It was only more than 400 miles from Guilin Mansion to Yongzhou Mansion, and Lei Fill and his party walked for three and a half days before they arrived.

Before they set out from Guilin Mansion, they naturally took the land route; After all, the rebels are behind, and the waterways are too slow. But if there is no family of King Jingjiang, it is estimated that everyone can reach Yongzhou Mansion in one day and one night on horseback.

After arriving at Yongzhou Mansion, Lei Chong, Geng Hao and others were about to separate from Mrs. Geng's mother and son. Zhang Fu, the general of the Pinghan Dynasty, had already arranged to send people to pick up the royal family of Jingjiang with the warships of the water division and go north along the waterway of the Xiangjiang River; He ordered Lei Chong Geng Hao and his entourage to take the land route and ride fast horses along the official road to Changsha Mansion.

At this time, Zhang Fu was in Changsha Mansion.

On the wharf of the Xiangjiang River in Yongzhou City, a wheel of the official army and naval division has anchored on the shore.

It was a building ship without sails, with six large water wheels on the left and right, and the water wheels were driven by mules and horses and other animals in the cabins below deck, and could also be driven by manpower; There are also firearms on the deck equipped with bowl-mouth guns and divine fire crows. In autumn and winter, there is often a north wind on the Xiangjiang River, so you don't need to worry about the wind direction when you take this kind of wheel, and you can reach Changsha quickly.

The young military general Geng Hao came to the dock to say goodbye, and Lei Chuan had to follow.

Probably because Mrs. Geng respected Geng Hao very much along the way, and she said a lot of good things about General Geng; Geng Hao was also very attentive to the lady, and he sent him off all the way to the deck of the warship.

At this time, Geng Hao was repeatedly telling the naval generals: "The nobles who got on the boat, but the wife and prince of King Jingjiang, you must guard with your heart and treat each other politely, and you can't let the lady and prince be wronged." ”

Mrs. Geng also heard Geng Hao's words and was looking at him with a smile.

The sailor general patted his chest and said: "Don't worry, the rebels have not yet reached the Xiangjiang River, this river is an extremely important channel for our Ming Dynasty, and the water surface is very peaceful." It's much more comfortable to ride a big boat than to ride a horse, do you see the building at the stern? There is a cabin on it, and living in it is like living in the home of a large family! There are all kinds of beds, tables and chairs, and there are bookshelves inside, if you are tired of seeing the scenery, you can sit on the boat and read a book, which is called an elegance. ”

Geng Hao was relieved to hear this, and said goodbye to his wife.

Mrs. Geng also bowed her knees and saluted back, "General Geng, there will be a period later." ”

The farewell man left the deck, and the ship lifted anchor and slowly sailed away from the dock. Geng Hao stood by the river for a long time, watching the warship go away.

Lei Chuan led the horse over and said, "The people are gone, let's leave for Changsha Mansion today." The British Duke is now a royal celebrity, so we'd better not snub him. ”

"Okay." Geng Hao nodded.

"General Geng, we are also destined. The official has a saying that that lady is not an ordinary person. Ray filled.

Geng Hao frowned and said, "I just respect Corporal Geng's demeanor, what does Officer Lei Ke mean?" ”

Lei Shu smiled, waved his hand and said, "General Geng also misunderstood!" I mean, Mrs. Geng's mind is not ordinary. She was very polite to us along the way, which can be called flattering; That's because she knows that we will play the heavens and talk about the affairs of Guilin Mansion and Jingjiang Palace. Of course, she hopes that we will have good things to say about their mother and son. ”

Geng Hao was silent.

Lei Fill said again: "It's not that this official hasn't dealt with the people of the vassal palace. If it hadn't happened this time, those people in the vassal king's mansion wouldn't have looked at us at all. ”

Geng Hao was noncommittal when he heard this, and nodded his head lightly to deal with it.

Or because Geng Hao did not surrender, and led his troops to escort Lei Hao, Lei Hao was extra close to Geng Hao and talked a lot.

The yellow-faced and thin-skinned Lei turned over the horse, and when the horse was not running at a speed, he turned his head and said, "But then again, a handsome talent like General Geng is indeed very popular with women." Do you know what kind of man a woman sees? ”

Although Geng Hao was a little embarrassed, he was obviously very interested and loved to listen, so he immediately hugged his fists and said, "I want to hear about it." ”

Lei laughed and said: "Young and handsome, with a good family background, there is another one, you have to believe the woman's words, it is easier to be at the mercy of others." Don't think that if there is a etiquette of respect and humility between husband and wife, women will have no means, my wife and concubine can make me grow a lot of knowledge. ”

Geng Hao said with a humble look: "I have been taught." ”

Lei owes his body, and suddenly his expression becomes serious, and he whispers: "Let's ride a horse along the post road to Changsha Mansion, I think we can get there the day after tomorrow." When you see the British duke, you have to be careful, the British duke is also quite cunning people; The previous veterans such as Gu Cheng were also pitted by the British public!

And I have a fate with General Geng, so I won't pit you; There is also Yuan Siqing (Yuan Hui) in the court, who is also much more reliable than the British public. Take my word to heart, and have a number. ”

Geng Hao thanked him and said, "If there is anything, I will discuss it with Lei Keguan." ”

…… Changsha City in the Ming Dynasty is located on the east bank of the Xiangjiang River.

Geng Hao and the others changed horses at the post station to rest, and the horses galloped all the way, and sure enough, they arrived at the boundary of Changsha Mansion on the third day; Then they changed boats to cross the Xiangjiang River and arrived at the city of Changsha.

Zhang Fu, who was in the line of the general of Pinghan, quickly sent someone to meet them when he heard the news.

There were about a dozen people who were summoned, and when they arrived in the lobby, they saw that the public seats above were empty. After a while, an armored military general walked out of the hall and said, "The marshal is in the signing room, first invite General Geng to enter the hall to perform the matter." For the rest, sit down and drink tea. ”

The crowd bowed one after another, saying, "Yes." ”

Geng Hao, under the guidance of the general, entered the hall on the north side of the lobby, and after a while, he arrived in another courtyard and walked to the signing room. He stepped into the threshold, and saw a large man wearing a red silk robe and a beam crown sitting behind the table inside.

The military general who led the way said: "Commander, the person has arrived." ”

The sitting big man raised his head and glanced at Geng Hao, his eyes were very sharp and impressive. Geng Hao became nervous all of a sudden, as if there was some invisible pressure that made his whole person not easy.

This person should be Zhang Fu, the British Duke and the general of the Ping Han Dynasty, the most powerful man among the ministers of the Ming Dynasty at this time! Unexpectedly, he was so young, with black sideburns and beard, and he looked in the prime of life, probably only in his thirties.

Zhang Fu didn't say a word, put the brush lightly on the inkstone, and the person stood up. He was tall and strong, with a long body and an imposing appearance.

He waved his hand lightly at the general, then turned his back and took two steps back and forth beside the table, waiting for the general to go out and close the door.

Geng Hao hurriedly clasped his fists and bowed: "The last general, Geng Hao, meet the big handsome!" ”

Zhang Fu didn't say half a word of nonsense, and said straight as soon as he opened his mouth: "The career of the Marquis of Jiangyin is over. ”

Geng Hao was stunned there, and when the stunning light in Zhang Fu's eyes fell on his face, he hurriedly said: "Although the Marquis of Jiangyin is the father-in-law of the last general, the last general is loyal to the imperial court......"

Zhang Fu immediately interrupted Geng Hao's words and said, "You were originally arrested and put in prison, but Wu Gao got you out. You married Wu Gao's stupid daughter again, you don't need to tell me, you are really willing to marry someone like that; You just want to rely on the power of the Marquis of Jiangyin? ”

Geng Hao's face was hot, and he felt very embarrassed to hear such direct faceless words. But he couldn't refute Zhang Fu's words, because it was the truth.

Zhang Fuyu's tone softened slightly, and he said kindly: "But for now, you have to find another way." There is one thing, if you are willing to do it, the commander will ensure that you will be promoted through meritorious service. ”

Geng Hao couldn't help but ask: "I still hope that the marshal will make it clear, what kind of thing?" ”

Zhang Fu walked in front of Geng Hao, and Geng Hao hurriedly bent down. Zhang Fu said in a deep voice in front of him: "Ben Shuai heard some rumors that before Wu Gao surrendered to the traitorous king, he hinted to his subordinates, 'The old man will never surrender, unless he is tied up to see the king of Han'!" ”

Geng Hao said cautiously: "This seems to be what Chen Yongsheng, the prefect of Pingle Mansion, did......"

"Wu Gao has also learned!" Zhang Fu couldn't say anything, "This is a secret report from my people, but there is no evidence." You are Wu Gao's son-in-law, if you are willing to kill your relatives in righteousness and stand up to identify this matter, you will definitely be able to expose Wu Gao's behavior of misleading military affairs. ”

Geng Hao said with some embarrassment: "After all, the Marquis of Jiangyin is kind to the last general. ”

Zhang Fu said coldly: "He just wants to find a good husband for his stupid daughter, why should the eldest husband have no wife?" In front of the big right and wrong, you must not be ambiguous. As a Ming official, the country's private feelings, which is more important, you have to know in your heart! ”

Geng Hao was silent for a while, and asked in a low voice: "If I promise the marquis of Jiangyin to betray the marquis, the marquis of our Geng family is expected to recover?" ”

Zhang Fu paused slightly, his face still did not change, he said solemnly: "Of course! Your grandfather made great contributions to the country, and the people of the Geng family should have inherited the title of Marquis of Changxing. ”

Geng Hao had long heard of Zhang Fu's power, not only was he a prince of the country and had a heavy army, but his daughter was a holy concubine! If you can really help Zhang Fu and let Zhang Fu return, it is not impossible to restore the marquis?

Zhang Fu then said: "How can it be considered a betrayal? Wu Gao had already done those things, and I heard the secret report. What is so strange about those old Jianwen generals who can betray the old master, and they must also betray the current saint? General Geng just reported the truth. ”

Geng Hao hesitated for a while, but in fact, his mind was blank at this time, and he couldn't think of anything.

Zhang Fu said: "Changxing Hou Rongma has made great achievements in his life, and finally died on the battlefield with a horse leather shroud, worthy of a hero." When you return to Beijing, you will leave Wu Gao's daughter and save yourself from embarrassment to Marquis Changxing. Don't let Wu Gao drag down General Geng's good future. ”

Geng Hao finally couldn't give up the hope he saw in front of him, let alone let go of the ambition in his chest, so he nodded silently helplessly.

He said in his heart: Even a big man like the British Duke said that Wu Gao is just using me! Moreover, Wu Gao himself is stupid, he can't defeat the rebels with 100,000 troops, and he can't defeat the rebels 50,000 or 60,000, and he surrenders to the traitors after losing the battle, which is already over! I didn't hurt him like this.

Geng Hao said in a deep voice: "Don't forget to promise, big handsome." ”

Zhang Fu was very vigilant, and was slightly stunned when he heard this, as if he understood something, and immediately said: "Of course!" Ben Shuai knew that Gu Cheng, the Marquis of Zhenyuan, was talking bad about me everywhere in Beijing. But when you go and ask him face to face, what has he done, can you really have a clear conscience? ”