After Geng Bingwen returned to Nanjing, he didn't even see the emperor's face, so he was stripped of all his positions, leaving only the title of Marquis of Changxing idle at home.

If it weren't for the fact that he was one of the only two founding generals of the Hongwu Dynasty, he was listed as a first-class meritorious hero by Zhu Yuanzhang, and his son also married Princess Jiangdu, the daughter of the former prince Zhu Biao, I am afraid that he would not even be able to keep the title of Marquis of Changxing.

Emperor Jianwen suspected that Geng Bingwen had secretly colluded with his uncle to put this warlike veteran on the shelf, and he didn't see him, which was very different from when he personally sent him on the expedition. The people around the emperor naturally knew what was going on, led by Huang Zicheng, Zeng Fengshao and others, and began to attack Geng Bingwen wantonly, and even trivial matters had to be included in a book, and made up their minds that even if they couldn't really send Geng Bingwen to see Emperor Hongwu, they would make him completely unable to turn over.

Everyone in the world knows how to seek advantages and avoid disadvantages, and for a while, the Changxing Marquis Mansion is a door, and the relatives who fight the autumn wind no longer come to the door.

Geng Bingwen has experienced strong winds and waves, and he has carried the waves of the Hongwu Dynasty's great killing of heroes, so why not be afraid of the hot and cold state of the world. Correct the mentality, close the door of the house, drink tea all day long, plant flowers, hoe and hoe grass, so that the people who are waiting to see a good show are greatly disappointed.

Geng Bingwen also told his three sons in private that since the court did not dismiss their officials, they must work hard, not to be passive and slack off, not to be dissatisfied with the emperor, and not to ask someone to intercede for him. Princess Jiangdu wanted to enter the palace to say a few good words to the emperor, but she was also stopped.

"Rong Ma has a lifetime, it is rare to have such a quiet day, and the old man can't ask for it."

Hearing this, many people shook their heads, and Changxinghou could also think about it.

Wiser, think about it deeply, and soon realize that where is this thinking, it is clear that the old general is disheartened and completely disappointed in the emperor.

Although Meng's anti-intermittent plan is good, it is not clever. If it were Zhu Yuanzhang or Zhu Di himself, they would not have recalled Geng Bingwen so easily, let alone Li Jinglong as the commander of the three armies.

When sitting alone, comparing the momentum of King Yan's rebellion with the words and deeds of the emperor himself, Geng Bingwen often sighed, he is also a descendant of Emperor Hongwu, why is the difference so big?

However, none of this has anything to do with him now, so what's the use of wanting more.

Knowing this, Geng Bingwen stopped his son and daughter-in-law from trying to intercede for themselves.

It's just an early retirement, what's so bad?

In the city of Nanjing, most of the nobles and court officials are now walking around the Changxing Marquis Mansion, and they have to pass by the gate of the Changxing Marquis Mansion, but they must also speed up their pace and bow their heads, as if they have not seen the plaque given by Emperor Tai-Zugao on the lintel.

Some people are exceptions, and Xu Zengshou, the governor of Zuodu, is one of them.

Others were hiding from the Geng family, so he wanted to get up. Taking advantage of his position, he formed a friendship with Geng Bingwen's eldest son, Geng Xuan, the former military governor, and personally visited the Changxing Marquis Mansion one day, although Geng Bingwen avoided it, the smile on Xu Zeng's face never disappeared.

Once, twice, twice, three times.

Geng Bingwen can't help it, he can't keep pretending to be unwell, right?

When they met, Xu Zengshou didn't say anything else, only asked Geng Bingwen for advice on the art of war, neither talking about the affairs of the court, nor talking about the difficulty of Yan Wangjing.

When Emperor Jianwen heard the return, his expression was calm, he was already dissatisfied with Xu Zengshou. When he asked him if King Yan would rebel, this Zuo Du Governor used a perfunctory attitude to deceive a three-year-old child, but now that King Yan is reversed, he began to engage in private - collusion again, and he is also very restless in the Governor's Mansion of the Five Armies, and he has sympathized with King Yan and is dissatisfied with the court.

Emperor Jianwen gritted his teeth, he can't clean up Geng Bingwen, and he can't clean you up?!

"Someone!"

Wang Jinghong has been promoted to the eunuch of the inner chamberlain, serving beside Emperor Jianwen, and when he heard Emperor Jianwen calling, he immediately bowed down and walked into the hall with small steps.

"Slaves and maids obey."

Emperor Jianwen was about to give an order, but suddenly hesitated.

To deal with Xu Zengshou, what crime should be deducted from him? Because he sympathizes with King Yan and is dissatisfied with the court?

Yushi Kangyu, who was shouting to stop cutting the feudal domain, is alive and well, is it a bit inappropriate to attack Xu Zengshou in this way? Coupled with the identity of Yan Wang's brother-in-law, will it make the courtiers think that they are taking the opportunity to take revenge?

Moreover, if Xu Zengshou was disposed of rashly, how should Wei Guogong explain it?

Emperor Jianwen paced in the hall with his hands behind his back. Wang Jinghong didn't hear Emperor Jianwen tell him to get up, so he could only bend over at 90 degrees. Although it is required for the profession, I have undergone professional training before taking up the post, and after a long time, my forehead has begun to sweat.

There was still a respectful expression on his face, but the dissatisfaction in his heart was fermenting.

lowered his eyes, and didn't wipe the cold sweat on his forehead, the emperor really doesn't treat our family as a human being.

After a long time, Emperor Jianwen finally spoke, "It's okay, step back." "It's not the time to deal with Xu Zengshou yet, at least not now.

"The slave obeys."

Wang Jinghong didn't dare to show a little dissatisfaction, but when he retreated, he glanced at Emperor Jianwen with the corner of his eye, and he didn't know what the emperor was thinking just now, whether it was related to King Yan? If so, he'll have to watch carefully.

In the Mansion of the Duke of Wei, Xu Zengshou, who had just returned from the Marquis of Changxing's Mansion, was stopped by Xu Huizu.

"Come with me."

Leaving down the three words, Xu Huizu turned around and left.

Xu Zengshou could only follow behind him, and the brothers walked all the way into the study, and as soon as the door was closed, Xu Huizu looked at Xu Zengshou, his brows furrowed so much that he could kill flies.

"Fourth brother, tell me the truth, do you have a private connection with King Yan?"

Xu Zengshou's eyes flashed slightly, "How is it, what if it doesn't?" ”

"Don't forget, King Yan is a thief!"

"Big brother, don't forget, the eldest sister is Princess Yan." Xu Zengshou stiffened his neck, "Seriously, our family is all relatives of anti-thieves." According to the decree of Emperor Tai-Zugao, it is counted among the nine clans. ”

Xu Huizu's face became even more ugly.

Xu Zengshou patted his head again, "If you really want to talk about it, the emperor is the nephew of King Yan, if this is a crime, ...... it."

"Shut up!" Xu Huizu's forehead jumped with green tendons, "If you are so rebellious, you dare to speak!" ”

"Well, I won't say it's always okay, right? Brother don't have to be angry. Xu Zengshou said, "Actually, my brother called me here for Changxinghou, right?" ”

Xu Huizu clenched his fists, "To be honest, does the impeachment of Changxinghou have anything to do with you?" ”

"My brother really looks up to my little brother. Has the elder brother forgotten that the younger brother and Huang Hanlin have not said a few words, and Zeng Yushi is not pretentious in front of his brother, how can he have a friendship with the younger brother? ”

Xu Huizu didn't speak, and the fierce momentum on his body continued unabated.

Xu Zengshou is not afraid at all, training to fight, fighting on the battlefield, and his evil spirit is not inferior to Xu Huizu.

The brothers confronted each other in the study for a long time, Xu Huizu sighed, his expression was a little gloomy, "Fourth brother, don't forget the word loyalty taught by your father." ”

"Little brother doesn't dare to forget." Xu Zengshou said, "My father also taught me not to be a villain who tends to be inflammatory, sweeps the snow in front of the door, and doesn't recognize his six relatives. The Marquis of Changxing was an old friend of his father, and the court only made the Marquis of Changxing idle, but did not punish him. The younger brother just came to the door in the name of the younger generation to ask for advice on the art of war, and never talked about political affairs, presumably the emperor was also clear, so what did the elder brother have to worry about? ”

"You ......"

"If the elder brother has nothing else to do, the younger brother will retire first."

The words fell, and without waiting for Xu Huizu to say more, he pushed open the door and walked out.

Outside the door, a long man didn't have time to dodge, and was knocked into a square, with a somewhat dodgy look.

Xu Zengshou let off a sarcastic smile and looked back at the study, does the emperor really trust the eldest brother? Not necessarily!

Suddenly kicked on Chang Sui's abdomen, the other party's expression changed, and just about to turn around and flee, an extremely sharp short sword had penetrated from his chest, and the sound of the blade cutting through the flesh and bones was constantly amplified in his ears, and it was extremely clear.

Chang Sui's eyes widened, blood kept gushing out of his mouth, and he grabbed the regimental collar regular clothes on Xu Zengshou's body with force, and the cluster of flowers embroidered on his chest and shoulders seemed to have become a devouring giant mouth, twisting and opening his fangs to pounce on him.

Xu Huizu heard the sound and walked out of the room, and saw a face-growing long-standing follower falling to the ground, Xu Zengshou was taking out a silk handkerchief, wiping the blood on the short sword, and throwing it on the ground at will.

"Xu Zengshou!"

no longer called the fourth brother, it is obvious that Xu Huizu is really angry.

"Why should my brother do this?" Xu Zengshou took out a waist tag from Changsui and threw it at Xu Huizu's feet, "Don't tell the younger brother, the elder brother really doesn't know what the identity of this person is." ”

Xu Huizu glared, it was only when he knew that he was in trouble!

Xu Zengshou spread his hands, killed them all, found a place to bury them, or tied a stone to sink into the river, what can the person who sent him say?

"Brother, I haven't forgotten that Emperor Tai-Zugao personally burned the brocade clothes and guarded the torture equipment, and the Beizhen Fusi now has no right to supervise hundreds of officials." Xu Zengshou put away the short sword, "When the matter is spread, it's not us who have to worry about it." ”

Xu Huizu didn't say much, and could only acquiesce to Xu Zengshou's words.

Kill all the kills, what else?

Zhongjun is good, Xu Zengshou is his own brother, and he doesn't really recognize his six relatives!

What happened in the Duke of Wei was not long on the desk of Emperor Jianwen. As Xu Zengshou said, this matter can only be stopped. If the trouble is opened, Emperor Jianwen will be in even greater trouble, and the group of imperial historians in the Ducha Yuan alone can annoy him to death.

However, Emperor Jianwen remembered Xu Zengshou again in his heart, and the order to be issued to Xu Huizu was temporarily suppressed.

Whether Wei Guogong is really credible will have to be seen again.

In mid-September, Li Jinglong set off from Nanjing and arrived in Texas by boat on the way.

The army stayed in Texas for several days, constantly collecting the defeated army that fled under Geng Bingwen, and the number of the whole army actually exceeded 500,000.

Under the praise of many generals, Li Jinglong's confidence was greatly increased, and he soon ordered to open from Texas and enter Hejian, where he would have a good meeting with Zhu Di.

As the saying goes, things gather people by like, and Li Jinglong is an out-and-out gentleman, and the generals he relies on naturally carry the same kind of atmosphere. Jin Yu is ruined on the outside, and he is a good man, a villain.

There are also many generals in the army who look down on this commander, and Qu Neng is one of them.

Qu Neng once followed Lan Yu to attack the west, and personally led the army to crusade against the rebel chief of Jianchang Yuelu Timur, breaking the double wolf village, and making great achievements. For Li Jinglong, who can only talk on paper, he naturally looks down on wine bags and rice bags. privately warned his son, who went with him on the expedition, to stay away from the group of people around Cao Guogong, otherwise the military stick would wait.

has the same perception as Qu Neng, as well as Sheng Yong, a general under the command of Geng Bingwen.

Geng Bingwen was recalled to Nanjing, the coach was replaced by Li Jinglong, and Sheng Yong and other generals were ordered to be under Li Jinglong.

However, in just a few days, Sheng Yong saw through this good-looking but straw-bellied coach. Not to mention Geng Bingwen, the Marquis of Changxing, even Pan Zhong, who was considered unscrupulous by Yan Jun, and Yang Song, who died very poorly, are better than him!

But the commander was appointed by the emperor, and no matter how dissatisfied he was, there was nothing he could do.

Qu Neng Shengyong and other people of insight can only open their eyes wide, hoping to find one or two shining points from Li Jinglong's straw bag, how can it be said that he is also the son of Hongwu General Li Wenzhong, isn't it?

They were even more disappointed by the facts they found.

Straw bales are not counted, plus idiots and cowardice, the runaway general is no longer just a legendary myth, and the 500,000 army is destined to become a dish in front of King Yan, just waiting for him to see where to place the chopsticks.

If you use one sentence to describe Qu Neng and Sheng Yong's mood after discovering the truth, they can only hold hands and look at each other with tears in their eyes, and they are speechless and choked.

The news that Li Jinglong led a large army into Hejian soon spread to Beiping.

Although he had been mentally prepared before, King Yan was still so happy that he couldn't close his mouth, and while patting his thigh, he said, "Li Jiujiang has a vertical ear!" What a lonely opponent! ”

In King Yan's view, Li Jinglong's chest is strategic, his personality is arrogant, he can't listen to the advice of the villain, and he has never been on the battlefield in person.

History proves that King Yan is right.

If Meng Shishilang likes to pit opponents, Li Jinglong specializes in pit teammates, and the number of pit people is probably even higher. Emperor Jianwen used Li Jinglong as the boss, and he definitely dug a pit and jumped into it, and then waited for King Yan to wave a shovel to fill the pit.

Monk Daoyan sat on the side, twisting the Buddha beads with one hand, and waited for King Yan to have enough of it before he reminded: "Li Jinglong is unbearable, but the army of 500,000 is not child's play. The prince has limited troops in his hands, so he should make plans as soon as possible. ”

As soon as these words came out, King Yan was suddenly unhappy.

That's right, Li Jinglong is a straw bag, but the 500,000 troops under his command cannot be taken lightly.

Even if it is 500,000 sheep, it is not easy to kill, not to mention that there may not be no available talents under the straw bales.

Zhu Di snapped his fingers and pulled the army under his hand, less than 200,000 when he was full, and he had to divide the army to defend Beiping, and only 100,000 people could fight, one to five, even if he could win, I was afraid that it would be a miserable victory.

Sitting back in his chair, King Yan fell into deep thought. Even if he rebelled, he did not forget to guard against his neighbors on the grassland. Competing for the throne with his nephew is an internal contradiction, in case the Tartar takes advantage of the situation, even if he sits on the throne, he will not have the face to see his father after a hundred years, and he will be cheeky to come up, I am afraid that he will be whipped by his father.

"The border army can't move lightly, and after it is really taken, Gao Xu will be stationed in person." King Yan knocked on the table again, "I can't say it, I want to go to Daning in person and talk about brotherhood with Gu's seventeenth brother." ”

Ever since Emperor Jianwen ordered the reduction of King Ning's guards, King Yan began to fight the idea of Duoyan Sanwei. Before, it was because Geng Bingwen was stationed in Zhending City and couldn't spare his hand, but now that Geng Bingwen has returned to Nanjing, Zhending City is at his fingertips, and the commander of the imperial army has been replaced by Li Jinglong's straw bag, and his army is overstretched again, so it's time to do it.

However, King Ning is not easy to get along with. King Yan and Emperor Jianwen called for no pressure, and wanted to move King Ning's family, but they had to think carefully about digging into the corners of their brothers.

"Once the prince leaves Beiping, the imperial army will definitely attack." Dao Yan said, "Is the prince ready?" ”

King Yan smiled casually, "Why should the great monk worry, with the power of Beiping, it is not possible to fight, but there is more than enough defense." If Li Jiujiang really led the army to come, it would also save Lone's trouble, and the army was dragged under the city of Beiping, and Lone Zheng could take the opportunity to take Yongping to deter Liaodong. ”

"What the prince said is very true." Dao Yan bowed, "Commander of the city, does the prince have a desire in his heart?" ”

"Who does the great monk think can be in charge?"

"How's the son?"

King Yan's brows furrowed, "The prince is not in good health, and he has never gone out with Gu, so I am afraid that he will not be able to convince the public." ”

"Lord Wang," said the Daoyan monk, "except for the prince, no one can take on this important task. ”

Dao Yan said it categorically, and King Yan had to think about it seriously.

Aside from the appointment of his generals as the commander, it is indeed a little unreasonable, showing that he does not trust his son. Let Zhu Gaochi, who has never been on the battlefield, defend the city, but Zhu Di is really uncertain. Compared with Zhu Gaochi, he is more optimistic about Zhu Gaochu's force value, but this is even more inappropriate.

Peking is his foundation, and once it is lost, everything will be irretrievable. Without Beiping, would he be able to go to be a rogue?

"Lord, the prince is young, and there is a princess."

Zhu Di's eyes lit up suddenly, yes, why did he forget the princess? Thinking that when Xu Da, the Duke of Wei, trained troops in Beiping, the princess's martial arts were no less than those of several brothers, and she was also insightful in the art of war. Although he has stopped dancing swords and swords in recent years, his skills have not been left behind. King Yan touched the back of his neck, and he was quite confident in this.

Monk Daoyan said again: "If you don't understand this trip, you can ask Meng Shishilang under Commander Shen for advice." ”

"Him?"

"Admittedly." Dao Yan nodded, "The poor monk sees this son as extraordinary, quite strategic, and should be of great use." ”

After the discussion was completed, King Yan personally went to see the princess and sent someone to invite the prince.

Hearing that his father handed over the responsibility of guarding Beiping to himself, Zhu Gaochi almost couldn't believe his ears, and his cheeks were red with excitement. Zhu Gaosui on the side was still a little ignorant, but Zhu Gaochu was very red-eyed. How could such a good thing not fall on his head?

Thinking about it, Zhu Gaoxu also understands that even if he is not the prince, the coach will not be him.

In fact, it is said that the prince is guarding the city, and it should be the monk Daoyan who really gives advice behind the scenes, but it is the princess who plays the role of the needle of the sea god, the mother of the three brothers.

Zhu Gaochi patted his chest and promised that he would guard the city and wait for his father to return. In his excitement, he also said such unlucky words as "the city is in the people, and the city is dead".

King Yan glared, Zhu Gaochi also realized that he had said the wrong thing, and looked at his father a little worried.

The princess said at this time: "Lord, the prince is not good at words, but his mind is good. The concubine will do everything she can to help the prince hold Beiping and wait for the triumph of the prince. ”

Princess Yan's expression was not very excited, and her tone was also very calm, as if Zhu Di had left, and it was just an ordinary thing for their mother and son to face hundreds of thousands of troops alone.

is such Princess Yan, the future Queen Xu, so that Zhu Di can be trusted, relied on, and relied on.

She is his wife, the mother of his children, and his relatives.

With more than 20 years of wind and rain, Princess Xu is in Zhu Di, just like Queen Ma in Zhu Yuanzhang, deeply rooted in her heart and irreplaceable.

The next day, King Yan personally ordered troops, Zhang Yu and Zhu Neng were sent to the outskirts of Beiping to rush to the important place, He Shou Fangkuan and others followed Zhu Di to Yongping. Li Rang, the guest of honor of the Yan Palace, and Liang Ming, the general, helped the prince to guard Beiping, and Zhu Gaoxu and Zhu Gaosui brothers accompanied Xu Zhong into Zhending.

Shen Xuan was ordered to lead the Yanshan guards to accompany Zhu Di, and Meng, who had just improved his health, was handpicked by the king of Yan to command the Yanshan guards to enter and exit the king's tent.

Although there is no actual position, Meng's status is also rising in the Yan army.

It is said that it was the monk Daoyan who personally recommended him to King Yan. Meng still couldn't figure out what this unreasonable monk liked about him?

Soon, Meng was invited by Monk Daoyan, and the great monk looked at Meng Shishilang with a puzzled face, and smiled very kindly, "Meng Yishi is willing to be the apprentice of a poor monk?" ”

Meng: "......"

He remembered that the future navigator Zheng He was Daoyan's apprentice, the master was a monk, and the brother was a eunuch, so it was better not to join such a sect.

Even if he is destined to lose his children and grandchildren, he is not interested.

"Thank you for your kindness, Meng can't be the blue eyes of the Buddha."

"Meng Yan doesn't have to refuse in a hurry, but when he returns to Beiping the next day, he will give an answer to the poor monk."

Dao Yan pronounced a Buddha name, becoming more and more "superior".

Meng withdrew from the side room, heard the chanting sound coming from the door, stood in front of the door for a long time, shook his head, such a monk is really rare in his life.

In late September, the defense of Beiping was finally prepared, more enemy platforms were built at the head of the city, and the interior of the city wall was also briefly renovated, and the drawings handed over by Meng to Zhu Gaochi played a big role.

Tiger squat cannons were cast in large quantities, and according to intelligence, Li Jinglong's army was equipped with a large number of firearms, which would be a big threat when attacking the city. These tiger cannons will be another layer of protection for the defenders in the city. You can't do it against the bombardment, and the defense can also play a role when the enemy is attacking.

Maybe it's because of the addiction to anti-intrigue playing, and learned from Shen Xuan that King Yan planned to take Yongping, Meng once again offered advice and wrote letters to the two generals of Yongping, praising Wu Gaoda, who was good at strategy and prudence, how to be intimate and how to write, and slandering Yang Wen, who was ambitious and talented, and it would be better to greet his family in the letter.

"I heard that Yang Wen had been dissatisfied with Wu Gao for a long time, and it was quite effective to adjust the letter."

It doesn't matter if the two of them don't get hit, there is no loss to the Yan army.

"Good!" King Yan patted Shen Xuan on the shoulder, "This plan is very good!" ”

Meng stood aside, okay, praising the top boss is also an affirmation of his work, and this top boss is Shen Xuan, and it feels good.

The result was better than Meng imagined, Yang Wen not only fell for the scheme, but also sent people to the starry night to send evidence of the collusion between Wu Gao and King Yan to the imperial court.

First there was Geng Bingwen, Marquis of Changxing, and then there was Wu Gao, Marquis of Jiangyin, Emperor Jianwen was furious, and immediately cut Wu Gao's title and exiled him to Guangxi for labor reform.

Wu Gao was exiled, the king of Liao was summoned to Nanjing, Yongping, the gateway to eastern Liao, only Yang Wen was left to garrison, and the king of Yan was not in a hurry to do it, so he only sent Tan Yuan to lead the troops to approach, and when he came back from Daning, he could go down in one fell swoop.

At that time, Liaodong will be put into his hands, and then "persuad" King Ning, the three important towns in northern Xinjiang will be in his hands, and the soldiers and food will be solved together, and he should really thank his good nephew.

If it weren't for the Liao king leaving the fiefdom, the counter-plot might not be feasible. The brothers to the north of him were all smarter than their nephews.

After solving the problem of Yongping, King Yan was in a good mood and turned to Daning.

In the evening, it rained heavily, and the army camped on the spot.

When he returned from the camp, Meng was once again led to Shen Xuan's tent.

Meng Shishilang held the cover roll and stood in front of Commander Shen, eager to ask what was going on.

Commander Shen looked at Meng Yanshi, his demeanor was very natural, and his tone was very firm, "From today onwards, you will stay in my tent, and you will not collapse with others." ”

Meng Shishilang opened his mouth and was instantly petrified.

He must have had a fever again, otherwise how could he have such auditory hallucinations.