Two days have passed since the assassination on the long street that day and the appearance of Tong Guan in the blink of an eye. The atmosphere in the capital is gradually getting warmer.

This warming naturally does not refer to the weather.

When the Jin people went south and foreign insults attacked, in the face of the disaster of the city, it was not too difficult to stimulate the blood of the people. However, after the excitation, a large number of people died, and by the time the external pressure subsided, many people's families had been completely destroyed, and by the time people reacted, the future had turned pale. Just as people facing a crisis bring out their potential, when the danger passes, those who are overdrawn will eventually fall.

How to get people back after this is a big question.

In fact, in the period when the siege was over, a large number of family members who had not participated in the defense of the city had died—either from starvation or from suicide—had been reported continuously. When the public opinion system of the Right Prime Minister's Mansion and Zhuji was fully operational, although the number of deaths found was still increasing, the face of Bianliang, a giant who was overdrawn too much, had a trace of blood.

The tragedy of the dead, the dedication of the warriors, the inheritance of the will, and the warnings that the danger has not yet faded are all fermented and spread in the city with the operation of the Prime Minister and the Bamboo Record. For this era, the directional diffusion of public opinion is actually a relatively simple matter, because the channels for ordinary people to obtain information are really too narrow, as long as they hear something, and the government cooperates a little, it will often turn into a categorical fact.

As a result, with a few days of brewing, at least in terms of the social atmosphere after the war, there have been some results.

First of all, the government collected information on the identities and lives of the war dead, began to make a book, and will later build a martyr's shrine for the families of the deceased. also said that there will be an explanation, although the specific explanation is still under discussion, but has also begun to consult the opinions of the social officials and gentry, even if it is only in the stage of painting the cake, this cake is temporarily painted with sincerity.

Secondly, under the coordination of the government and the propaganda of Zhuji. The wealthy officials and gentry who had spare money began to give porridge and grain, and expressed their willingness to take care of the families of those who died in the defense of the city - this kind of thing appeared, first, the prime minister's government came forward to appeal, second, Zhuji publicized for those who took the lead, leaving them famous, and third, because the imperial court was negotiating, and the families of the victims in the future, whether they were businessmen, merchants, or farmers, would give them a lot of convenience, just like the preferential treatment of the disabled in later generations. Accepting people with disabilities to work will naturally have a lot of benefits.

Third, the scholars' attention to this incident is not finished, and due to Zhuji's emphasis on the threat of the Jurchens, how to deal with this crisis has become the main topic of discussion among those who are worried about the country and the people. These scholars either discussed preparing to put pen to paper, or discussed the topic of eliminating the ills of current politics in restaurants and teahouses, such as some small groups of scholars under the names of "National Disaster Society" and "Mei Society" secretly established. Pull people everywhere and exaggerate the feelings of worrying about the country and the people. In the past, there were many of these groups. It's mostly poetry clubs, and this time, it has a more radical goal.

Of course, regardless of the goal, most groups have only one ultimate meaning: to be rich and noble, and not to forget.

Fourth, the warriors and soldiers in the city at this time. Cheng Dù has also been greatly improved, and the reckless people who were not liked in the past can now talk in the teahouse about those who have participated in the defense of the city, or those who are still injured. It is often looked up to a few times. The soldiers in Bianliang City were originally similar to the hooligans and reckless, but at this time, with the deliberate rendering of Xiangfu and Zhuji and the strengthening of people's identity, they began to pay attention to their own image whenever they appeared on various occasions.

These things influenced and promoted each other, and in a few days, the atmosphere in the city became positive and harmonious, and the number of people caring for and helping each other gradually increased. In some restaurants and teahouses, including Zhuji, although the food is crude, people talk about the Jurchens outside the city and the situation in the city, and they all express that they want to work together, which makes people feel encouraged to see it.

Being in it, Yue Fei also felt warm every time.

He was one of the attachés who accompanied Ning Yi into the city, and in the past few days, Ning Yi took him and secretly met many military generals in Beijing. As the small commander of the local Xiang Army, Ning Yi specially brought him to meet these high-powered generals in Beijing, saying that he was familiar, but the intention of wanting to promote and help him was self-evident. But in addition to being grateful, what touched him the most was the heart-warming scenes he had seen around him in the past few days.

Although he didn't participate in the middle, he was naturally clear about the purpose of Zhuji and Xiangfu's actions. A seriously injured person can't sleep immediately, even if it hurts, he has to get through it, these actions of Zhu Ji and Xiangfu, the daily storytelling looks simple, but Yue Fei can still see Ning Yi's various actions outside of meeting with military generals, meetings with some high-ranking families, the choice of soup kitchens, and the planning of storytelling propaganda and some help activities, these seemingly natural and spontaneous behaviors are actually led by Ning Yi, and the treasurer and staff of Zhu Ji have made quite careful planning.

Doing things that manipulate and incite people's hearts as a science, many things and steps are planned in an interlocking way, such things have never been heard of before, but Yue Fei does not feel hypocritical because of this. In it, he knew that the purpose of Xiangfu and Zhuji was to renew the life of this city, and when the signs of improvement appeared, he felt vigorous vitality and joy from the heart.

As long as we can do this, the way of the world may be saved......

After a few days, the only thing that made him feel indignant was the assassination of Ning Yi on the long street two days earlier. He has been practicing martial arts with Zhou Dong since he was a child, and he is also half a green forest person, but he does not have a deep relationship with the green forest, even if he knows each other because of Zhou Dong's relationship, most of his perceptions are okay. But this time, he really felt that these people deserved to be killed.

Of course, fortunately, there are more powerful people around this Ning Gongzi and protect him.

Most of the things around him went smoothly, which made him quite relieved about the future state of affairs. As long as things develop like this, what does it matter if you fight in Taiyuan and win a few battles or lose a few battles. When chatting with several familiar shopkeepers in Zhuji, he often said the same.

"People always have to hurt badly. to wake up. If the tutor is still there, he will be relieved to see the situation in Beijing at this time. ”

When he said this, he was sitting on the second floor of a shop in Zhuji, chatting with a staff member named Cui Hao, who was from a talented background. The parents died early, and the original wife joined the bamboo mark when the wife was sick, but unfortunately the woman died in the end. When Ning Yi went out of the city, most of the people he summoned were people who didn't care, Cui Hao followed him, and on the battle array, Yue Fei had saved him once, so he became familiar with it.

"Everyone spares their lives, but if they can die well. There are still those who are willing to leave generously. Cui Hao's personality has become a little gloomy since his wife went, and he almost died in the battle formation, so he became cheerful again, and smiled with reservation at this time, "During this time, the government has been to us. It is true that he spared no effort to help, even if there were contradictions before. Nor did he make stumbling blocks. ”

"State affairs are like this, and there are still those who know the importance of it." Yue Fei laughed heartily, "What's more, the King of Guangyang County has met with Ning Gongzi this time. I heard from several generals yesterday that the prince was full of praise for Ning Gongzi in private. ”

“…… This matter is open to debate. Cui Hao whispered.

"Huh?"

"Nothing." Cui Hao turned his head to look out the window, this piece of the city. Today, it has eased up and become a little lively. He paused for a moment before adding, "Our affairs seem to be in good shape, but the upper echelons of the court." I can't see it clearly, I heard that the situation is a little strange, and the owner seems to have a headache too. Of course, that's not something I'm thinking about. ”

He didn't say this much, and after saying that, both of them quieted down. At this time, there was a table of people at the other end of the restaurant who spoke loudly, but it was everyone talking about the battle with the Jurchens, and several people were ready to go to Taiyuan with the army. After hearing a few words here, Yue Fei laughed and picked up the teacup to signal.

"At the moment of national crisis, Your Majesty is sage, and we have a lot to do. It's a pity that there is no wine, otherwise you should follow their example, and float a lot. ”

"The battle of Taiyuan will not be easy, for the next matter, there have been internal discussions, and we may stay to help stabilize the situation of the Jingshi. If you go north, take care of your life, and when you come back, you will have wine. ”

The capital was short of supplies, and everyone came back with Ning Yi to do things, and was ordered to ban drinking, the two raised their teacups to replace tea with wine, and after Yue Fei drank it, he smiled: "Brother Cui doesn't need to worry about this matter, Taiyuan fights, as long as you are willing to fight hard, it will not be a death battle." According to our estimates, after Zong Wang and Zong Han converge, there will definitely be a face-to-face battle, but as long as we dare to fight, the Jurchens will definitely retreat in order to come to the future. Although we have lost badly this time, as long as we learn from the pain, we can expect a better day. ”

After he finished saying this, he turned his head to look out the window, the snow white in the city stretched out in front of his eyes, this winter Bianliang City, really suffered too much trauma, but at this time, he also faintly felt that there was an unyielding will between heaven and earth.

Then, when I thought of the master who died for the assassination of Zonghan at the beginning of the war, the old man's face seemed to appear.

If you can go north to fight, what is there to fear of death!

Then another simple day, after which was December 26. From yesterday to today, Ning Yi did not go to see the generals in Beijing again, Yue Fei did not follow from time to time, when it was close to noon, he came to the courtyard where the Zhuji staff were deliberating, a strange atmosphere lingered in it, everyone discussed fiercely, and some even scolded loudly, and the tone was depressed. Yue Fei found Cui Hao and asked what had happened.

Cui Hao hesitated for a moment: "Today, above the Golden Palace, the right minister asks to resign." ”

"W-What?"

The right minister handed over the fold and asked to tell the old man...... Zhishi ......"

Yue Fei was stunned for a long time, he knew that the Zhuji system was the power of the Right Prime Minister's Mansion, and for a period of time, he had also been following behind to help. After returning to Beijing, he saw and felt that the second prime minister who was in charge of the defense of the capital this time was in full swing, and he was a little stunned that this kind of thing had happened. But he was only inexperienced in officialdom, not a fool, and then he thought of something: "The right prime minister is ...... Too much credit? ”

"Not a big deal." Cui Hao was quite calm, "As you think, the right minister in Beijing is in charge, Xia Cun is the general of Qin, the second son of the right minister, and Taiyuan is the eldest son." If my expectations are good, the right phase is to see that the negotiations will be decided, to retreat into advance, abandon the phase to protect Taiyuan. The top members of the dynasty, which one is not a few ups and downs, Taishi Cai has been dismissed several times. As long as this battle can compete for complete success, the eldest son and the second son can be preserved, and the right minister will be able to recover in the future, or even go further. In front of you. It is a good move to keep the light and obscure. ”

"That majesty xià over there......"

"Rejected." Cui Hao smiled, "Such a thing, at this time, you have to push it a few times." ”

*****************

The war is not over yet, and the right minister resigns on the grounds of injury, which is for the upper echelons of the court. It was a big shock, and the emperor even lost his temper and said: "Could it be that I am jealous of the virtuous and can't be rewarded!?" Qin Siyuan was reprimanded, and then comforted with kind words, which can be regarded as a temporary ending.

In fact, for the people who were at the center of the political situation during this time, Qin Siyuan's actions. They were somewhat relieved. Because since the beginning of the negotiations, many people have been a little incomprehensible to the court shape these days, and even for officials like Cai Jing, Tong Guan, Li Gang, and Qin Siyuan, the future shape shì is more or less like being hidden in a fog, you can see some, but there are always parts that you can't see.

After the Great War. Some people go up and some people go down, if a big court dispute really breaks out. Whether it was Cai Jing, Tong Guan or Li Gang and Qin Siyuan who fell, no one could say. Everyone is standing still and privately colluding, including the Taiyuan issue after the negotiations, no one is completely sure, and no one is sure of it.

And because of this. At the end of the negotiations, Qin Siyuan was a formal move, and his resignation made many people breathe a sigh of relief. Of course, there are still doubts. Just like in the bamboo record, a group of staff will quarrel over it, and in the Prime Minister's Mansion, when Ning Yi met with Jueming and others, he sighed: "Jiang is still old and spicy." He persuaded Qin Siyuan that night to take a step forward and seize power, even if he became a powerful minister like Cai Jing, if he had to face a long period of war and strife in the future, it might not be a dead end. And Qin Siyuan's clear move is more stable.

In the court, many people may sigh like this.

On this afternoon, Qin Siyuan handed in his resignation for the second time, but it was rejected again.

On December 27, he resigned for the third time and was rejected.

On the afternoon of December 27, Li Tan and Zong Wang negotiated the terms of the peace talks, including the Wu Dynasty calling Jin Guo a brother, millions of yuan, and compensating the Jurchens for the return of grain and grass, and the transfer of grain and grass began in the afternoon of that day.

Twenty-eighth, Qin Siyuan resigned for the fourth time and rejected it.

On the 29th, Wu Ruiying's request for Zhou Zhe's review was granted, and the time of the review was said to be discussed at a later date.

Zhou Zhe stood up to Qin Siyuan so resolutely, the prime minister's mansion was somewhat relieved, and more or less guessed that the emperor had already made up his mind to use the right phase this time. And the attitude of the right minister has been expressed, and he will no longer ask for it.

Another day passed, it was the Chinese New Year's Eve of the thirteenth year of Jinghan, on this day, the snowflakes began to float again, outside the city, a large amount of grain and grass was being sent into the Jurchen military camp, and at the same time, the Right Xiangfu in charge of logistics was operating in full force, collecting every grain that could be collected, and preparing the journey of the army north to Taiyuan - although many of the above things are still vague, but the next preparations are always to be done.

On the second day of the first month, the Jurchen army pulled out the camp to the north, in the camp outside the city, the siege equipment they left behind was all ignited, the fire burned, reflecting the sky in the north of the city, this night, Bianliang broke out a grander celebration, the fireworks rose into the night sky, a cluster of explosions, the strong city and snow ridge, extremely enchanting.

On the third and fourth days of the first month, the voice of the request to send troops was higher than one wave, and on the fifth day of the first month, Zhou Zhe ordered, headed by Chen Yanshu of the Wusheng Army, to lead the 40,000 troops under his command to the north, together with the surrounding Xiang Army, the Righteous Army, and the Western Army troops, to deter Taiyuan, and the Wurui Battalion asked for battle, which was then rejected.

On the sixth day of the first month, Li Chen should go north with all his strength to save Taiyuan's excerpts and flew up like snowflakes, all of which were rejected. Zhou Zhe was furious again on the Jinluan Palace: "The Jurchens are in a hurry to go, and besides, we have already signed an agreement for millions of coins, how can we make a big fuss and launch hundreds of thousands of troops, and waste the people and money!" It's not a good year! Qin Siyuan resigned again, but was reprimanded and dismissed.

This was the beginning of the fourteenth year of Jinghan, and after this day, there was chaos in the Jinluan Palace. The military department raised the issue of asking for merit and compensation for this battle, Wu Rui Battalion was the first meritorious, Zhou Zhe criticized all the way, praised it loudly, all requests, all were not allowed, and prepared to meet the heroes in person in the coming day to review the troops. On the other hand, he insisted on the matter of Taiyuan and had sent troops, so there was no need to make a fuss. And a large number of rebounds have also begun to appear, and the folds of the importance of Taiyuan are constantly being handed up. And Cai Jing and Tong Guan began to stand by and watch.

On the ninth day of the first month, Li Lili, a scholar and Chen Taiyuan, was important, the time was urgent, and he had a dispute with Zhou Zhe on the Golden Palace, and he hit his head on the steps. Blood flowed profusely, and after being treated by the imperial doctor, his life was saved, and he was subsequently imprisoned.

Time passed little by little, and some people felt that Li Li and others were making a fuss, and some people were lucky. Indeed, the Jurchens have already decided to go. There is also an annual New Year's coin, speaking of the siege of Taiyuan, the soldiers have also been sent out, and it seems that there is no need to make such a big fuss. When the Jurchens continued to move north in this snowstorm, the discussion of Taiyuan in the capital gradually became silent, although some people kept asking to send troops to Taiyuan to seize the last opportunity, but the voice finally became less and less.

The Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month has arrived.

This is the most lively festival in the 14th year of Jinghan. In the first year of junior high school. Due to the unresolved ban on the city and the limited supply of materials, it is impossible to celebrate on a large scale. At this time, the Jurchens are gone, a large number of supplies have been transported from all directions, and the surviving people in the city sincerely celebrate the exorcism of the Jurchens, and the fireworks will light up the entire night sky, and the light in the city will circulate, and the fish and dragons will dance all night.

Imperial. Zhou Zhe walked up to the city wall and quietly looked at this prosperous scene. After a while. The queen came, and took the big fashion, and wanted to put it on him.

"Recently, I heard that the court is too chaotic, and His Majesty is tired, and he can't even relax a little during the festival."

Zhou Zhe waved his hand. Don't wear that clothes, and look at the fireworks and the market outside.

"I've wasted too much time, I want to cheer up, how can I be tired......" he paused, tilted his head and said again. I've been reading ancient words lately, and every time I feel something, there's one I like the most, do you want to know, Queen? ”

"Your Majesty is worried about the country and the people, Bianliang has only suffered a military disaster, it must be some kind of words that worry about the war and the people, right?"

"I guessed wrong." Zhou Zhe shook his head, and after a while, he took a deep breath, his eyes were blurred: "Go back!" The countryside will be ruined, and Hu will not return...... Both self-conscious and self-serving, melancholy and sad...... Realize that the past is not admonished, and those who know the future can be traced. It's not far away, I feel that today is and yesterday is not ......"

"陛xià......"

"I feel that today is but yesterday is not!" Zhou Zhe sighed, and his tone suddenly rose, "I used to think that as an emperor, the emphasis is on employing people and checking and balancing!" These scholars and doctors, even if they are obscene in their hearts, always have their own skills, I just need to sit firmly on the high platform, let them fight, let them compete, always be able to do something, there will always be someone who can do something. But who knows, after a check and balance, they have lost their blood and bones! Everything only knows how to weigh and weigh, only knows how to make mistakes and pass the buck! Queen, I have done everything wrong for more than ten years......"

"Your Majesty ......" The queen froze there, she couldn't have imagined that Zhou Zhe would say such a thing.

Zhou Zhe smiled: "It's ridiculous to entrust state affairs to others." I have been a soldier in the Wu Dynasty for nearly three hundred years, and these people have learned better than anyone else about power and people's hearts, and they pretend to be loyal and good generals in front of me one by one! Infighting! Buck-passing trade-offs! Rotting my country. If it weren't for this war, I wouldn't have woken up to the fact that there are people with their own blood! Kill chickens and slaughter dogs! Look at Cai Jing, he lowered his eyebrows and was pleasing to his eyes, and I treated him well, but when it came to the great disaster of the country, he lowered his eyebrows and didn't say a word! Look at Tong Guan, the king of Guangyang County, I treat him well! The Jurchens went south, and when he saw that the situation was not good, he turned around and left! Look at Qin Siyuan, his second son is in Bianliang, and his eldest son is in Taiyuan, he is in the phase! Recently, what is he doing when he resigns? Think I can't read? Retreat! Protect his son first, and then he still has the influence to control the court, just like Cai Jing! He figured out my thoughts, he was so clever! He's ...... He's trying to use me, he's trying to manipulate me! ”

"Taiyuan!" He waved his hand, "I don't know that Taiyuan is important!" I don't know how to save Taiyuan! But they ...... What kind of battle are they fighting! Push everyone to Taiyuan and keep Taiyuan, and the Qin family will be able to cover the sky with one hand! I'm not afraid that he will cover the sky with one hand, but what if he loses? Zongwang and Zonghan joined forces, and the Jurchens fought back with all their might, and all of them were buried there, what did I do to guard this country! All or nothing, they say it lightly! They gamble with my country! If you lose, they are loyal ministers and martyrs, and if you win, they are the white jade pillar of the sky, and the purple and golden beam of the sea! ”

"If they hadn't fought such a battle! If it weren't for Qin Shaohe in Taiyuan! If they hadn't forced me, I wouldn't have been able to make such a decision! ”

"I've been wrong for thirteen years."

He said slowly, placing his hand on the snow on the female wall, which was cold, but made him feel like blood was burning.

"This country, this people...... It can't be handed over to them anymore and wantonly spoil ......"

"My country, my people......"

“…… I will protect it myself. ”

In his categorical tone, fireworks rose and illuminated his resolute and resolute face.

Thousands of miles north to Taiyuan, there are no fireworks.

Qin Shaohe, who had a thin face, walked up to the city wall and looked at the Jurchen military camp opposite, the light of the camp stretched, as if it was about to penetrate the city wall. The city also seemed to be a little lively today, at least in the military camp and other places, the fires were a little brighter.

"Ahem...... Are you okay? He patted a soldier on duty on the shoulder, "Today's Shangyuan Festival, there are dumplings below, I'll go eat some later." ”

He said this to everyone along the way.

After the siege lasted for a long time, the food ration in the city began to bottom out, and since a month ago, the food ration has been halved, and now although it is not without food, most people are in a state of half-hunger. Since the number of heating items in the city has also begun to decrease, standing guard at the head of the city in such a state still makes people shiver.

After a while, he saw Li Pin guarding the city wall, although he is currently in charge of the logistics in the city, but as a Confucian who pursues the way of a gentleman, he also can't eat enough, and now he has vegetables.

Qin Shaohe handed him a snack box.

"Tangyuan, I brought you a few, go to the side, and eat secretly."

Li Pin excused himself and finally accepted it, but he didn't open it, the two walked for a while, exchanged the situation in a low voice, and looked at the south from a distance.

"Shangyuan, I don't know what the situation is in the capital, has the siege been lifted."

"Looking at the appearance of the troops standing still outside the city, I'm afraid there is no progress."

"The city is hungry and cold, although there is still food, but I don't dare to send it indiscriminately, so I can only cut back on food and clothing. Many old people are freezing and starving to death......" Qin Shaohe said in a low voice, "I don't know how long I can wait." ”

"As long as the Wu Dynasty will guard, I will hold it for as long as I can." Li Pin smiled generously and glanced at the military camp outside the city, "My generation of men, how can I give up this great river and mountain." ”

"Ahem, haha...... That's right! Qin Shaohe stretched out his hand and patted Li Pin's shoulder hard, Li Pin stumbled, and in a moment, the two people at the head of the city laughed.

The laughter was heroic, and it spread far away in the snowy city. (To be continued......)