In Kyoto, this year's sword disaster did not affect the prosperity of Kyoto. In the minds of ordinary people, the battlefield is far away from them, and there is nothing to worry about. Even in the face of some displaced people who fled the famine, the people of Kyoto still have some disgust and disgust. Perhaps, this is the sense of superiority in Kyoto. But for the civil and military officials in Kyoto, they have been a little uneasy these days. Because of the news that Emperor Yuning was seriously ill, he did not deliberately hide it this time. At present, the power of the government in Kyoto is concentrated in the body of Xiangguo Yuban.

In the Xiangguo Mansion, Yu Ban's eyebrows narrowed and his eyes closed slightly, thinking about all the crises that would arise as much as possible after Emperor Yuning let go. Don't look at the crown prince Dezhang is already the best candidate to inherit the throne, but at the moment, the seventh prince Delong has military power, whether he has the ambition to take the throne or not, Yu Ban has to be on guard. What's more, Prince Dezhang went out with the army and has not made any achievements so far. The two battalions of soldiers and horses gathered on the side of Shuangfeng Mountain, although they fought a few battles in a small way, they all won or lost each other, and they could not be credited. Once the west side creates new achievements, these credits can be counted on the seventh prince Delong.

Yu Ban was pondering, and Gao Zhizan came to report, "Xiangye, Lord Zhu Wenjun, the squire of the military department, is visiting." ”

"Lord Zhu? Please. Yu Ban stood up as he said and tidied up his court clothes.

These days, the two have been very close, and Yu Ban gradually developed a good impression of this soldier who succeeded Feng Zhun.

Yu Ban stood at the door of the hall, saw Zhu Wenjun coming over, and greeted him warmly, "Lord Zhu, why are you so idle today, please come in." ”

"Lord Xiangguo, I'm not here to hide from you, because I have urgent military affairs to report to your lordship, and I am here to disturb your peace."

"Urgent military affairs?" Yu Ban's heart tightened, "What's the matter, there is a situation in the battle situation on the two fronts?" ”

"It's the west." Zhu Wenjun said heavily.

"Come in, come in, come in and talk slowly."

When the two came to the hall, Zhu Wenjun said the latest battle report, "I just received the battle report from Landu City, and a few days ago, the West Vietnamese army launched a general attack on our Landu City. Although the city was saved, there were unprecedented casualties. ”

"How many casualties?" Yu Ban asked nervously.

"Nearly 120,000 of them were injured and withdrew from the battle sequence."

"What, 120,000?"

Yu Ban couldn't help but shudder when he heard this, this number was almost equivalent to half of the battalion being wiped out. Sometimes, after the entire battle situation, there were only 120,000 casualties of horses, which really shook the foundation of Great Xia.

Zhu Wenjun sighed, "That's not all, according to the battle report, Duan Lang of Lidu City was seriously injured and unconscious, and Fang Jiye was also seriously ill after suffering a heavy blow. If this continues, I am afraid that the Western Front will also be in danger. ”

Yu Ban's eyes narrowed, "Duan Lang also suffered a heavy blow?" Isn't it now that the entire western region is in the hands of a Seventh Prince who doesn't understand military affairs? ”

"According to normal reasoning, it should be the Seventh Prince Delong who is in charge of the overall situation now. Therefore, the lower officials were worried about the safety of the Western Front. Han Pingzi is scheming, even Fang Jiye is not his opponent, how can the Seventh Prince Delong resist. What's more, the reserve troops and horses of Western Vietnam are about to cross the Liangjie Mountains. Once the Landu City and the Lidu City can't be defended, we can only fight them to the death at the lower pass. ”

When Yu Ban heard this, his heart suddenly cooled, and the lower pass was not the only main road to Kyoto. Even if the Western Vietnamese army was blocked at the lower pass, they could have made a detour to the north.

"Lord Zhu, according to your prediction, what hope do they have of stopping the Western Vietnamese army?" Yu Ban asked.

"It's hard to say, Landu City is not conducive to defense, both wings can pass. But the Lidu City is different, the entire city spans the east-west artery, as long as the Lidu City can resist, our counterattack has great hope. The new army that was conscripted a few days ago is stepping up its training, and as long as there is enough time, the West Vietnam will definitely be defeated. ”

"Okay, then in the name of His Majesty, inform the Seventh Prince Delong, and ask him to guard the capital city. Once the capital city is lost~ cut his royal rights. Yu Ban said coldly.

When Zhu Wenjun heard this, he couldn't help but be startled, "Lord Xiangguo, this~ I'm afraid it's inappropriate." As we all know, Emperor Yuning is very fond of His Royal Highness Delong. Such a general text, in case His Majesty learns, I'm afraid~! ”

Yu Ban shook his head, "There is nothing to be afraid of, this time, Your Majesty maybe~." ”

Yu Ban didn't say anything, Zhu Wenjun's heart trembled slightly, it seems that the change in this world is not far off.

"Good! Then the lower official promulgated it to the capital city in the name of the generalissimo of the world's soldiers and horses. However, His Majesty's jade seal still needs to be stamped by Lord Xiangguo. ”

Yu Ban nodded, "Master Zhu just do it, and the old man will help you decide other things." ”

"Thank you, Lord Xiangguo, I will take my leave!" Zhu Wenjun said and stood up.

Yu Ban personally sent Zhu Wenjun out of the house, watching Zhu Wenjun ride away, Yu Ban turned around and ordered, "Prepare the car, the old man wants to enter the palace." ”

In the past few days, Yu Ban has been a little uneasy in his heart, and he must ask Prince Dezhang to return to Beijing immediately. Emperor Yuning is in danger of dying at any time, and the country cannot be left without an owner for a day, and only by letting Dezhang sit on the dragon chair can it be considered peaceful. Otherwise, once there is an unexpected change, Yu Ban will not be able to control the overall situation.

In the warm pavilion of the palace, this time Emperor Yuning's illness was different from last time, and there were no heavy guards inside and outside the warm pavilion. After all, the last time Emperor Yuning was in an emergency, and his body couldn't speak. This time, he was seriously ill, and although he often fell into a coma, most of them were still awake.

The old eunuch Wei Dong saw Yu Ban coming to the warm pavilion, and greeted him, "Lord Xiangguo, do you have something important to see?" ”

"Chief Wei, is Your Majesty awake?"

Wei Tong nodded, "Lord Huai is inside." ”

"There is a general manager of labor and health to help the old man pass a word, and the old minister has something important to see."

"Wait a minute, Lord Xiangguo." Wei Dong bowed down and finished speaking, and walked quickly inside.

After a while, Wei Dong walked out, "Lord Xiangguo, Your Majesty has summoned." ”

Yu Ban nodded and walked inside. In the warm pavilion, the entire pavilion floor is filled with a smell of medicine. The emaciated Emperor Yuning was lying on the couch, and Lord Huai, who was masked with a green scarf, stood aside.

Yu Ban took a step forward and said softly, "Minister~ Yu Ban, knock on Your Majesty." ”

Lord Huai said, "Lord Yu, Your Majesty said, you don't have to be formal when you come back in the future, just sit on the edge of the bed and say anything." ”

"Thank you, Your Majesty, Long." Before Yu Ban finished talking and leaving, looking at Emperor Yuning, who was much younger than him, Yu Ban couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed in his heart. Maybe I will become like this in the future.

Emperor Yuning's breathing was quite even, and he asked weakly, "Yu Aiqing, but there is something wrong at the border?" ”

"Your Majesty, the minister has two things to do."

After Yu Ban finished speaking, he hesitated whether to tell Emperor Yuning the news of Landu City's rudeness. He was worried that if Emperor Yu Ning couldn't withstand the stimulation, it would be troublesome.

Yu Ban thought for a moment, and then said, "Your Majesty, I just received the battle report. On the side of Shuangfeng Mountain, my Great Xia soldiers and horses have won successive victories, and it seems that it will not take long to defeat the coalition forces of Xining and Nanping. The two commanders were in charge, and the prince played a very clever role in reconciling them, and His Royal Highness the prince contributed to the great victory on the southern front. ”

When Emperor Yuning heard this, a smile appeared on his face, "Emperor Dezhang has done a good job, I am very pleased." Being able to reconcile the two theater commanders, Dezhang has matured a lot. ”

"Yes, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince threads the needle and leads the way, and the two war camps work together, this is the blessing of my Great Xia. However, there were some small losses on the Western Front~ side. Fang Jiye's mistake in the deployment of troops and horses led to the West Vietnamese army taking advantage of the situation, although it finally resisted the West Vietnamese soldiers and horses, but the loss was not small. Moreover, Duan Lang of Lidu City was also seriously injured. Yu Ban said tactfully.

Emperor Yuning frowned slightly, and was stunned for a long time, before Emperor Yuning sighed and said, "Xiyue Han Pingzi, really deserves his reputation." ”

"Your Majesty, in view of the current situation, the minister thinks that His Royal Highness Delong should be ordered to hold the capital city. As long as we can keep the capital city for three months, our new army in Great Xia will definitely succeed. When the time comes, the 600,000 troops will be divided into two routes, which will definitely solve my worries in Great Xia. ”

"Yu Aiqing, you can do these things at your discretion, I can trust you."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, the ministers will order the Ministry of War to inform His Highness Delong in the name of His Majesty's Generalissimo of the World's Soldiers and Horses. In addition, there is one more thing for the minister. ”

"Say it."

"Your Majesty, a few days ago, the southern front theater was slightly stable, and the minister was a little powerless to run the government alone, and the minister thought that it would be better for His Royal Highness Prince Xuan to return to the court. In this way, the ministers can also rest assured. ”

Emperor Yuning closed his eyes and pondered slightly, he understood that Yu Ban was going to arrange his future. When the body reached this point, Emperor Yuning not only wanted to recruit the crown prince Dezhang, but also wanted to announce the seventh prince Delong into Kyoto. Birth, old age, sickness and death are inevitable, and at the last moment, Emperor Yuning instead wanted his sons to be by his side.

"Quasi-play!" Emperor Yuning said softly.

Emperor Yuning did not tell Letting Delong also come back, he felt that the Western Front had just been damaged, so he still let Delong stay for a while. Wait until he is better, and then let him come back.

Yu Ban's two things achieved his wish, briefly talked about the affairs of the DPRK and China, and got up to say goodbye. However, Yu Ban did not leave the palace, but stood outside the warm pavilion for a moment.

After a while, Lord Huai walked out of it. Yu Ban looked at it and asked softly, "Your Majesty is asleep?" ”

Lord Huai nodded, "Lord Yu, do you have something to do with me?" ”

"Lord Huai, the situation on the Western Front, you must already know it very well."

"Yes, I know more than the Ministry of War knows."

"Then~ Lord Huai can report to His Majesty?" Yu Ban looked at Lord Huai and asked.

Lord Huai shook his head slightly, "As Lord Yu thought, Your Majesty may not be able to stand such news, so I am also hiding it." ”

"Very good, you and I are doing this, not for personal gain, but for the sake of my entire Great Xia. Lord Huai, to say something unpleasant, Your Majesty's time is running out. As a courtier, I also want His Majesty to stay for a while longer. In addition, as a prime minister, the old man also wants to hear about Lord Huai's future plans. If there is any need, the old man will help Lord Huai as much as possible. ”

After Yu Ban finished speaking, Lord Huai couldn't help but be a little surprised, he had already prepared to retire, listening to Yu Ban's tone, it seemed that he still wanted to reuse him.

"Lord Yu, I don't know what arrangements you have for my Investigation Division~?"

"Lord Huai's words are serious, how dare the old man arrange the Investigation and Defense Division. If you want to talk about arrangement, you can only be the king of the future. Over the years, the Prosecution Division has worked hard and disregarded personal gain, and it is a pity that it is abandoned like this. If Lord Huai does not dislike it, presumably His Royal Highness the Crown Prince will continue to rely on the power of Lord Huai to assist His Highness in managing this Great Xia country. But I don't know, what does Lord Huai think? Yu Ban looked at Lord Huai expectantly.

"Is this ~ what Lord Yu means, or is it the meaning of His Royal Highness the Prince?" Lord Huai asked rhetorically.

Yu Ban smiled, "Of course, it is the intention of His Royal Highness the Prince, Yu is just running errands for His Royal Highness, and only the future monarch is worthy of recruiting a great sage like Lord Huai." Yu Ban complimented.

Lord Huai sighed slightly, "The entire Investigation Division is all over the Great Xia, and it would be a pity if it was really abandoned like this." The old man spent the rest of his life on the Investigation Division, and he didn't want to just watch it fall away. Let me think about it again, and I will give you a satisfactory answer. ”

"Okay, the old man looks forward to continuing to assist this Great Xia with Lord Huai. With the help of Lord Huai, my Great Xia is bound to be as stable as a rock. The old man took his leave first, waiting for Lord Huai's reply. ”

Lord Huai also arched his hand, "Thank you too much, please!" ”

After the two of them finished speaking, one left and one left left left and one left right. In the warm pavilion, the old eunuch Wei Dong walked out silently. He heard what he said just now, and seeing that Emperor Yuning was about to leave, he didn't expect that even Lord Huai was looking for a way out. Thinking of his evening scene, Wei Dong couldn't help but feel a little desolate. He knew that Prince Dezhang would not reuse himself no matter what. Being able to let him go back to his homeland to retire is already a very good ending.

In Kyoto, the Ministry of War, as the generalissimo of the world's soldiers and horses, Emperor Yuning, issued different orders to the two theaters. The Southern Theater not only received a commendation, but also ordered Prince Tokusho to return to Kyoto immediately. And the Western Theater of Operations, not only in a stern tone, but even ordered the Seventh Prince Delong to stick to the capital city and not return to Beijing without a will.

In Xining City, Xining Hou Zhao Li is also quite bored these days. The Nanping army has plundered many cities, and now it is ready to retreat. Mo Kun is cunning and cunning, he doesn't want to help Xining Hou Zhao Li garrison Shuangfeng Mountain for no reason. In this war, Nanping got everything it deserved, although there were also losses, but for the plundered many property, grain and grass, the battle loss of 20,000 or 30,000 was nothing at all. Therefore, Mo Kun proposed to Zhao Li, Marquis of Xining, either at the cost of two cities in exchange for the support of the Nanping army. Either they withdraw from the border and no longer participate in the fighting between the two sides.

Xining Hou Zhao Li was extremely annoyed, and in the face of Mo Kun's rude request, he didn't know what to do. In the Marquis of Xining's mansion, Zhao Li found several close ministers and was discussing the matter.

When He Xiliang, the commander of the southern battalion, heard this, he immediately objected, "Master Hou, the city at the border must not be handed over to Nanping." The Shuangfeng Mountain is solid, even if we lack the support of the Nanping army, we can still hold it. Once the border pass is handed over to them, in the future, if Nanping covets our Xining and loses the border pass, it will be difficult for us to defend it. ”

Bai Ruokong retorted, "General He, you can't patronize the situation in front of you. You must know that the two major battalions of Yan Facheng and Ma Ruzheng did not launch a strong attack. In case we can't hold the double sealing mountain, Xining City will face the crisis of being besieged by a large army. What's more, as far as I know, Great Xia is currently recruiting 600,000 soldiers and horses and is stepping up intensive training. We are sparsely populated in Xining, and when the time comes, what will we do to resist the 600,000 soldiers and horses of Great Xia. If we can exchange two cities for ten years of garrisoning of the Nanping army, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages for my Xining. ”

"Mr. Bai, non-my race must have different intentions, who can guarantee that Nanping will not annex our Xining."

"General He, although he has some concerns, it is beneficial and harmless for Nanping to keep Xining. With the presence of our Xining, we can buffer the head-to-head confrontation between Nanping and Daxia. Once our Xining does not exist, Nanping will directly face the coercion of Great Xia. Mo Kun knew very well in his heart that in the future, when Great Xia eased up, he would definitely take revenge for this arrow. On the other hand, just sticking to the double seal is extremely disadvantageous to us. With the help of the Nanping army, it was necessary to break through the Great Xia defense line and drive them out of the north of Wuliang City. Only then can it be in the interests of Xining, and it can be separated from Great Xia. ”

"Mr. Bai, what you said is light, but it is not easy to implement. Don't forget, Great Xia also has soldiers and horses from the Western Battalion and the Lidu City. Master Hou, the last general thinks that it is better not to be greedy and occupy a large area of the city south of Shuangfeng Mountain first. ”

Xining Hou Zhao Li also had a headache, but he still felt that what He Xiliang said was reasonable.

"General He, once the Nanping army is evacuated, can my Xining soldiers and horses be able to hold the Shuangfeng Mountain?" Xining Hou Zhao Li asked.

"The last general is not talented, even if he fights to the end, he will not let the soldiers and horses of Great Xia take a step." He Xiliang said reassuringly.

"Well, since the general can say so, what's the point of withdrawing the Nanping army. Emperor Yuning is not in for a few days, and what the new emperor wants to ascend the throne is stability, and he will never move the army south. What's more, Xiyue is fighting tightly, we just want to get Xining, but Xiyue wants the whole of Daxia. Lao Bai, there is no need to discuss this matter, you go back and talk to that Mo Kun. Of course, even if Nanping evacuates, don't make the relationship stiff. ”

Hearing that Zhao Li had already decided, Bai Ruokong couldn't argue anymore, and said helplessly at the moment, "The old slave respects the order." ”

The Marquis of Xining began to work on his enthronement ceremony, and since he had completely turned his face with Emperor Yuning, of course he was not willing to be called the Marquis again. Although the whole Xining is not big, it is enough for him to claim the title of emperor here.

In the summer camp of Shuangfeng Mountain, Prince Dezhang also received a secret report from Yu Ban in advance. Hearing the news that his father was seriously ill, Dezhang not only did not feel sad, but wished that Emperor Yuning would leave quickly, so that he could sit on the throne of God as soon as possible. However, there is one thing that makes Dezhang haunted, that is, his sick brother actually became the generalissimo of soldiers and horses on the Western Front. Thinking of Duan Lang and Shangguan Xuanwu and others on the Western Front, the roots of Prince Dezhang's hatred itched. In his eyes, Shangguan Xuanwu and Duan Lang are definitely more hateful than the rebellious Xining Marquis Zhao Li. Once he is put in the throne, these people must be eradicated.

The capital of Bactria calendar.

These days, Duan Lang has been recuperating from his injuries in the house, and Landu City has experienced this great battle, and both sides have been much quieter. However, Fang Jiye's condition did not improve, and Fang Yan stayed in Landu City to take care of his father. On the side of Landu City, there are three generals, Shen Qishan and Feng Ming and Wei Du, Duan Lang will not have any problems thinking about it. After all, the two wings of the defense line have been withdrawn, and if Han Pingzi wants to capture Landu City, I am afraid it will be difficult without 300,000 soldiers and horses.

In the government of the capital city, Yutai Mingyue pushed a wheelchair to the lobby. Seeing the bright moon as beautiful as a fairy, the seventh prince Delong quickly stood up and said hello. Tantai Mingyue rolled her eyes, and she didn't see it at all.

The Seventh Prince smiled awkwardly, faced Duan Lang and asked, "Brother Duan, how is it, when will we be on our way?" ”

Duan Lang said unhurriedly, "In two more days, fortunately, they are all skin injuries, as long as the wound heals, it will be fine." ”

Zhang Ruming glanced at Delong, "Old Seven, can you think clearly, bringing troops into Beijing without permission is a big crime of rebellion." Once you don't sit on the throne, all of us will become sinners of Great Xia. ”

As soon as it came to business, the Seventh Prince Delong suddenly became serious, "Delong is not talented, it is not that he values the emperor's throne. If the third brother Dezhang is really the king of the country, Delong will definitely support it. But I'm afraid that after the third brother takes the throne, it won't be long before my Great Xia Jiangshan will be handed over. ”

"Why, are you afraid of forbidding that old fellow to usurp the throne? Okay, this Heavenly Master has your back. Anyway, Lao Tzu doesn't like that guy in Dezhang, as long as you are worthy of our Lidu City in the future. ”

Duan Lang looked at everyone, he was not worried about Kyoto, but he was afraid that after he led the 10,000 troops away, the Xiyue side would take action. Therefore, Duan Lang tried his best to delay the time and let the new army form combat effectiveness as soon as possible.

The Seventh Prince, Delong, looked at Duan Lang and said uneasily, "Brother Duan, I'm worried that once we go late, the third brother will directly ascend the throne." If that's the case, it won't help us to go back. ”

Duan Lang smiled slightly, "How can it be useless, it's a big deal, you will oust him from power again and re-ascend the throne." ”

"Brother Duan, absolutely not. At present, our Great Xia is in a blend of fire and water, and if this situation occurs again, the whole world will be unstable. That's why I'm in such a hurry to go back. ”

Duan Lang thought for a while, "Otherwise, let's take a car back to Beijing first, and let Zhou Long and the others leave ten days and a half months late." When you get to Kyoto, you should take a look at the situation first, and you can't just bring troops into the city. What's more, Emperor Yuning's current situation is unknown, maybe it will get better again. ”

"I'll follow you." Yutai Mingyue said.

Duan Lang reached out and grabbed Yutai Mingyue's little hand, and said gently, "Of course, if you don't go, no one will take care of me." The two men looked at each other and smiled, their eyes full of tenderness.

Zhang Ruming pursed his lips, and Li Jianshan also teased, "Lord Shangguan, should we avoid it." ”

"Why, this is the lobby, they want to go back to the house."

Tantai Mingyue glared at the two of them shyly, and stood silently behind Duan Lang. Prince Delong was not in the mood to tease them, and under his urging, Duan Lang finally decided to go to Kyoto.

This time, Duan Lang left Da Fei in Lidu City. He was afraid that if something happened, only Da Fei could find him. And Yutai Mingyue brought the harrier eagle Xiaobai, if there is any situation in Kyoto, you can also ask Xiaobai to send a letter over.

On the second day after Duan Lang and the others left Lidu City, 300,000 reserve soldiers and horses from Xiyue stepped into the Two Realms Mountain. And in Kyoto, Lord Huai finally gave up his position and sided with Yu Ban and the prince.