angered the emperor again, "What does it mean to come out of no name? The Xiongnu came, and we sent troops to resist. Is this called no name?" King Feng Ye was about to defend himself, but Kuang Heng gave him a hand and signaled him not to speak. Then he said calmly, "It is only natural to send troops to defend against the enemy. However, if there is no preparation in advance, the battle will be uncertain. I thought that we could make peace. Peace is still the most important thing.”

"It's like a sentence." The emperor's anger subsided a little. "Since the emperor issued such an order, I think that today's court discussion should focus on peace talks." "It's not about peace, it's about peace." The emperor said angrily, "Hu Hanxie has unreasonable demands, and I will never agree." "What does the emperor mean, if Hu Hanxie can take back Tianli's request, can he make peace?" "That's right! However, we still have to step up our preparations. It doesn't matter if we can't make up like that."

"Yes, yes!" Shi Xian followed the emperor's words, "Now it's time to prepare for war and seek peace." "That's right!" The emperor said in a particularly emphatic tone: "Prepare for war and seek peace!" These four words became the target to deal with Hu Hanxie's army.With the status of prime minister, Shi Xian presided over the court discussion virtually, and at this time began to talk about actual actions. "The big plan has been decided!" He said: "Please the emperor first appoint a special envoy for peace talks!"

"Da Honglu is in charge of negotiating with other nations." Kuang Heng suggested: "My minister, please use King Feng Ye as the special envoy!" The emperor didn't answer, just shook his head.He rejected Kuang Heng's suggestion, but did not say why. Obviously, he was personally dissatisfied with King Feng Ye. "Chen Ju Shaofu Kuang Heng!" Kuang Heng is unwilling to accept Shi Xian's recommendation.But the emperor rushed ahead of him and said, "Kuang Heng, you are not allowed to refuse! You can tell Hu Hanxie that as long as he withdraws his unreasonable demands, everything else can be discussed. But the terms of losing power and humiliating the country are absolutely unacceptable."

"Yes!" Kuang Heng had no choice but to bow and accept the order: "My minister obeys the order." "As for the responsibility of preparing for war, Shi Xian has nothing to do with it." "Yes!" Shi Xian had expected that this responsibility would fall on himself.Therefore, the words of the answer have already been thought out: "Send troops and generals, collect food and fodder, the matter is very urgent, and Rong Chen will make another report." The emperor also knew that military secrets should not be put into court discussion.So the decree was sent to withdraw from the court, but Shi Xian was left to discuss secretly in the imperial study.

Chen Tang has already issued a document to call.The deployment of troops is readily available, and there is nothing negotiable. The first major issue to be studied is the planning and scheduling of military expenditures. Shi Xian is also confident about this point.The state finances are under the control of Da Si Nong and the Shao Fu.It is very important for the Shaofu to have the benefits of mountains and swamps. Shi Xian's sponsor of Kuang Heng's mission is to hope that he can take over the Shaofu as well. Once he holds the financial power, there will be many benefits.But the emperor didn't expect that he had selfish intentions, he only thought that Shi Xian was in charge of war preparations, and for the convenience of dispatching military expenses, it was only logical that he also took charge of the Shaofu.

"Your Majesty, please rest assured!" Shi Xian said vigorously, "I have enough food and soldiers, I am sure. As soon as Chen Tang arrives, we can discuss how to send troops to suppress it, and we can make a decision." "Hmm!" The emperor suddenly remembered: "When it comes to preparing for war, you must keep your face down!" What's the point?Shi Xian agreed with his mouth.But I was wondering in my heart, from the palace to the mansion, I only guessed that the emperor made this order to hide the news of the preparations for the war from the palace, but I couldn't guess who was in the palace?

Unexpectedly, Kuang Heng and King Feng Ye had already waited in his mansion with Shi Xian. "We came to the mansion as soon as we left the palace." Feng Yewang first explained: "I have the same opinion as Young Master Kuang's mansion. Regarding the grand plan of peace and war, we should have a final plan." Shi Xian was stunned, "Didn't the emperor make a ruling in the court discussion just now?" "Remedy in time, there is still time." Shi Xian took a look at the eyes of the two men, understood what was going on, nodded calmly and said, "Ask you two, how to remedy it?" "We must never fight!" King Feng Ye said excitedly: "The teacher is born without a name, and he is defeated before the battle. Shi Zhongshu, think about it, if we say that my Han Dynasty has made great efforts to fight for a woman, wouldn't it be ridiculed by the people of the world? " "According to the emperor's wishes, the provocation is not my own. Since they are attacking, they will be covered by water and soil, and the soldiers will block it. "If it is said that the quarrel is not my fault, it is not entirely true. It is an indisputable fact that we have repeatedly broken our promise to Hu Hanxie." Shi Xian was at a loss for words, so he turned around and asked, "What do you mean by Duke Kuang?" "Wars require money. As a money manager, I am most afraid of wars." Shi Xian smiled deeply, "Since that's the case, the three of us have the same opinion." He said warily, "We can fight and we can't." "Yes." Kuang Heng replied: "Because of this, the negotiations with Hu Hanxie cannot be compromised. I am not afraid of this long journey, I am afraid that it will be in vain." "This is the difficulty!" Shi Xian paused and said, "What is the 'unreasonable demand' that the emperor said? The two princes naturally know." The two nodded in agreement.Kuang Heng said again: "Actually, Concubine Ming understands righteousness. Helpless..." He smiled wryly. "But the Son of Heaven is sentimental!" Shi Xian had already thought up a plan to let King Feng Ye meet a big thorn, he deliberately said hesitantly: "There is a way, but it must be Duke Feng." "If it is beneficial to the country, it is life and death." King Feng Ye said with emotion: "Please ask Shi Zhongshu for advice, and I will definitely do it." "It's a way to draw the bottom line." Shi Xian lowered his voice extremely low, "Only by asking the Empress Dowager to preside over it can change the emperor's decision." "Ah! Ah!" Feng Kuang and Feng Kuang nodded deeply at the same time. "However, don't say that this is my idea." Kuang Heng and Feng Yewang agreed to leave happily, and Shi Xian also felt a relief in his chest.It turned out that his idea was that through Feng Jieyu's relationship, Feng Yewang would speak to the Queen Mother, revoke the title of Concubine Ming, secretly return the Korean language, and return the real Princess Ninghu, Wang Zhaojun.If this plan succeeds, turning hostility into jade silk, Hu Hanxie will still accept his love. If it fails, the emperor must not allow it. Whoever made the offer will be the one who hit the wall, and it has nothing to do with him.As for preparing for war, both peace and discord are things to do.Anyway, as soon as Kuang Heng left the fortress, he took over the golden seal of the Shaofu, which would increase his wealth no matter what. The Empress Dowager has always been against going to war, so what Feng Jieyu said was easy to listen to.And the ministers of the Kuang Dynasty also advocated peace.But the embarrassing thing is that Zhaojun has already been named Ming Concubine, and she contradicted her promise, saying that she would revoke her title, but she couldn't say this to the emperor. After hesitating for two days, the queen mother finally made a plan.On the morning of the third day, Chuan Yi's decree: Come to Jianzhang Palace.The emperor and all concubines do not have to follow. Of course, it was pre-calculated, and he left the palace while the emperor was in court.Anche drove west along the palace wall, and when he arrived at Jianzhang Palace, the emperor had not yet retreated. When Zhaojun got the report, he couldn't help but panic.Hastily put on clothes, went out of the palace to pick up the driver, the queen mother had already got off the car. So after saluting, Zhaojun personally helped the Queen Mother enter the palace.Ascend to the throne, and salute again.After finishing a set of ceremonies, the Queen Mother asked, "Who is in charge of Jianzhang Palace?" "Eunuch You Zhen." Zhaojun replied. "Show him!" "Yes." Zhaojun signaled Xiuchun to spread the word about Youzhen. "Have you heard that Hu Hanxie sent troops to attack the border gate?" Zhaojun was shocked, "I don't know anything about this." She asked unconsciously, "Is there such a thing?" "It's true." The Empress Dowager said: "Since ancient times, it is not only this time that soldiers have been raised for women." Hearing these words, Zhaojun was heartbroken, blushed and lowered his head, silent. "You have unspeakable pain too, don't you?" "Empress Dowager Shengming." "I also know, I can't blame you. But—" The queen mother hesitated to speak, as if she was in a dilemma. He said "not to blame", but then added a "but", meaning to blame.Zhaojun wanted to find out where he was wrong, so he said, "Please make it clear, Empress Dowager." "However, things are clearly there. Whether it is peace or war, whether it is disaster or blessing, the key is all on you alone." Hearing these words, Zhaojun felt quite terrified.Immediately knelt down, and said in confusion: "A concubine, does it really have such a great relationship with the country?" "By the way, everyone except the emperor knows that you have such a strong relationship with the country. Zhaojun," the queen mother said in a hinting tone: "You should know how to deal with yourself." Zhaojun really doesn't know what to do with himself?But since the Queen Mother has said this, of course she has decided on a way to deal with it, but the way to deal with it is to follow orders. She pondered for a while, then calmly replied: "I would like to ask the Empress Dowager to give me instructions, what should be done by my concubines, and I will never dare to shirk." The Queen Mother nodded, appreciating her attitude.Because of this, he refused to issue the decree directly, and said first: "I'm afraid you don't want it in your heart." "The courtiers and concubines are greatly favored by the empress dowager and the emperor," Zhaojun further said: "As long as it is beneficial to the country, I will go through fire and water, and I will not hesitate!" "Is it true?" "Never dare to bully the empress dowager." "Okay! I really didn't expect you to be so masculine. In this case, I have to do something cruel for the people of the country. Zhaojun, I have no choice but to take back my life and revoke your title of Concubine Ming." "Yes," Zhaojun bravely accepted, "I would like to thank the Empress Dowager for her kindness." Before he could finish his sentence, he shouted from outside the hall that it was the emperor who had arrived.Every time he went to court, he always came to Jianzhang Palace.This day I heard that the Empress Dowager came to see Zhaojun alone and did not order the empress and concubines to accompany her. She knew that there must be an accident, so she rushed here with a disturbed expression on her face. After the ceremony, the Empress Dowager told him without waiting for him to speak: "There is something I have to tell you, I revoked the title of Concubine Ming." The emperor was shocked and stammered, "She, what mistake did she make?" "It's not her fault, it's yours!" This is a word of reproach.The emperor hastily knelt down. "My son made a mistake, please teach my mother a lesson." He said: "Zhaojun is not wrong, she shouldn't be revoked her title." "What?" The queen mother was slightly angry: "You said I did something wrong?" "I don't dare to say that. What I mean is—" the emperor said with difficulty, "I'm afraid it will cause misunderstanding." "What misunderstanding?" At this time, this place, this situation, there are five disadvantages to the emperor: first, respect the status of mother and child; Arrived in a hurry, the situation is unknown; fifth, alone, isolated and helpless.Of course, as long as she is a biological mother, begging and begging, the "five disadvantages" are nothing to worry about.Helplessly, the queen mother is a stepmother, and status is more important than love, and state affairs are more important than housework, so the emperor himself knows that it will be very difficult to bring back the current situation and let the queen mother take back her life. Because I was already discouraged, my words became more dull.It took a long time to answer: "I am afraid that I will misunderstand the empress dowager's unfair treatment. Zhaojun will inevitably feel aggrieved in his heart." The Empress Dowager's expression was exactly the opposite of that of the Emperor, and she said calmly, "Then, you can ask Zhaojun yourself." The emperor turned his face to ask without hesitation: "Zhaojun, you have done nothing wrong, you have revoked your title of Concubine Ming, don't you feel wronged?" "No!" Zhaojun answered boldly.Because it was a squeezed sound, it seemed short and powerful. The emperor was not only disappointed, but also anxious.The way he spoke became more and more chaotic, and he kept asking, "Why? Why?" His mood was expressed without any concealment in that voice, which made Zhaojun so confused and full of emotions that he couldn't speak, but looked at the emperor with a flushed face. "Let me answer for her!" The queen mother said coldly: "She said that as long as it is beneficial to the country, she will go through fire and water and do whatever she wants." "Is this what you said in your heart?" the emperor asked Zhaojun. "Yes!" Her voice was still squeezed out. The emperor was confused and in pain, and slightly stamped his feet in hatred: "Why do you say that? I really don't understand." "Of course you don't understand!" The queen mother said, "If you weren't confused, how could there be such an embarrassing situation today?" The emperor had no choice but to make a request, "Queen Mother," he said, "Zhaojun revoked the title of Concubine Ming, and changed her title to Jieyu!" "That's a downgrade, not a withdrawal." The emperor was speechless.But he refused to admit defeat in his heart, "With this withdrawal, don't you withdraw back to Yeting again?" He said: "Zhaojun is not wrong, my son always feels dissatisfied with this treatment." Why are you dissatisfied?The Queen Mother's words were about to be exported, but she retracted herself. He thought about it carefully, and Zhaojun really felt overwhelmed.If you change yourself, you will feel unwilling. "Forget it," the Queen Mother really gave in: "It's better to let Zhaojun live here!" The queen mother added another sentence: "Look at your good fortune! Maybe, Jianzhang Palace can let you live forever." This means that if Hu Hanxie retreats despite difficulties, the matter can still be salvaged.Therefore, the emperor gave birth to infinite hope.Naturally, he changed his attitude, making peace with Hu Hanxie was more important than fighting! Therefore, Kuang Heng was ordered to gallop across the starry night to meet Hu Hanxie as soon as possible to eliminate the military disaster—of course, except that the conditions of losing power and humiliating the country were unacceptable, I hope Zhaojun can also stay and not be sent away.So Kuang Heng's task is quite difficult.