In the capital city, the survey army participating in the battle was excited. This battle was different from the battle on the side of Wuliang City, and the battle of Lidu City was more for their relatives and homeland. After all, except for the original five hundred black-armored guards, most of them were recruited from the nearby county government and the Lidu City. There are their relatives here, and it is their home. Otherwise, this tired army would not have fought so bravely and tenaciously.

Duan Lang led his troops back and ordered repairs for three days. He was not in a hurry to go to the rescue of Landu City, after all, there were still 200,000 troops there, and Landu City was still very stable. What Duan Lang urgently needs to do now is to replenish the source of troops and replace the equipment. It is even said that a part of the infantry battalion will be trained. Sharpening knives does not mistake woodcutters, and only by perfecting their own men and horses can they be more confident in battle.

In Kyoto, although the civil and military officials in the court were full of worries about the war, they became more diligent than usual. Perhaps it is precisely because of the outbreak of war that the court, which is full of deceit and quarrels, has become clear. Emperor Yuning fell ill, Xiangguo was temporarily in charge of the government, and important ministers such as Wang Shidu and Wu Guangguang of the old Hanlin were not as mean as in the past. Between each other, there is a rare tacit understanding.

Inside the palace, Emperor Yuning leaned on the soft bed. The six important ministers and Xiangguo Yu Shi Wu Guangguang and others stood in the warm pavilion one after another.

After Wei Dong finished serving Emperor Yuning and drank the decoction, looking at the old ministers, Emperor Yuning said slightly.

"This is not a court, all Aiqing don't have to be bound by etiquette, let's sit down."

"I'll wait~ thank you Lord Longen." Yu Ban thanked everyone on behalf of the people, and then sat down one by one according to the order of seating.

Emperor Yuning asked Wei Dong to read the news obtained by the Investigation and Defense Division. When everyone heard that the capital city of Lidu had defeated nearly 80,000 troops in Xiyue with less than 30,000 soldiers and horses and less than a stick of incense, they applauded one by one and were excited. Even Chu Baoxiong, who was very disgusted with Duan Lang, applauded happily.

Yu Ban glanced at Emperor Yuning after being excited, the two of them looked at each other, and the two old foxes immediately understood the meaning in each other's eyes. From crossing the desert and attacking Wuliang City at night, to the great victory of Lidu City, in just one or two months, Duan Lang's growth is too shocking. It can be said that the two-front battle has ended here, whether it is Yan Facheng and Ma Ruzheng, or Fang Jiye in the west, they are all covered by Duan Lang's achievements. If it goes on like this, if it really waits until the end of the war, Duan Lang's exploits may be unmatched. At that time, if he is asked to release the military power, it is estimated that the generals under Duan Lang will not agree. However, at the moment, Duan Lang's record can boost the hearts of the people in the world.

Wu Guangguang stood up excitedly, arched his hand and said, "Your Majesty, the army of Lidu City is so mighty, it is reasonable to reward the soldiers in front of it, so as to inspire the two major theaters to fight the enemy bravely. The minister thought that Duan Lang should be the first to take the lead and should be congratulated by all the people in the world. ”

The corners of Emperor Yuning's mouth trembled slightly, and there was a smile in his eyes, "What Wu Aiqing said is extremely true, Zhu Aiqing, as the chief officer of the military department, how do you think you should be rewarded?" ”

Emperor Yuning's gaze looked at Zhu Wenjun, the squire of the military department. Zhu Wenjun hurriedly stood up and arched his hand and said, "Back to Your Majesty, according to the reward system promulgated by my Great Xia Military Department, as the main general, if you retreat from the enemy's 10,000 people, you can record your merit once and reward 10,000 taels of silver." If the enemy retreats from an army of 50,000, the main general can be promoted to the first rank and rewarded with 300,000 taels of silver. Duan Lang's merits, coupled with his achievements in Wuliang City, can be listed as a great battle merit of retreating from the enemy's 100,000 establishment. According to the reward system of the Ministry of War, in addition to promotion, you can get a silver reward of 1 million taels. ”

Emperor Yuning nodded, "I am very pleased that I have such a good talent in Great Xia. At the time of my Great Xia national crisis, the more such good talents, the better. Whether it was Wuliang City or Lidu City, it was all captured by Duan Lang and his army. Since the beginning of the war, I have not issued a reward. In order to boost morale and stimulate the hearts of the people, I decided to reward Lidu City and others. Come on, the purpose. ”

After Emperor Yuning finished speaking, the two eunuchs hurriedly sat down on the table next to them, spread out the paper and prepared to record.

Emperor Yuning pondered for a moment and said, "Since the war, Duan Lang has led his troops to kill Wuliang City and block the Xining army, which is very comforting. Now I have returned to the capital city and defeated nearly 100,000 soldiers and horses in Xiyue, and I am very happy. The title of the mighty survey army of the capital barracks is specially given, and the officials of more than 100 households are promoted to the next level. Canonized the chief general Duan Lang, as the general of the three-rank chariot cavalry, and gave him the title of general of the protectorate. Chin this! ”

After Emperor Yuning finished speaking, the six important ministers and Wu Guangguang and others celebrated one after another. Emperor Yuning's canonization does not conflict with the reward of the military department, but he can obtain the title of protector general, which is relatively rare in the entire Great Xia military system. But Yu Ban, who was scheming, couldn't help but glance at Emperor Yuning meaningfully.

The other courtiers patronized and celebrated, but only Yu Ban heard the meaning of Emperor Yuning's painting. Such a canonization seems to be a blessing, but it is a halo shrouded in a person. If this is put on the commanders of other major battalions, it will be indisputable. However, don't forget that there is also a Heavenly Survey Supervisor Shangguan Xuanwu in Lidu City. It is even said that there is also Li Jianshan, the commander of the military department who is fighting to defend the city. These two Emperor Yuning didn't say a word, obviously creating internal contradictions. What's more, Lidu City is headed by Shangguan Xuanwu, and Duan Lang is just a chief general under the Heaven Survey Supervisor. With this kind of reward from Emperor Yuning, I am afraid that the thorny Shangguan Xuanwu will be extremely dissatisfied with Duan Lang in his heart.

After the ministers discussed, Wu Guangguang prepared to go back and wrote a special book, using the handwriting of literati to publicize the great victory of the capital. The other important ministers were also ready to rush to tell each other, so that the Kyoto courtiers could feel the joy of victory. Yu Ban did not leave, only he knew Emperor Yuning's thoughts. The more the civil officials preached, the more they would arouse Emperor Yuning's uneasiness. Even including him Yu Ban, he didn't dare to imagine how high Duan Lang's prestige in the army would be after the war was over.

In the warm pavilion, Emperor Yuning's face became gloomy, and he looked at Yu Ban and said, "Yu Aiqing, I don't know what you think I should be happy or worried." ”

"What, Your Majesty is worried?"

"With less than 30,000 soldiers and horses, half a pillar of incense can defeat an army of 80,000. Do you think that among my Great Xia generals, who else can do it? ”

Yu Ban shook his head, "Although the old minister is not proficient in military affairs, he has also consulted Zhu Wenjun many times these days. It can be said that there is no second soldier and horse in the whole world who can cross the desert except Duan Lang. A few days ago, Prince Dezhang also sent a letter to his ministers, and he was quite dissatisfied with his words. It was even said that in Huining City, he actually threatened His Royal Highness the Prince. Such courtiers and ministers are very worried, and once they have a rebellion in the future, I am afraid that it will cause even greater danger. ”

"Yu Aiqing, didn't I tell you, if I let go and leave, for the sake of my Great Xia's future, Qing can act decisively." Emperor Yuning looked at Yu Ban with deep eyes.

Yu Ban smiled bitterly, "The minister has also thought about it, I'm afraid that by then, the minister will not be able to suppress it." ”

"What, you're scared?" Emperor Yuning was slightly stunned.

Yu Ban shook his head, "At this age, there is nothing to be afraid of. But His Majesty has not thought about it, if Fang Jiye and Duan Lang do not enter Beijing at the same time, the minister will kill one of them, and the other will definitely raise troops. Even if they are killed together with the two of them, don't forget that there is also a Shangguan Xuanwu. When the time comes, I'm afraid that my Great Xia will be stormy again. ”

Emperor Yuning nodded, "I understand Yu Qing's concerns, killing a meritorious hero will not only bear infamy, but also arouse the indignation of the generals in the army. When the time comes, I am afraid that if I don't hand over the secretary, it will not be enough to make the people angry. ”

Yu Ban bowed his hand, "Thank you Your Majesty for your understanding, it's not a pity for the minister's death, but the minister is worried~ Those people will not let go of the minister's family." Therefore, without a valid reason, it is difficult to start. ”

Emperor Yuning sighed, "Actually, I don't want to borrow your hand, after all, Emperor Dezhang still has to rely on Qing to assist." It's just that I'm worried that I can't see the day when the war will end. ”

"Your Majesty, the minister is still worried."

"Oh? Let's hear it. ”

"Your Majesty, Prince Dezhang showed murderous intentions in his letter, and the minister is worried that when the time comes, Prince Dezhang will be young and vigorous, and he can't help it~!" Yu Ban looked at Emperor Yuning, he knew that Emperor Yuning understood what he meant.

Emperor Yuning frowned slightly, "Yes, if Emperor Dezhang gives the order to kill, there will be no way out at all." When the time comes, there will inevitably be a war. Fang Jiye is very cunning, I am afraid that even if Dezhang ascends the throne, he will refuse to come to Beijing under some excuse. ”

"Your Majesty, you didn't notice that their development is strikingly similar to that of Xining Hou Zhao Li. Zhao Li refused to enter Beijing for many years, just to prevent His Majesty from detaining him. Fang Jiye is Duan Lang's father-in-law, both of them are experienced soldiers, no matter who they leave behind, we can't easily move the other. ”

Emperor Yuning rubbed Yintang sadly, and sighed, "Forget it, I don't know how far the war has developed, this is just a big victory, we actually thought of it so far." ”

"Your Majesty, it is best to take precautions, but the minister thinks that while the war is not over, it is better to solve it as soon as possible."

Emperor Yuning was stunned for a moment, then shook his head, "Let's wait and see how the battle develops." Tomorrow, when Emperor Delong returns to the court, let him go to the west to find out the situation first. Aiqing, I'm a little tired, you can step down. ”

Yu Ban saw that Emperor Yuning was a little tired, and he wanted to persuade him, but he had to give up. However, Yu Ban believes that Emperor Yuning has the seeds of suspicion in his heart, and he will never let it go. He has been fighting with Emperor Yuning for so many years, and he knows how terrible Emperor Yuning's scheming is. For the sake of the stability of Great Xia, he knew that Emperor Yuning would definitely keep a hand. Because, from Emperor Yuning's decree of reward, Yu Ban could see that he had begun to lay out.

In the warm pavilion, the lonely Emperor Yuning closed his eyes slightly. Although his body is getting older, his brain is unusually active. When discussing with Yu Ban just now, Emperor Yuning flashed various plans in his mind, one of which Emperor Yuning felt was more secure.

The next morning, Prince Delong, who led 100,000 soldiers and horses from Blue Lake City, returned to Kyoto. Due to the urgency of the war in the west and the need for food, grass, soldiers and horses, Prince Delong stayed in Kyoto for only one night, and then rushed to the capital with a large army. However, to the surprise of the ministers, it was the newly appointed identity of the Seventh Prince Delong given by Emperor Yuning.

Originally, the Seven Princes only led 100,000 soldiers and horses gathered from various capitals to support the Western Front. But unexpectedly, Emperor Yuning actually announced to the world, while denouncing the invasion of the Western Yue army, he appointed the seventh prince Delong as the generalissimo of the soldiers and horses of the Western Front, and ordered the arrow to be recruited on behalf of his father with a golden horse. In this way, Delong, the seventh prince, who was originally just sending troops and grain and grass, suddenly became the top boss of Fang Jiye and Duan Lang. It is even said that even the prince Dezhang did not get this right and honor.

In the city of Kyoto, the people talked a lot, and the two princes fought on behalf of their father, which was enough to show the determination of Great Xia to recover the lost territory. Emperor Yuning's announcement suddenly boosted the hearts of the people.

In Xiangguo's mansion, Yu was drinking tea, and said in his heart that it was no wonder that Emperor Yuning did not disclose this news to him in the warm pavilion, and it was related to Delong's military power, and it seemed that he was worried that he would strongly oppose it. After all, this is a great threat to Prince Dezhang.

Yu Ban held the tea cup in his hand and muttered, "Emperor Yuning, an old fox, let his son take away the military power of other people, so he is not afraid that Fang Jiye will have murderous intentions?" It seems to be a clever move, but it is actually very dangerous. ”

Yu Ban knew that Emperor Yuning must have given Delong an explanation, but military power is not child's play, let alone taking back military power, even if Delong, who has no experience in war, moves indiscriminately, it will arouse the anger of Duan Lang and Fang Jiye.

Yu Ban shook his head with emotion, not understanding how Emperor Yuning arranged the Seven Princes. However, what he has to do now is to quickly write a secret letter to Prince Dezhang. Because it is easy for the golden horse to put down the arrow, I am afraid that Emperor Yuning will not have time to take it back. Regardless of whether Delong has the idea of competing for the emperor, Yu Ban and the crown prince must do a good job of countermeasures.