Chapter 989
Jia Lian wants Zhang Jing
Chapter 989 Jia Lian is returning to Beijing
In Rongqing Hall,
Almost silent,
No one knew who reacted first, but the Second Mistress suddenly went limp and fell to the ground. Tanchun was right beside her and quickly hugged the Second Mistress. Yingchun and Xichun even stood up to support her and helped Wang Xifeng sit down on a chair.
Grandmother Jia was also frightened, but she had seen many storms and waves, so she came to her senses in an instant.
"Come in and talk,"
"Yes, old lady."
The door curtain rustled,
Lai Da bowed his head and walked in with small steps. When he saw the people in the room, he quickly bowed.
"Greetings to the old lady, the second lady, and all the young ladies,"
"Okay, tell me, when did Jia Lian come back?"
Business is more important. Grandmother Jia waved her hand and told Lai Da to get up and answer. It was already so late, and he was still concerned about these things. If Jia Lian came back, would Wang Ziteng, the relative of the Wang family, be safe? What was the attitude of the palace? His thoughts were in a mess for a while.
Lai Da hurriedly stood up and replied;
"To answer the old lady, this matter should not have spread yet. It was a manager from the Chamber of Commerce in the south who said that the imperial army that went south escorted the Taiping Rebellion rebels back to the capital, and everyone on the official road saw it."
"Then how did you know that Jia Lian was injured?"
The old lady frowned. Since they had all seen each other, how many of them could know Jia Lian? The Chamber of Commerce was just a group of merchants, how could they know him?
"Old lady, you are wise. I asked him the same question. I asked him if he had seen the generals of the government army. But the manager looked cryptic and shook his head. He said that on the way here, not to mention how miserable the soldiers were, the generals were covered in blood-stained clothes, and some of their armors were torn. Almost all of them were wrapped in brocade. The smell of blood could be smelled from a long distance away. It was impossible for them to have such injuries. I thought about it and hurried back to report."
Lai Dazi thought about it and realized that there was nothing wrong with his question. Besides, there were more than one caravan coming in from the south of the city. If the mansion had not been short of some materials today and needed to go to the south city warehouse to pick up the wood and stone materials bought by the second master, he would not have had the opportunity to go there. It was at this opportunity that he encountered this matter and had more to say. Then he asked questions and came back.
The old lady narrowed her eyes. The generals of the imperial army all had some connection with the Jia family. They didn't expect that the imperial army was defeated and Marquis Luo Yun immediately rescued the people. They must have won a battle. Therefore, one victory and one defeat would definitely cause an uproar in the court. Moreover, there were many sons of nobles from all over the country in the imperial army. If the casualties were large, how could there not be a commotion?
At that time, Wang Ziteng, as the commander, would be in the spotlight, and the civil officials might not miss these opportunities. He was quite worried. As for Jia Lian, since he was able to ride back on horseback, his injury should not be serious, which was also a blessing. He looked at Lai Da and ordered;
"Lai Da, you are also an old man in the mansion. You have served us loyally inside and outside. Now that the mansion has encountered such a major event, you must act carefully. Now you should pick a few smart people to go to the south of the city to inquire about the news and report back as soon as there is any movement. Since those caravans have seen Jia Lian and his men, I think they are not far from the capital, at the latest tomorrow."
Grandmother Jia's words were heavy, and she was still a little puzzled in her heart. Why did Wang Ziteng and the others need to come back in a hurry now? Since Marquis Luo Yun and Prince Jin had won the battle, even if they followed Prince Jin's tent and accumulated military merits, it would at least reduce the pressure on the court. But on second thought, maybe Marquis Luo Yun and Prince Jin didn't agree.
"Yes, old lady, rest assured, I will be careful. Please rest assured, Second Madam, there are servants guarding the South City. As soon as there is news, we will come back to report."
Lai Da kowtowed quickly to respond, and also kowtowed to the Second Mistress, before carefully leaving the inner hall. Wang Xifeng still had some questions to ask at this moment, but she couldn't open her mouth. Her usual smart and capable appearance was long gone.
Seeing this, Jia's mother consoled him:
"Feng girl, don't worry. Since he can ride back on a horse, it means that his injury is not serious. Let's put the matter of the mansion aside for now and wait for Jia Lian to come back. In addition, you still have to think about it. The second wife of the Wang family came to visit, and you still need to inquire about the Marquis's Mansion."
The words came out so suddenly that Wang Xifeng didn't understand for a moment, so she sat up and asked back;
"What are you going to the Marquis' Mansion to inquire about? Isn't he coming back?"
"Girl, why are you being so stupid at this time? The generals of the imperial army returned to the capital because they suffered a defeat. We don't know what the court has to say. This concerns Jia Lian's future. Why don't you find out?"
Grandmother Jia glared at Feng Yatou. Why did she ask such questions at this time? Jia Lian was at least a battalion commander, not a general. It was such a pity that he could spit out the meat that was in his mouth.
"Hey, hey, it's good that people are back,"
Wang Xifeng's face flushed, and she no longer had the ambition she had before. Even if he became a general, the mansion would still be the same. There would be no place for the two of them. It would be better for her to make more money at home. She had thought it through. After the Rongguo Mansion was divided and the title was retained, she would follow the example of her elder sister-in-law and drive everyone out so that she could live a quiet life. Ningguo Mansion would also have no income, so it would be the same.
That's not right. My eldest sister-in-law and Madam You hold a lot of property. Thinking of this, she was really anxious. She didn't have much income. When she thought of this, the panic and fear on her face just now disappeared.
Looking at Lady Jia's eyes, she replied;
"I understand, old lady. Wait until Jia Lian comes back and ask about the details. Besides, Jia Lian is not the only one. There are so many generals of the government army following him south. The closest ones are the Hongnong Dianwei and Sizhou General. They all have made great achievements in battle. What's the big deal about just one defeat?"
Wang Xifeng had recovered her strength at this moment, but she was not too worried about these things. It was just a defeat, wasn't it? What general hadn't fought before? There were so many generals in the palace army, and Jia Lian, who was not even a general, would not be made to take the blame. And her uncle was a relative after all. As for the reward, it would be okay. Anyway, she didn't have the same spirit as before. A defeat was still a defeat.
Grandmother Jia nodded with a smile on her face, which showed that she was the head of the household.
"You are so careless with your words. It is right for you to think so. Wait until Jia Lian comes back tomorrow and receives the imperial edict. Let's see what he says. Maybe he has other ideas. When you come back, you should be more restrained and find an opportunity to spend more time together. Leaving an heir is the most important thing."
Jia's mother's meaningful eyes also made Feng Yatou blush slightly. This was true, but it was strange. Why did she and Jia Lian have been together for quite a few times, but there was no movement in her belly? Marquis Luo Yun had just had a tryst with his eldest sister-in-law. How many times could they have gotten pregnant right under her nose? How could she complain? Madam You was not very old, and her belly had always been normal. Was there no explanation for this? She should find a chance to ask her eldest sister-in-law. As soon as this thought came to her mind, she could not suppress it.
"Yes, old lady, I remember it."
Just as everyone was sitting quietly, the eldest wife, Madam Xing, and the second wife, Madam Wang, entered the inner hall one after another. Seeing how quiet the room was, they knew that the old lady must have received the news, so they asked about it. After all, the eldest brother was about to return to the capital.
But with the sound of the door curtains fluttering, Jia Baoyu, dressed in a gray Confucian robe, carrying a cloth bag on his back, a square scarf on his head, and a green jade belt around his waist, walked in. Then he came to the hall and bowed to everyone.
"My grandson came back late,"
This scene,
Everyone was so happy that they cried. Grandmother Jia waved her hands and kept shouting,
"My son, you have suffered,"
Sanchun and Shi Xiangyun's eyes sparkled with wonder. This set of Confucian clothes was unique to the Imperial College. The clothes for students were dark, and those for supervisors were white. Now, the clothes for supplementary students were gray, but the styles were only slightly different. Overall, they looked the same. Baoyu's big face, with the Confucian clothes, had a unique charm.
Even Mrs. Xing was a little surprised when she saw it, but she became much more energetic. The second wife even had tears in her eyes. It was good that Baoyu could read.
"To answer the old ancestor's words, the Imperial College did not suffer. My grandson took his badge and was admitted, and stayed there to receive his expenses. The place where he studied was the West Shelter School of the Imperial College. There were a total of 80 supplementary students. My grandson met Lan Ge'er there. He was the warden of the West Shelter, and he attended classes with him."
Baoyu did not dodge these words. Today, thanks to Jia Lan's help, he got his things back early. Otherwise, he didn't know how long he would have to wait in line. But he still felt a little uneasy. After not seeing him for a few days, Brother Lan had a vague aura that he could not explain. This was something he had only seen in his father Jia Zheng. Perhaps it was the result of being an official.
The second wife looked a little unnatural when she heard what Lang'er said, but Jia's mother didn't care and smiled;
"Well, family is the best. You and your nephew studying together is also a good story. If there is any problem in the Imperial College in the future, just look for Brother Lan."
Grandmother Jia smiled happily, as if she had heard that Jia Lan was highly valued in the Imperial College, but she didn't know whether it was true or not.
Wang Xifeng knew clearly that Brother Lan was blessed with great fortune, and that the eldest sister-in-law seemed to be preparing something. She saw an opportunity to go over and ask about it. Then she looked at Baoyu and found that he had grown taller and had indeed changed.
"It is because of the old lady's efforts that Baoyu has this good fortune. It is getting late, old lady, shall we set up the dinner?"
"Oh, look at me, I am so happy that Baoyu didn't even drink a sip of water when he came back. Come on, Baoyu, put down your schoolbag and go to the hall to eat."
After Jia's mother called out, everyone began to move to the west hall and sat down around the table. Although they were not allowed to talk while eating or sleeping, Jia's mother started to talk a lot like the others in the Marquis' Mansion and asked about many things in the Imperial College.
After the meal, many people were tired and went their separate ways. Wang Xifeng left the room with a flickering look in her eyes. After all, no one mentioned Jia Lian again. Even the Second Mistress did not keep her to talk. After waiting for a while, she said unwillingly:
"Ping'er, go back,"
"Yes, grandma."
The next day,
The night was as dark as ink, still as thick as before, weighing heavily on Linshan County City. Outside the city,
In the camp of Marquis Luo Yun, a large army had already gathered. Like a tide, they poured out from the tents of the camp, one after another. Under the personal command of their respective officers, they gathered in small groups.
It was past midnight, and the camp was bustling with activity. The soldiers in the baggage camp had tired faces and were in a hurry. They had already set up pots and cooked by the river bank, and the food was ready for them.
At the front camp, everyone took turns eating, just like when the Tathagata came. After eating, they returned to the camp to get their weapons. Low voices of orders echoed throughout the camps.
At this moment, Zhang Jinyu was already wearing armor in the big tent, and also had an arm shield hung on his arm. This time, he must fight to the end and get rid of all worries. Maybe he could rest for a few days in Linshan County City.
Beside him, Lan Yue'er checked everywhere again, feeling uneasy.
"My dear, don't show off your power. Wait until the soldiers attack before making plans. Although the black armor is a treasure, the sword has no eyes."
With a worried look on her face, Lan Yue'er was wearing a martial arts uniform and a specially made black armor.
"I know. I'm not a fool. I'll go check after I capture the city gate or occupy the city wall."
Not to mention Lan Yue'er's reminder, even if it was him, he would not rush over rashly. A siege is not a field battle. It's all about fighting with all your might. When he nodded in agreement, he saw the curtain to the east flicker.
But Xia Yu came out with a complicated look on his face, hesitant to speak.
"You'd better be careful, my Lord. It's dark now, and the enemy army still has crossbows and other powerful weapons."
"Well, Xia Yu is kindhearted. This time we must first destroy the crossbow. By the way, leave the imperial guards outside the tent to guard it. No one is allowed to approach the tent. His Highness is still weak, so please take good care of him."
Zhang Jinyu pointed at the curtain and wanted to wake up His Highness, but the Prince of Jin was sleeping soundly. If he woke him up at this hour, he would probably feel uncomfortable again.
"Yes, sir, I understand."
After a pause, he asked;
"My Lord, are you confident of winning the battle today?"
"Ok?"
Zhang Jinyu looked over. Xia Yu was wearing a palace dress, with her hair scattered behind her. Her plump figure was looming. She was indeed one of the four maids beside the empress. She felt a little agitated in her heart. She took a deep breath and suppressed it for the time being.
"We are not sure. Today's battle is to attack the city wall and occupy the west side of the city as a stronghold. We may slowly erode it. If the enemy army is exhausted, we can make a concerted effort and defeat them in one battle."
This was also the method Zhang Jinyu came up with last night. He had no idea how many bandits were still in the city, but it was right to proceed step by step.
"Well, I wish you good luck in military affairs."
Xia Yu's face straightened and he bowed, which made Zhang Jinyu a little stunned. Lan Yue'er even had an inexplicable look in her eyes.
"Okay, thanks to Miss Xia Yu for her good words, let's go."
He flicked his cloak and walked out of the tent with Lan Yue'er, leaving Xia Yu alone with a blushing face.
outside the account,
What caught my eye was the 10,000 cavalrymen from outside the pass led by Ning Bian and Duan Hong. Ning Bian was standing not far from the tent. When he saw the Marquis come out, he clasped his fists and said:
"Report. Lord, all the camp leaders will come and report that the whole army has finished their meal and has been organized and is ready to set out at any time."
"it is good,"
Zhang Jinyu took the reins, jumped on the horse, and looked at the soldiers in the front camp, who were neatly lined up with swords, spears, and halberds. The blades were shining coldly, like countless pairs of dormant beast eyes, ready to devour anyone at any time. The huge siege equipment had already been moved out of the camp, like a giant silhouette in the dark night, which was frightening.
"Set off,"
"Yes, sir,"
Immediately, the messengers were sent out in all directions, without blowing horns or beating drums, and the army marched out of the camp in the order agreed upon, following the same arrangement as yesterday.
The vanguard was led by Yang Shixiong, followed by Qi Ping's 30,000 men. Li Zongbao led the Thunderbolt Chariot alone, and the rest of the reinforcements were hanging behind the team.
As we walked slowly toward Linshan County City, we could see bandits standing in groups of three or four on the west gate tower in the dim night. We didn't know if they were asleep. This should be a good opportunity, but we were also a little surprised to see so many soldiers guarding the other city walls and around the crossbows. It seemed that the bandit general was afraid.
"Come here, tell General Li, General Yang, and General Qi to come and discuss this matter."
"Yes, Lord Marquis,"
The messenger rode away immediately. Ning Bian was puzzled and asked:
"My Lord, we are still far from the west gate. Several generals are leading their troops. Why are you summoning them in such a hurry?"
Although we are marching, everything was arranged last night. If there is a temporary change, we are afraid that there will be chaos in the Beijing camp.
"Let's find an opportunity to see if we can launch a surprise attack. You see, the enemy troops on the city are very sleepy right now. If we launch a surprise attack, will it succeed?"
Zhang Jinyu knew what Ningbian meant, but the opportunity was rare, so he pointed to the tower in front of him. The bonfire had not yet gone out, and he could still see clearly with the light of the fire.
Ningbian looked back and thought that if this was true, it would be feasible.
"My Lord, we can indeed give it a try, but it's so dark, how can we make arrangements? After all, the city walls are too high, and any movement will be hidden."
Although the enemy troops were tired, as the saying goes, if there was any movement, they would not fail to notice it. Besides, ordinary soldiers wore armor and made noises when they walked, so how could they hide it?
Ning Bian didn't say these, Zhang Jinyu's face also fell a little, it was really like this, if there was a group of special people in the martial arts world, perhaps this sneak attack would be guaranteed. I really didn't think about it before, but the opportunity came, I couldn't miss it,
After a while,
The three generals rode up to them in a hurry, ready to greet them. Zhang Jinyu didn't have time to pay attention to them, so he interrupted them and gave them an order;
"No need for the red tape. I asked the three of you to come here because I have an idea that needs to be tried. Yang Shixiong, you lead 2,000 soldiers to take off their armor, or just leave your breastplate on, carry the ladder, go to the city gate tower first, climb up, and eliminate the defenders on the tower. Qi Ping will lead 10,000 soldiers to follow and wait for the right time to reinforce."
Looking at Li Zongbao again, he looked tired, his eyes were bruised and black, it seemed that he didn't sleep at all last night. He reached out and patted General Li's arm.
"General Li, quickly lead the Thunderbolt Chariots forward and find the exact location of the crossbows on the city wall yesterday. Cover them with stones first, then use kerosene to burn them. The army will arrive soon, and it will be easier to move since we have fewer people."
This was also a reminder that although a surprise attack could be carried out, the subsequent military reinforcements would not be so fast. He stared at the three people, wondering if it was possible.
"Yes, Lord, I will obey your orders."
The three men were not afraid, instead there was a gleam of excitement in their eyes. No one in the world could defeat Marquis Luo Yun!
"My Lord, I have one more request!"
(End of this chapter)