Of course, the defenders of Yanmen Pass were not limited to the Mu family, the battle on both sides started quickly, the captain and the general led the military order to go out of the city to meet the enemy, and Mu Chengfang, who was seriously ill, dragged the sick body to command.

This battle was fought for five days, and Mu Chengfang sat on the sand table of the headquarters of Yanmen Pass Tower for five days, and military orders were issued from here, and the messenger conveyed them to the soldiers who met the enemy in front of the battle. Under the command of the experienced and famous general Mu Chengfang, the defenders of the Great Zhou Dynasty won a complete victory, and the small tribes that came to attack lost nearly half of their troops and had to retreat to the grassland, while the defenders of Yanmen Pass suffered very few casualties. However, after a few days of exhausting efforts to continuously command the battle, Mu Chengfang's body collapsed rapidly, and several months of recuperation were almost in vain, and he became more sick than before.

The Rong Di people in Yanmen Pass retreated, and the Rong Di people near Youzhou also ran away without a trace, An Guogong ordered his son Mu Tieyi to lead the troops to chase, and he quickly returned to Yanmen Pass. However, when he returned, he saw his unconscious brother and busy and anxious doctors.

The doctors bluntly said this time that Mu Chengfang's current physical condition is no longer suitable for living in the north for a long time, he can't be tired, can't think too much, and can't go into battle to meet the enemy in person, he needs careful treatment and recuperation, otherwise it will be difficult to save his life, let alone recovering his health.

However, for the unconscious Mu Chengfang, the doctor was also in a dilemma. They hoped that Mu Chengfang would be able to return to the Central Plains with a pleasant and warm climate as soon as possible to recuperate and recuperate, as the bitter cold climate in the north would aggravate his condition. However, Mu Chengfang's current condition is extremely unsuitable for the tiring journey, and the bumpy journey is likely to further worsen his condition.

The worried doctors even did not shy away from telling An Guogong that even if they did their best, even if Mu Chengfang could move to the most ideal environment for recuperation, no longer bear the heavy responsibility of the Northern Economic Envoy, no longer practice martial arts, and no longer think too much, he could only prolong his life for a few more years, and his body had deteriorated to this point, and it was impossible to heal.

An Guogong listened to the doctor's words, sat in front of his younger brother's bed with a dejected face, and did not speak for a whole hour, so he looked at Mu Chengfang who was in a coma in silence and sadness. He knows Mu Chengfang, knows what is the most important thing in Mu Chengfang's heart, and knows what choice Mu Chengfang will make if he knows his condition.

Therefore, an hour later, the tired and sad An Guo publicly issued the first order: "Send a message to Shuozhou, let Zhengyi and Tsing Yi come together." Also, when will Chengfang wake up. ”

"Grandpa Guo," the old doctor, who had been ill for many years for the Mu family and went to the north for Mu Chengfang, couldn't help but speak: "What are you...... You ......"

"When will I wake up?" An Guogong's voice was hoarse, and he repeated his question slowly.

"If Grandpa Guo wants to be sober, then the next time we take medicine, we can adjust the prescription." The imperial doctor sighed and replied, "Actually, let the meridian make you fall asleep, and the pain will be less." ”

"I need Cheng Fang's opinion on the successor of the Northern Economic Envoy." An Guogong didn't even dare to look back at the eyes of the doctors, so he stared at Mu Chengfang's face and replied dryly. 17

The doctors sighed, didn't say anything more, and turned around and went out to boil the medicine. Two hours later, Mu Chengfang woke up, he glanced at An Guogong, who was sitting directly in front of his bed, and without waiting for An Guogong to speak, he opened his mouth first: "Big brother, how is it in Youzhou?" ”

"Good." An Guogong grinned at his younger brother, but he almost burst into tears: "The children are all out of breath, Tieyi and Chiyi are very good." The Rongdi people retreated, and the losses were not big, so I let Tieyi go out of the city and chase for fifty miles, but they all ran out and did not catch up. ”

"Hmm." A smile appeared on the corner of Mu Chengfang's lips: "When they all grow up, they can be independent." However, if you want to be a good general, it is not enough to be brave, you must be able to fight on horseback, and you must also be able to command. Eldest brother...... You're going to have to worry about it in the future......"

"Four of us brothers, if you talk about the art of war command, you are the strongest." An Guogong smiled and said, "With you, where are the children willing to learn from me." Tsing Yi, this kid is with you, he is so promising at a young age, and the military advisors in the old four mansions all praise him. ”

"Heh......" Mu Chengfang smiled and sighed: "He is still young, and there is still a lot to learn." It's a pity...... I'm afraid it'......."

"What nonsense!" An Guogong interrupted Mu Chengfang's words: "The doctor said, your physical condition is indeed very bad, so you have to take care of yourself." The climate in the north is harsh, and it is not suitable for recuperation, so I have thought about it, and when you are better, let Zhengyi escort you back to Beijing to recuperate, and stay in Beijing for a few more days. Your son has been married to his daughter-in-law for more than a year, and you, who are father-in-law, should also go back and take a look, so that you can recognize your relatives. ”

"Big brother," Mu Chengfang smiled and replied calmly, "I know my own body." ”

"You don't understand, what are you thinking?" An Guogong tried his best to make his face look relaxed, but if he had to say it, he still had to say: "Chengfang, I want you to go back to Beijing to recuperate, but your illness may be difficult to recover in a year or two. After you go back, you can recuperate, don't worry about things here, there are me and the third and fourth children. But I have to discuss with you first, who do you think is suitable for Chengxin and Chengde to succeed as the envoy of the Northern Territory. ”

In fact, Mu Chengfang understands very well, he understands that the eldest brother is already thinking about the successor of the Economic Strategy, so I'm afraid he really won't be better. But in order not to make An Guogong even more sad, he still looked calm, looked at the bed tent and thought carefully for a while before replying: "Chengxin and Chengde both have their own advantages, in fact, anyone can do it, but the northern border is slightly complicated, and no matter who comes, a lot of energy will be consumed." ”

"Then do you think the fourth child is more suitable? He's younger, he's got a lot of energy. An Guogong asked: "Shuozhou has the greatest military pressure, if the fourth child succeeds him as the envoy, then it is better for me to go to Shuozhou to stay in it." ”

"Nope." Mu Chengfang shook his head: "It's better for Chengde not to move if he succeeds as the envoy." Cheng Xin is thoughtful, and there is nothing wrong with him succeeding him. Shuozhou's defense is under great pressure, and it is best for the fourth fierce general to sit in person. As for the eldest brother, it is most appropriate to patrol the three states like now, so that the children can gradually take on the burden of Youzhou, a good general still has more experience, and some of the local affairs of Youzhou can also gradually let the children learn to deal with it. It's just that in this way, the pressure on the eldest brother and the third brother is greater. Alas! When I think of my children, I always have a lot of worries......"