Chapter 1049
Shaking Hands Without Making Peace
Chapter 1049 Shaking Hands Without Making Peace
"My lord, the enemy's formation has many shields, and the outer perimeter is a three-layered circular formation, which is extremely difficult to break through. Our troops, on the other hand, do not carry many short spears."
The three attacks did not cause as much damage as the previous surprise attack by Kang Mengyu's troops, and the soldiers of the right wing of the Beijing garrison had already suffered casualties.
Zhang Jinyu clicked his tongue in amazement. It was indeed true. The circular formation was the ultimate defense. The enemy's soldiers and armor were so elite that they were unparalleled in his life. Only the elite black-armored warriors of the Imperial Guard could possess such fine heavy armor. This showed just how powerful the prince had become.
No wonder the court and His Majesty can't sleep soundly. The key to an army is quality, not quantity, unless it's like the Taiping Rebellion and the White Lotus Rebellion, who are fearless and ruthless.
"Open up the distance, continue to retreat, and then use the speed of the cavalry to break through the enemy lines with short spears. In addition, the ballistae should be fired in a single line. Even a god would perish."
The biggest drawback of the tortoise formation is its immobility. Once the shield formation is breached by a volley of heavy ballistae, the opponent has lost.
"Yes, my lord, I will go and relay the order immediately."
Before Ningbian could even pull the reins and leave, three thousand heavily armored soldiers suddenly charged out from the right flank of the army formation ahead. They carried the banners of Lord He from the Military Command. Although they didn't break into the battlefield, they reached the edge of the engagement. Just as everyone was wondering what was happening...
A troop of cavalry galloped up from behind. Fu Yuancheng, the military commander of the South City, suppressed his fear, quickly spurred his horse, and then charged forward.
"My lord, my lord, please don't do it, please don't do it!"
Seeing that the newcomers were acquaintances, Zhang Jinyu knew that this battle was over. However, it had also tested the strength of the various vassal kings. If he hadn't brought cavalry, the capital garrison would probably not have been able to match the group of people in front of him in terms of infantry combat power.
"Order the ballistae to fire one last volley, then the army will continue to retreat and create distance."
"Yes, my lord,"
Ning Nian nodded silently, immediately turned his horse around, and galloped forward. His own army had already cleared a path, and Fu Yuancheng, covered in sweat, staggered along with a few men, riding his horse and bumping along as they approached.
Just as they arrived, they saw the ballistae not far ahead. Suddenly, the bowstring was released, and a winch sound came. Ten giant arrows shot out at the same time. Looking back, they saw ten black shadows quickly pounce on the opposing army. Almost instantly, the shield-bearers at the front were as if made of paper, leaving a large empty space. Their armor was broken and the scene was horrific.
This scene was so heartbreaking that even Zhang Jinyu felt a pang of pity. The soldiers from various units of the Military Command, who had never seen blood before, slowed their initial charge into battle, their morale plummeting. Seeing this, He Yongxi let out a loud curse.
Anyone who dares to retreat will be killed.
After a furious roar, his three thousand men quickened their pace and stood between the two armies. At that moment, both sides almost simultaneously ceased fighting.
Zhang Jinyu's cavalry formation also began to slowly retreat, increasing the distance between them. Fu Yuancheng, seeing the Marquis retreating, initially thought it was because of his shouts, and felt somewhat relieved. He quickly gave chase.
"My lord, my lord, we've committed a terrible crime! How could you act so impulsively?"
In his view, with the Emperor Emeritus's birthday banquet approaching, why would the Marquis act so impulsively? After all, those other men were princes.
Once the army had steadily retreated and was out of range of the crossbows, Zhang Jinyu reined in his horse and stopped retreating. Looking at Lord Fu, who was dressed in official robes but not even wearing leather armor, he couldn't help but sigh, "They really came in a hurry."
"Lord Fu, you can't speak recklessly. I don't even know if I've caused any trouble, but those rebellious officials, who cut off the official road without authorization and attempted to assassinate His Highness Prince Jin, do they dare to do these things but not dare to admit it?"
Anyone can talk big, anyone can make accusations and label others; it's just a matter of striking first. Zhang Jinyu's face was full of sarcasm. Everyone saw who made the first move.
Fu Yuancheng wanted to offer further advice, but the Marquis's words silenced him. He wasn't entirely clear on what had just happened, so how could there be such inside information? He was initially filled with grievances, but now he dared not speak rashly.
“My lord, I am not aware of what you just said, but the use of weapons in the capital is a serious matter. Lord He has already sent word to the Imperial City Guard and the palace. It is expected that an imperial edict will be delivered. I urge you to exercise restraint, my lord.”
It was almost a plea. Seeing that things had come to this point, Zhang Jinyu took the opportunity to agree.
"Very well, for the sake of Lord He and Lord Fu, I agree to stop. But what about those who plotted rebellion?"
Although the promise was made, the accusations couldn't be stopped. If the princes went to Chang Le Palace to complain, who knew what to do? It was better to stick to the story and see if the Emperor would be swayed.
"This, this, my lord, all matters are handled by the court and the palace. I am merely a junior official who has come to deliver a message and has not participated in anything else. I beg you, my lord, to leave me a way out."
At this moment, Fu Yuancheng was filled with fear and trepidation. Seeing that the Marquis was calm and composed, he wondered if it was a secret decree from the palace. In particular, those elite troops from the royal palace had been staying in the post station camp, so why were they blocking the official road today? He would never believe it if he were beaten to death.
"Alright, Lord Fu and I have known each other for a long time, there's no need for that. Prince Jin is right behind us, and it's not up to me to decide whether things are right or wrong. Lord Fu, there's no need to rush. I'm sure General Han saw what just happened and will speak the truth."
Zhang Jinyu narrowed his eyes. It was hard to say whether there was truly both witnesses and physical evidence. After all, it was just a battle between the two armies; there were no other people present. Even if the opposing side struck first, if they insisted they didn't, the case would be impossible to resolve. Therefore, Han Ling, the garrison commander of the southern city, was the key witness. It seemed Lord Fu understood what he meant.
Fu Yuancheng gave a wry smile and nodded. He couldn't shirk these responsibilities. How could Han Ling not know what had happened in the southern part of the city? He just didn't know if this was Prince Jin's doing. Looking behind him, he only saw a group of imperial guards, holding shields, still protecting the prince.
"Yes, my lord, I understand."
Thus, the previously fierce battlefield fell silent. The two sides quickly disengaged, and the several vassal kings, escorted by soldiers, headed straight west back to their post station's main camp. With the post station's walls providing protection, the casualties of Marquis Luoyun's cavalry were immediately halved.
The King of Han was still seething with anger and cursed;
"Shameless waiter, you actually used a ballista! Why don't you have a real fight?"
Seeing the Han King still cursing, apart from the Zheng King, the other princes looked as if they had survived a disaster, their faces pale. Song King Zhou Jiansheng quickly tried to persuade them.
“Brother, please stop cursing. That villain, Marquis Luoyun, dared to mobilize troops in the capital to surround and kill us. This is an act of treason. Once we enter the capital, you and I will go to the palace to file a complaint. I don’t believe we can’t bring him to justice.”
“Yes, Brother Wang, outside the city, no matter how elite our soldiers are, they can’t compare to Marquis Luoyun’s iron cavalry. As the saying goes, a wise man doesn’t fight a losing battle. Once we enter the capital, I don’t believe Marquis Luoyun won’t surrender.”
Prince Chen, Zhou Qiwu, was also gritting his teeth. He didn't know how many of his elite troops had died. These troops were the result of all the expenses of his palace, built with silver. Now, they had achieved nothing and were defeated here. He was heartbroken.
Only a hint of fear flashed in the eyes of the King of Wu, especially considering the damage caused by the ballistae. People were dying right in front of him. If Marquis Luoyun really intended to kill them, they might not be able to return.
"Stop talking. No matter what, we can't leave without an imperial decree. Besides, I'm still worried. We all know about Marquis Luoyun's pacification of Jingnan. Even if the three armies return to the capital quickly, it would still take seven days. Marquis Luoyun's army couldn't have arrived here in seven days, which means he was traveling at full speed. So tell me, who gave him the secret decree?"
Prince Zheng, Zhou Changde, wiped the blood from his face, looking somewhat ferocious. He wasn't thinking about these things, but rather about the person sitting in the palace. How could the emperor have so easily agreed to their entry into the capital? The journey had been smooth until the very last moment, when things went wrong? What a coincidence! Even if it were a coincidence, how could Marquis Luoyun, a mere Marquis within the Passes, have such audacity?
"Could this be a hidden scheme orchestrated by that Prince Zhongshun?"
King Song hesitated for a moment, then changed his words as soon as they were on the tip of his tongue. He said that the woman in the palace was the same woman as King Chungshun, implying that he was referring to the woman in the palace.
The remaining few looked thoughtful and worried, while only the King of Wu did not understand and asked in confusion;
“That’s not right. We have a lot of contact with Prince Zhongshun. That kid has taken a lot of benefits from us every year. Although Marquis Luoyun rose to power because of him, he wouldn’t be so bold if he was the one who issued the secret order.”
He simply didn't believe it, especially since the Prince Zhongshun's mansion had a lot of leverage over them. Not to mention anything else, many of the martial arts retainers they kept had murder records.
"Oh dear, why can't you understand? Never mind."
Prince Chen wanted to say something more, but it wasn't the right time, so he waved his hand.
"Then, Brother Wang, won't our journey to the capital be fraught with difficulties?"
Even the King of Song couldn't help but ask, "Since the palace was prepared in advance, should they stay or leave?"
These things are not as important as preserving one's life. However, King Zheng looked outside with a gloomy expression. The army of Marquis Luoyun had not left. They were obviously waiting for the imperial edict. Who was right and who was wrong still needed to be explained in the capital. Staying here would put them at a disadvantage.
"What difficulties are there? We've tested everything we needed to. Now that the military commanders are here, this battle is out of the question. Let's go, raise the flags, get in the carriages, and continue our journey to the capital."
Without waiting for the others' reactions, Prince Zheng rose first, climbed onto his carriage, and left the camp without any of the original escort troops, only bringing along fewer than fifty guards from his palace. He headed towards the capital's city gates. The remaining men, not daring to delay, followed suit.
Seeing this scene,
Zhang Jinyu couldn't help but look at the princes with newfound respect. They were bold and decisive, and indeed, they were all difficult to deal with. It seemed that he would be quite busy after returning to the capital.
"Lord Fu, since the princes have all come to the capital, may I also go to the capital?" The question was directed at Fu Yuancheng beside him. Since they were going to go to the capital, it didn't matter who was faster or slower; the important thing was to lead Prince Jin to the palace to meet the emperor.
"No, my lord, please don't be impatient. We should wait a while."
Fu Yuancheng wanted to persuade her again, but Zhang Jinyu wouldn't listen. She always said that first impressions matter, and it's always better to complain than to be the defendant.
"Then leave Lord Fu here to wait. I will escort Prince Jin back to the capital. Duan Hong, lead your troops back to Anhu camp to rest. I order Kang Mengyu to lead the Imperial Guards back to the Imperial Guards camp in the capital."
"Yes, my lord,"
As the generals responded, the army slowly began to separate. A group of cavalrymen, escorting the Prince of Jin's carriage, boldly headed towards the south gate, bypassing the official road. Even Lord He was at a loss, and gave an order...
"Quickly, go back to the city and get people to collect all the corpses here. Back to the capital, back to the capital."
After a few words, three thousand heavily armored soldiers returned to the city and followed closely behind.
Not far along, the princes' convoys encountered Eunuch Dai, who was being escorted by the Imperial City Guard. The two sides spotted each other from a distance and stopped their convoys. At this moment, Dai Quan was surrounded by a group of elite soldiers from the Imperial City Guard and the Southern Garrison Office. Several thousand soldiers were parked on the street, facing each other from afar.
Serving beside the carriage were Ma Mengquan and a group of commanders and lieutenants.
"Your Excellency, the carriages of several princes have arrived in the capital. They are at the street corner ahead and appear to be coming from the imperial palace."
inside the car,
Dai Quan suddenly opened his eyes, a hint of confusion flashing across his face. Hadn't they been fighting to the death outside the city? How had they ended up in the capital?
"Hmph, of course they'd complain after being beaten up, but His Majesty's in a bad mood and doesn't have time to see them."
"Then I'll go and stop them."
Ma Mengquan's expression remained unchanged. This official robe was a gift from the Prime Minister; by stopping the princes, he was demonstrating his loyalty.
"Oh, no need. After all, he is a prince. Since he has come to the capital, I should still go and see him."
Dai Quan smiled; it seemed Lord He had persuaded Marquis Luo Yun. That made things easier. With Xiao Yunzi's help, he lifted the curtain, bent down, and crawled out. Standing in front of the carriage, he saw the convoy ahead, with only a handful of people.
Judging from the flags of the motorcade, the carriage leading the way was that of King Zheng, which shows that King Zheng's prestige is growing day by day.
Just as Dai Quan was observing, Prince Zheng, inside the carriage, noticed and asked;
"Why did the car stop?"
"Your Highness, the people ahead are carrying palace flags and being escorted by Imperial City Guards. They must be people from the palace."
Outside the car,
The guard quickly replied, his hand holding the knife trembling slightly, terrified by the battle outside the city where he had been killed.
"Hmph, here comes the lackey."
With a shout, King Zheng knew who had come. He lifted the carriage curtain and stepped out. Upon seeing it was that old dog Dai Quan, his lips twitched in disgust.
"So it's Eunuch Dai. May I ask why you've blocked our way? I still need to go to the palace to pay my respects."
This main road leads directly from the South Gate to the Imperial City. I wonder if Dai Quan and his men have just arrived or have been waiting for them all along. If it's the latter, it must be an imperial decree, the Emperor's will. What is his intention?
Dai Quan squinted, noticing the bloodstains wiped from Prince Zheng's face. He knew the rumors circulating outside weren't unfounded; weapons had indeed been drawn, and countless people had died. As for how he managed to enter the capital, it was likely due to Lord He's influence.
"Your Highness, please do not be in a hurry. At noon, the palace still needs to rest. His Majesty has decreed that since the princes have traveled a long way to the capital and are tired from their journeys, for the sake of safety, it is recommended that the princes rest at the Court of State Ceremonial. So be it, Your Highness, please."
"you,"
King Zheng was furious. How dare a eunuch ignore him? It seemed he wouldn't be able to go to the palace today. Since the Emperor was willing, many things should be discussed in detail later. We'll see.
"Very well, Your Majesty, I will obey your decree. Let's go! To the Court of State Ceremonial!"
With a shout, Prince Zheng turned back into his carriage. The convoy moved slowly and turned around to go to the Court of State Ceremonial. After everyone left, Dai Quan did not move. Instead, he instructed Ma Mengquan, who was standing next to him.
"Set someone up and keep a close watch on them."
"Yes, Your Excellency, I will arrange it immediately."
With a wave of his hand, Ma Mengquan summoned a number of disguised guards who had already spread out around him, while the troop carriages and wagons remained waiting.
At this street corner,
Not far ahead,
Zhang Jinyu, leading his soldiers, escorted the Prince of Jin's carriage to the street corner. Especially when they entered the city gate, Kang Mengyu, his face covered in blood, walked at the front, holding his family heirloom, and led his troops to shout loudly in the south of the city.
"We must win, we must win, we must win!"
The three loud shouts, with their overwhelming momentum, startled the soldiers and officers of the Imperial City Guard waiting ahead. They were indeed fierce and ruthless men.
Not long after the shouts, the two armies were in sight of each other at the street corner.
Seeing the many Imperial Guards present, and especially seeing the Inner Chancellor Dai Quan at the head, Zhang Jinyu felt relieved. It seemed that His Majesty had already made arrangements, and he no longer needed to explain further.
"Oh dear, my lord, how dare you actually lay a hand on them? They are all princes, after all."
Before Zhang Jinyu could even pay his respects, Dai Quan spotted the Marquis and, in a panic, cried out in his high-pitched, hoarse voice, drawing a surprised look from the many officers and commanders around him.
"I have met the Grand Chancellor. We cannot discuss the matters at this time. We should return to the palace and report to His Majesty."
Zhang Jinyu didn't take it seriously. She was determined to stick to her guns. With Prince Jin behind her, how the Emperor would punish her would depend on a negotiation. Ultimately, her goal would depend on the reaction of Chang Le Palace and the Emperor Emeritus.
It seems that His Majesty has been waiting for this opportunity. With the three armies returning victorious, how could His Majesty not use it? If all else fails, he can send a message to the Empress and put some word on it. Prince Jin has already changed his appearance. Moreover, inside the carriage, with his head tied up, he has changed into a set of heavy armor.
Seeing that the Marquis was calm and composed, Dai Quan swallowed back the words he was about to say. Could it be that His Majesty had given the Marquis a secret decree long ago?
"Your Excellency is right. I have spoken out of turn. Let us set off to escort Prince Jin back to the palace."
"Here."
The Imperial City Guards cleared the roads and escorted Prince Jin back to the palace. No one paid any attention to what the people on the road were thinking.
Meanwhile, the taverns and teahouses on the street corner were already packed with people, and many rumors were already spreading outside the city, attracting a lot of attention from the locals.
Several leaders of the Taiping Cult sat in a teahouse on the street corner, watching the convoy outside. The armored carriages were still stained with bright red blood. They sneered.
"It's just a dog-eat-dog fight. It seems the capital isn't a monolithic entity after all. If only Master Chu were here!"
(End of this chapter)