As a result, the commander of the flying dragon cavalry in the actual sense became Li Huaiguang. His experience, his attitude. It directly determines the temperament of this army. A year later, everyone was surprised to find that the current Flying Dragon Cavalry, in addition to being better in combat than before, was very similar to the Shuofang Army in all other aspects. The order is strict and meticulous. Soldiers are united as relatives. Ben is like a vicious tiger laid off, quiet as a leopard holding its breath. This qiē is directly related to Li Huaiguang. He was militarily obsessed and fanatical. It imbues this army with extraordinary qualities.

For this, Xiao Yunhe is naturally very satisfied. That's what he wants. In the past, the Wyvern Rider was basically only used as an emergency mobile force, and in the event of an emergency, it could suddenly burst out with an astonishing combat effectiveness, which caught the enemy off guard. But now, the Wyvern is no secret. If you don't seek breakthroughs and progress, you will suffer a big loss when you face the enemy again. It just so happened that Li Huaiguang completed this task for him. Li Huaiguang has led troops in Biansai for many years. The way of using soldiers and training soldiers in the dark. He also knew very well what he needed to do to confront the Tibetan and Uighur barbarians in the Gobi and steppe. Thanks to his efforts, the Wyvern has developed the ability to run long distances and fight protracted battles, in the face of complex and changeable situations. It will also be easy to play. The ability of the Wyvern Rider to deal with unexpected situations that may be encountered has also been greatly improved. Or even the resilience of an individual to survive. Nor can it be said in the same day.

To the uninitiated, this may not be a big deal. But this happens to be the result that Xiao Yunhe desires the most. Because if you want to pacify Helong and dominate the Western Regions, without a strong cavalry that can go on an expedition, it will definitely not work!

No matter what kind of big mistakes Li Huaiguang has made, he has tailored such a sonorous iron army for Daqi, which is a great achievement!

At the same time, Li Huaiguang, who is already 62 years old, has once again radiated the passion of a young man and is living a vigorous life. The sloppy old man of yesteryear is gone. The only person known by the Flying Dragoon was the harsh and warm General Li Huaiguang. The king of Shuofang, who was as fierce as a hungry tiger and had an unparalleled momentum, was resurrected again.

On the first day of the lunar month, a cold snap hit. The temperature dropped, and the Kannai was plunged into a bitter cold. However, the army's drills were in full swing and did not stop at all.

In the national capital, it has become a little deserted and depressed. The sudden cold caught many people off guard, and it was difficult to adapt at once. There are many fewer pedestrians and business travelers on the street, and most of them hide at home or go into restaurants, and go to avoid the cold in style.

Xiao Yunhe's Wude Hall study was filled with a fire, warm as spring.

Jingxing's three-year harvest made the hearts of both him and the Manchu courtiers feel relaxed and happy. At this time, he was playing against Wu Yuanheng in the study, sipping tea easily.

During the chat, Wu Yuanheng asked about Li Huaiguang.

"陛xià. Now it seems that Li Huaiguang is really doing a good job in the Flying Dragon Ride. Wu Yuanheng praised without hesitation, "The Flying Dragon Rider, which is already extraordinary in combat effectiveness, seems to have undergone earth-shaking changes since Li Huaiguang. The current Flying Dragon Rider, in addition to the domineering spirit given by His Majesty in the past, has more madness and wildness. If such an army were to go on the battlefield, it would certainly be able to deal a devastating blow to the enemy. From the body to the mind, the ruined miè sex blow. ”

"That's a good point. Xiao Yunhe also smiled proudly, "I just took a fancy to this unique trait of Li Huaiguang. You see, Li Sheng was known for his rigorous management of the army and his ability to be good at strategy and strategy; Ma Sui was good at controlling the enemy in battle and adapting to changes on the fly; and Chu Yan was strong at leading the army in a surprise attack. But when it comes to the temperament of the army, I still admire Li Huaiguang the most. At that time, the Shuofang Army, tens of thousands of men in the whole army, was like a family. Together. Moreover, those Shuofang soldiers are like Li Huaiguang, they have a ruthless and crazy energy, and they have the stupid energy of not being afraid of death and daring to die for their brothers. Such an army is terrible. This is also an important reason why Li Huaiguang has been alone in Shuofang in the face of the attack of the Tibetans and Uighurs for decades. The army under his command is different from others. Strong and horizontal. And it's the kind that melts into a ball of iron and turns into a ball of steel. This is his undefeated weapon against the rough barbarians. ”

"I see. Wu Yuanheng smiled and said, "Weichen finally understands why His Majesty treated Li Huaiguang like that in the first place. ”

"What did I do with him?" Xiao Yunhe asked with a knowing smile.

"Hehe, Weichen is thinking, His Majesty's means. It's really clever. Wu Yuanheng said with a smile, "This reminds Weichen of the story of the Bohai people boiling eagles between the white mountains and black waters." ”

"Well, let's hear it. Xiao Yunhe threw a son on the chessboard and listened to Wu Yuanheng with great interest.

"Between the white mountains and the black waters. There is a kind of eagle named Hai Dongqing. The people of the Bohai Sea and other tribes there worshipped it as if it were a sacred relic. Revere him as a totem of the sacred bird. Wu Yuanheng said, "Hai Dongqing is an extremely fierce bird of prey, and it is very difficult to capture. After being caught, it also has to go through very strict training before it can go out hunting with the hunter. One of the most important things is to starve it. Hungry to the point that he has no oil or water in his stomach, and taming him obediently, he can be allowed to go to the hunting grounds. When the time comes. Hai Dongqing is the most fierce hunter and the most loyal hunter Di Feiying. ”

Xiao Yunhe smiled, did not answer, and only cared about playing chess in his hands. But he was secretly saying in his heart: Wu Yuanheng's analogy is also appropriate. The so-called eagle dog. That's it. To put it bluntly, every minister in the DPRK and China. All are the emperor's eagle dogs. Although this statement is a bit explicit, it is true. A character like Li Huaiguang is a typical Haidongqing. He was so hungry that he panicked in Lingnan before, and then let him go. At first, he just let him be the most humble groom, just like putting a plate of sweet shredded meat in front of the extremely hungry Hai Dongqing, but not giving it to eat. In this way, the hot-tempered Hai Dongqing lost his temper in front of the hunters, and since then he has been dead set on the ground. As long as he grows up, Li Huaiguang, the Haidongqing, can soar into the sky and attack the sky.

Moreover, except for Li Huaiguang, no one else is suitable for this kind of eagle-style treatment. Li Sheng, Ma Sui and others are already famous dogs and BMWs and cannot be abused. Some others do not meet Haidongqing's standards in terms of qualifications.

Xiao Yunhe felt a little proud in his heart, feeling that he was an excellent hunter. This method of boiling eagles in a magical way is the emperor's mental technique that I have used in the past two lifetimes.

The two of them are talking about sex, and chess is also being interesting. Suddenly, a person rushed from afar outside the Wude Palace, shouting: "Report-

Xiao Yunhe frowned: "Something happened?!"

Unless there is an urgent military situation or a serious change, no one dares to make such a noise in the palace.

The two of them abandoned the chess game, and at the same time got up and walked out of the imperial study to the main hall.

Ju Wenzhen was going out and received the messenger. Look at the clothes, it's a soldier in the army. Just as he was about to interrogate, the emperor called from behind: "Ju Wenzhen, let him come in and speak." ”

Xiao Yunhe returned to the main hall and sat down, looking at the pawn who walked in quickly, his face was full of tension and exhaustion, his breathing was short, his steps were heavy, and he seemed to have hurried a long way.

The pawn bowed down, Xiao Yunhe said: "What happened, take your time, don't worry." ”

The pawn looked nervous and hurriedly took out a letter from his arms, and was about to reach out to present it, when he suddenly pounced forward and spit out a mouthful of blood.

Ju Wenzhen's expression changed in fright, and he said angrily: "You little slave, dare to defile the palace with blood!"

"Shut up!" Xiao Yunhe said hurriedly, "Come on, quickly ask this pawn to go down and rest." He was overworked, tired like this. Invite the imperial doctor to heal him, and treat his wounds at any cost. Later, I will have to ask questions myself. The fold was handed over. ”

"Yes!" Ju Wenzhen hurriedly handed over the fold, and then took a few little eunuchs and led the pawn down.

Xiao Yunhe hurriedly opened the fold and looked at it, and his brows immediately locked.

Wu Yuanheng said eagerly: "Your Majesty, what happened?"

Xiao Yunhe handed him the fold and said, "Come and see for yourself." No wonder this pawn ran directly in front of me, it turned out to be an urgent report from a foreign envoy, and he wanted to present it directly to me. The other guards and yamen did not dare to stop it. ”

Wu Yuanheng opened it and looked at it, and his eyes widened in astonishment: "Actually...... Xiao Yunhe stood up and paced back and forth a few steps with his hands on his back, his brows tightly locked. Wu Yuanheng stood quietly aside, paying close attention to the emperor's behavior.

After a while, Xiao Yunhe raised his eyelids and ordered, "Bo Cang, I want to convene a pre-imperial meeting immediately." You go and prepare. ”

"Weichen obeys the order!" Wu Yuanheng didn't dare to slack off, and hurriedly left the Wude Hall and went out to prepare.

Xiao Yunhe paced slowly, walked out of the Wude Palace, and walked towards the Hongwen Pavilion. A cold wind blew, and some fallen leaves in the imperial garden outside the Wude Hall in the imperial city were lifted into the sky, flying thousands of times. The overcast sky was full of dark clouds, as if it was about to rain.

Xiao Yunhe secretly said in his heart: What should come will always come. Well, I'm ready. From now on, I want to get back what should belong to me and to Daqi!

The terrible north wind whistled into the walls of the imperial city. The lanterns swayed in the wind, illuminating the figures of the people. Several rows of ironclad guards ran nervously and orderly to the front of the Hongwen Pavilion, lined up in two neat rows. A solemn atmosphere arose.

Xiao Yunhe wore a mink coat and walked into the Hongwen Pavilion with a stern expression. When I looked up, Prime Minister Lu Zhen, Ma Sui, Li Sheng and the other six Shangshu, as well as Zhongshu and the officials under the door were all there. Three large stoves were raised in the spacious council chamber to drive away the bitter cold of winter.

When the ministers saw the emperor arrive, they bowed down together. Xiao Yunhe strode past between them, and said, "All the ministers are exempt from courtesy." There is a reason for today's events, so I specially invited you to hold a royal meeting overnight. In fact, there is no need for him to say it, everyone has thought of it. The Emperor had not convened a pre-imperial council for a year or two. If it weren't for something important, they would probably all go home and lie down on the kang at this time today.

Xiao Yunhe sat upright, glanced around at everyone, and said, "Just now, I received an urgent letter from the northern envoy. For specific reasons, please listen to one person. Ju Wenzhen, invite that pawn. ”

Ju Wenzhen left in response. Soon after, the messenger was invited. After the ceremony, Xiao Yunhe ordered him to tell the truth about the matter.

Seeing such a formation, the lowly-born pawn was a little nervous. He trembled for a while before he said, "The villain Zhou Wang is the horse pawn of Lord Guo Feng Guo of Honglu Temple. Half a year ago, the villain accompanied Master Guo to the Uighurs, asking the Uighurs to send troops to help Beiting. Originally, things were very smooth. Unexpectedly, about a month ago, the Uighurs suddenly had a serious incident!"

Lu Zhen, Li Sheng and the others asked in unison, "What's the matter?"

The pawn swallowed a mouthful of saliva and said, "His Majesty canonized the Uighur Loyal Khan, who was assassinated by his brother and usurped. At that time, the Uighurs fulfilled His Majesty's request and led a large army led by the great minister Jiegan Gas to attack Tibet in the west. Go to the Rescue North Courtyard. After the loyal brother killed his brother and usurped the throne, he put Guo and his party under house arrest, fearing that after Guo returned to the court, he would inform His Majesty of the matter, and that my Daqi would intervene in the abolition of the Uighurs. At the same time, the Uighurs embraced the son of the loyal khan with the intention of restoration. At present, the Uighur Golden Horde is in a state of chaos. The conquest continued to fight all day long. Lord Guo took advantage of the chaos to send the villain out and sent an urgent letter to His Majesty. That's the way it is. ”

Xiao Yunhe said with a solemn expression: "Did you hear it clearly?"

"Clear. The ministers replied. Xiao Yunhe then asked the pawn to retreat.

"At first glance, it sounds like it's none of my business. Xiao Yunhe said, "But after a little thought, you will understand that there is a stake in this with Daqi." Especially deeply. First, I am responsible for such a change in the Golden Horde. If I hadn't sent an envoy to ask the Uighurs to attack Tibet to rescue Beiting, I believe that the loyal khan would not have died. Second, the Loyal Khan was canonized by me personally. The Uighurs have always regarded our Daqi as their suzerain. In the event of such civil strife in the Uighurs, it is our responsibility to clean up the gates. Third, the current situation in the Helong and Western Regions is quite complicated. I also counted on the Uighurs to help me. Let's fight against Tibet. If the Uighur civil strife collapsed from then on, the Great Qi would face great pressure. From then on, it will be very difficult to fight against the many forces in the Western Regions alone. Therefore, we cannot sit idly by and ignore the matter of the Uighur civil strife. ”

"What His Majesty said is very true. Li Sheng bowed his hand, and wanted to speak loudly, but unexpectedly coughed violently.

Everyone looked at Li Sheng in surprise. Xiao Yunhe said even more worriedly: "If the good instrument is not in good health, you might as well go back and rest." ”

"Wechen is fine. Li Sheng finally held back a violent cough and said hoarsely, "The Uighurs occupy the vast grasslands and have always been reconciled with me. It is the northern barrier of my Great Qi. and the most important comrade-in-arms in the Northwest Territory. The lips are dead and the teeth are cold, and the Uighurs are in civil strife. I can't sit idly by. The loyal khan was canonized by His Majesty himself, and now he was murdered, which is tantamount to challenging His Majesty. At such times, I must not back down!"

Ma Sui also said: "Li Liangqi is reasonable! Your Majesty, Wei Chen recognizes that although there is a crisis now, it is not an opportunity. His Majesty could take advantage of this opportunity to march northward and expand his influence and control over the Uighurs. In the past, the Uighurs only symbolically asked me to help them canonize their khans. But now, His Majesty can justifiably raise up the king's master, go to the rebellion to suppress the usurper, and appoint a new king. In this way, you can earn great prestige and trust. As His Majesty said, for the sake of emotion, reason, and law, it is necessary for my Daqi to send troops to the north!"

Li Sheng raised his hand and was about to speak, but he coughed violently again, and finally coughed up blood. Xiao Yunhe hurriedly ordered someone to hold him up, and asked him to go down to rest. Li Sheng stubbornly refused to leave the table, and Xiao Yunhe had to forcibly take him away. Seeing that his health was worried, Xiao Yunhe and the ministers were secretly anxious in their hearts.

After Li Sheng left, Xiao Yunhe retracted his mind and said, "The opinion of Li Sheng and Ma Sui just now is that Jian Yì sent troops north. We will continue to discuss what to do. Lu Zhen, you are in charge of the subordinate province and specialize in admonishment. Tell me your opinion. ”

Lu Zhen stood up and said with a stern expression: "Your Majesty." The Uighur civil strife is tantamount to my elbows and armpits. Although the disease is not large, it should also attract sufficient attention. Wechen believed that the Tibetans had also received news of the Uighur civil strife at this time. As expected, the Tibetans will definitely make a move. Figuratively, they would storm the North Court while the Uighur army returned to the Golden Horde. If Tubo takes the North Garden, then the Anxi area will be completely isolated from now on. The Great Qi and the Uighurs wanted to send troops to the rescue, but they were beyond the reach of the whip. The North Courtyard is an important gateway that cannot be missed. Therefore, on the surface, this seems to be a Uighur civil strife, but in fact it is also related to the safety of our Great Qi in the Western Regions. Although Wechen has never advocated war, this time, there is no other way but to send troops to intervene!"

Xiao Yunhe was not in a hurry to express his position after hearing this, he looked at Xue Cuncheng and said, "Your opinion?"

Xue Cuncheng got up and said, "This time, Weichen also agrees with Lu Xianggong's words. The Uighur affairs are, in fact, the affairs of our great unity. Moreover, this crisis is not an opportunity for me to gather together. Taking advantage of this opportunity, we can rebuild the prestige of Great Qi among the barbarians in the Four Directions and re-establish the hegemony of our Great Qi. In any case, it is time to send troops north. ”

Xiao Yunhe nodded slowly: "The two people who have always been the most opposed to the war have advocated that I send troops north. Let's put it this way. Did everyone agree? Who has an opinion, stand up and say. Whatever the proposition and position, I would like to hear it. ”

The scene suddenly became quiet. The ministers look at the nose and the nose and the heart, and do not squint.

After a while, the Chinese scholar Kong Chao's father shook out slowly, and said vaguely: "Your Majesty, the old minister has a word to admonish." ”

"Speak. Xiao Yunhe glanced at Kong Chao's father carefully. Suddenly I realized that this old man was really too old. I hadn't paid attention to him for a few days, but I didn't expect him to grow old like this.

"Obey!" Kong Chao's father seemed to be a little excited, probably because he hadn't been noticed by the emperor for too long. He said: "Your Majesty, please forgive the old minister. The Uighur civil strife was a family affair. Since ancient times, it has been a strong dragon that does not suppress the head snake and closes the door to settle household affairs. Although I am considered to be the suzerainty of the Uighurs. Over the years, however, the Uighurs have been self-reliant and self-reliant, and I have not been able to worry much about it. To put it mildly, the Uighurs have been in full swing all these years, and it is not my turn to worry about them. Right now they are in civil strife. If I hastily intervene with troops, it will certainly arouse the dissatisfaction and resentment of the Uighurs. Moreover, the barbarians of all states will also think that we are interfering in the internal affairs of others by bullying the weak. Such a crime. It is no different from invading the territory of another country. Therefore, His Majesty had to be cautious. ”

Xiao Yunhe frowned slightly, and said, "What you said is not unreasonable. Morally speaking, although our Daqi has a reason to send troops to intervene. But from the analysis of the facts over the years, it may attract some criticism. But at this time, we can't take the real thing for the sake of fame. You just heard that, too. If we sit idly by, we don't know how long the Uighur civil strife will last. When the time comes, the North Court will inevitably fall. The thousands of miles of fertile fields in the Western Regions are not under my control, and I can only let people eat meat. This is the obvious and poignant truth. After saying these words, there was still some anger in my heart: A sour Confucian like Kong Chao's father, the first thing that comes to mind when facing the political incident is fame. Fame is important, but it is more important than the interests of dà. And what's it?

Kong Chao's father originally wanted to make a show to win the emperor's attention and favor, but he didn't expect to touch his nose. I had to retreat boredly.

Xiao Yunhe was already a little dissatisfied with this Kong Chao's father early on, and said deliberately provocatively: "Han Chaozhong, what is your opinion?"

Han Chaozhong was stunned for a moment, and he was a little at a loss. After Pei Du went to Caizhou, he took over the post of Zhongshu Sheren and served with ink in the emperor's imperial study. Originally, he was not qualified to participate in such a royal meeting, and if it wasn't for the lack of a clerk, he wouldn't be able to get in. So the emperor suddenly asked him, and he was really a little panicked and at a loss.

Han Chaozhong stood up, and more than a dozen pairs of eyes looked at him in unison, making him feel like a man's back. He also knew in his heart that the emperor was dissatisfied with Kong Chao's father, so he ordered a junior official from Zhongshu Province to come out and speak. Now, no matter how he speaks, he has to offend people, and he is really troubled. After a while, he opened his mouth and said, "Return to Your Majesty." Wechen thought that the Uighur matter should not be delayed, and that it should be resolved by force as soon as possible. If it continues, there may be many other unexpected changes. ”

Xiao Yunhe's face was expressionless: "So, you also agree with sending troops north?"

"Exactly. Han Chaozhong gritted his teeth and said these two words. In the end, he would rather offend Kong Chao's father than be bored in front of the emperor. Kong Chao's father's face suddenly turned green. A small official under him actually contradicted himself in public, which was really shameless.

Xiao Yunhe raised his hand to signal him to retreat, and then said: "According to this, everyone's opinions are basically unified, and they are all in favor of sending troops north?"

Now, no one dares to stand up and say that they disagree. Kong Chao's father relied on the old man to sell the old and wanted to be in the limelight, but he was humiliated by the emperor lightly. This posture is obvious, in fact, the emperor's intention to send troops to the north is already very resolute, and whoever rises against the wind at this time is boring for himself.

Kong Chao's father had already lowered his head, scolding himself in his heart for being a live pig, but he couldn't even figure out this holy will.

The night has gone deep, and the Hongwen Pavilion is still bright. At this moment, the gate of the national capital, which had long been closed, suddenly opened, and a horse rushed in, holding a flickering torch in his hand, and shouted loudly: "Emergency, emergency, border emergency!"

The Suzaku Gate of the national capital suddenly opened, and this horse rushed into the palace without any hindrance, until it reached the front of the Hongwen Pavilion. Prime Minister Lu Zhen hurriedly greeted him and received an urgent arrival. I just glanced at it, and I was almost dumbfounded, and my feet were a little staggering. He Chu Yan fought a cold war, and ran into the Hongwen Pavilion with his feet.

"Your Majesty, something is wrong!" Lu Zhen rarely panicked like this. He hurried forward and handed a letter to the emperor.

Xiao Yunhe took it with a solemn expression, and immediately took the case: "Bastard!"

All the ministers were shocked, and they didn't know what was going on.

Xiao Yunhe didn't bother to go around, and said loudly: "The untrustworthy and unrighteous Tubo people really took advantage of the chaos to attack my North Garden. And ten days ago, the North Court was captured!"

"Ah!" the ministers were shocked.

"Han Chaozhong, read!" Xiao Yunhe threw away the fold and sat down angrily.

Han Chaozhong nervously picked up the fold from the ground and read it aloud: "Yang Feng, the secretary of the Honglu Temple of Weichen, will die in the long live of my emperor: November 19 of the third year of Jingxing." The Tubo army entangled the white-suited barbarians, Qarluq, Shatuo and other tribes, and suddenly led the army to storm the north court when the Tubo minister Jie Ganjiasi waved his troops back to save the Golden Horde. Thousands of remnants of the North Court fought to the death, and almost all the troops were wiped out. By the time Weichen learned the news, Beiting had already fallen into the hands of thieves! Now, the Uighur minister Jie Gangars was leading an army to rescue the Golden Horde, and it was not yet known what would happen to the abolition of the Uighur Khan. ”

Everyone exclaimed: "As expected!"

"It seems that there is no longer a need to discuss whether or not to send troops. Xiao Yunhe's eyes were like knives, and he gritted his teeth and said, "The north wind is the horn." It's time for me to do something that needs to be done!"

Everyone's nerves suddenly tightened. The atmosphere in the Hongwen Pavilion also became tense.

"The three armies have not moved, and the grain and grass go first. Xiao Yunhe said loudly, "Hubu Shangshu Wang Yi!"

"Weichen is here!" Wang Ye is also a person from the army, and his voice is extremely loud.

"I command you to recruit 30,000 men within twelve hours. 300,000 stone of grain and grass, 100,000 sets of winter clothes, and 5 million yuan of military salaries. In preparation for the Northern Expedition. ”

Wang Ye was dumbfounded for a moment: "So many things, twelve hours?......"

"I've given me plenty of time. Xiao Yunhe said sternly, "You must know that the military situation is like fire." Every moment there is the possibility that lives are being lost and the situation is changing. Twelve hours, even if you miss half a moment, you won't want to see me again!"

Cold sweat suddenly flowed from Wang Ye's forehead, and after bowing down, he left in a hurry. For him, these twelve hours are tantamount to life and death, and he does not dare to delay for a moment.

Seeing that the emperor was so resolute, the ministers all sweated for Wang Ye in their hearts. Since the emperor ascended the throne, he has never been sorry for any courtier. This time, he issued such a strict order, which is enough to see how much he attached importance to the dispatch of troops to the Northern Expedition.

For a while, there was silence in the Hongwen Pavilion. The ministers all held their breath and waited for the emperor to say what happened next.

"The matter of sending troops north to the Uighurs was originally the responsibility of Shangshu of the Ministry of War, Li Sheng, the general of the Zuoshen Guard, and Chu Yan, the general of the Zuoshen Wuwei. Xiao Yunhe said, "But now, Chu Yan is far away in Fengxiang, and Li Sheng is unwell and can't be a director." Such a major event cannot be done without a minister in charge. Wu Yuanheng. ”

Wu Yuanheng's heart was shocked, and he hurriedly dodged and stood up: "Weichen is here." ”

"I appointed you as the military secretary of Shangshu Zuo Chengping, who was in charge of all matters of the Northern Expeditionary Army. Xiao Yunhe said, "From now on." The Northern Expeditionary Military Aircraft Department was established, led by you and Ma Sui, and all the officials of the Ministry of War were involved. More than 700,000 soldiers and horses and all the people's grain and grass can be mobilized at will. The Manchu ministers and all the generals must obey your orders. The order was stamped with the seal of the Hongwen Pavilion, and I had to personally review and affix the jade seal before it could take effect. ”

Wu Yuanheng didn't dare to say more, so he had to give up. Originally, after he returned from the Eastern Crusade. Xiao Yunhe intended to appoint him as Shangshu's right servant, and he was on an equal footing with Ma Sui to manage the government. But Concubine Wu Qiyun raised objections, and Wu Yuanheng himself resolutely refused to accept it, so he gave up. As a result, after returning to the dynasty, Wu Yuanheng even lost his previous ministry as a secretary. Only got a false title from the Shaoqing of Sipin Guanglu Temple, accompanied by the emperor all day long, and was responsible for arranging the food and living of the emperor and the palace people and the heavy banquet. Now the emperor appointed him to the position of Shangshu Zuocheng, that is, the official position second only to the servant, and was the deputy of the highest governor of Shangshu Province. Ping Junguo Chapter. It is to let him specialize in military affairs, which is equivalent to the vice chairman of the Military Commission of Daqi, and is one level higher than Li Sheng, the Minister of Defense (Shangshu of the Ministry of War).

For this personnel appointment of the emperor. Although everyone was a little surprised, they didn't think it was unreasonable when they thought about it. ... Originally, Wu Yuanheng was the emperor's most trusted person, and his contribution to winning the land during the Eastern Expedition was very huge, which was enough to be qualified for this position. Because Ma Sui was in charge of the Right God Guard, it was not convenient for him to directly take charge of the Northern Expedition. Let him partner with Wu Yuanheng is also to facilitate Wu Yuanheng to mobilize military resources and troops in other regions of Daqi.

The establishment of the Northern Expeditionary Military Aircraft Department also marked that Xiao Yunhe had made up his mind to start cleaning up the affairs of Helong and the Western Regions. A heavy burden. pressed on Wu Yuanheng's shoulder again.

"The staffing and deployment of the Northern Expeditionary Army are all agreed upon by your military aircraft department. Xiao Yunhe continued, "After the agreement, report it to me. Everything must be done within twelve hours. This time tomorrow. I want to see the Northern Expeditionary Army, which has been launched. ”

Wu Yuanheng, Ma Sui and others each had a sinking heart, and they all agreed to it.

Xiao Yunhe glanced at Wu Yuanheng intently. Nodding slightly, he said, "That's probably how things are arranged." Let's go back. From now on, public holidays and shifts will be cancelled. If there are special circumstances that require the Minister to take a leave of absence, he must report to me for personal approval. The six ministries of the three provinces and the various yamen all focused their work on supporting the Northern Expedition. From now on, all construction works on the royal gardens and buildings that are ready to start or are under construction will be stopped. If the Northern Expedition does not stop for a day, the project will not be carried out for a day. Save a qiē flower consumption degree and fully support the Northern Expedition!"

"Obey the order!" all the ministers bowed together to receive the decree. In their hearts, they said in their hearts: In all these years, the emperor has never been so determined to do something as he is now. It seems that this Northern Expedition ...... It is the most important event since Jingxing!

The matter is all explained, and the Imperial Council is over. Everyone felt a burden on their backs, and their bodies were heavy.

"Lu Zhen, you stay. I have something else to ask you. When the ministers were about to retreat, Xiao Yunhe summoned Lu Zhen.

Lu Zhen stepped forward and bowed his hand and said, "Your Majesty, but there is a teaching, and Weichen listens attentively." ”

"There is indeed one thing, I would like to hear what you have to say. Xiao Yunhe said, "It's about the selection of the marshal of the Northern Expeditionary Army." ”

Lu Zhen was slightly stunned: "Your Majesty, Weichen doesn't understand military affairs, and he is not from the Military Aircraft Department." Something like that...... It's hard to guess. ”

"It's because you're an outsider that I'm asking for your opinion. Xiao Yunhe said, "The military is always for the sake of government." Any war with a purpose will also lead to changes in the current situation. I will not fight just for the sake of war, nor will I ignore the series of changes that may be triggered behind the war. Although you don't understand military affairs, your political consciousness surpasses everyone else. Let's talk about the Northern Expedition, who is more appropriate?"

Lu Zhen twisted his brows and pondered, the expression on his face was ever-changing. He was afraid that the emperor would see his embarrassed expression, so he lowered his head.

"What, is there something unspeakable?" Xiao Yunhe asked.

"No, Weichen doesn't dare. In fact, between Lu Zhen and Xiao Yunhe, it is tacit. As early as the eastward expedition to Huaixi, Lu Zhen saw the meaning of the emperor's employment, that is, to balance the strength of the court and the harem. The emperor came to ask him about the commander of the Northern Expeditionary Army at this time, and his intention was nothing more than that.

Lu Zhen thought quickly in his heart: "Now the power of the court is gradually becoming more and more influenced by the harem. The noble concubine Wu and the virtuous concubine Guo. With the support of the two wealthy families in the national capital, the power is in full swing. Although the Guo and Wu families are not strong in the court and the army, as the two largest clans in the national capital, their influence on politics is still very strong. Especially after Wu Guifei gave birth to the third prince Li Qi, she was even more favored by the emperor. The status of Wu and Guo's second concubines has been as stable as a rock and indestructible since then. However, the biggest drawback of Guo and Wu's family. It's just that the subordinates didn't do a very good job of generalizing their sons and nephews. Only Guo Gang, the general of Zuojin Wuwei who has a little military power and military experience, is also a half-hanger, and he must not be in command......"

"Concubine Shugu Moyi, it all depends on me and Ma Sui and others to help. Among the three provinces and six departments, there are many courtiers of our department. Concubine Shu's power is also slowly growing, and the status of the emperor's eldest son, Li Duodi, is also rising. Ma Sui led the battle to recover Hebei, and his exploits were enough to mark the annals of history, and his popularity in the army had reached its peak. This time. It is absolutely inconvenient to let Ma Sui take command anymore. Others, such as Li Guangjin and Li Guangyan, are qualified, but their responsibilities are also very heavy. can't pull away, Duan Zuo and Lu Sigong are not enough to be in charge. In other words, we can't send anyone in our department......"

"Then as soon as the liquidation is settled, only the Wu clan will remain. After Wu Yuanheng returned from the Eastern Expedition, his popularity in the DPRK and China exploded, and his prestige grew. He served as a servant and shot into the main cabinet, and that was a matter of time. In particular, he also presided over the Chunqiu imperial examination, and there will be more and more protégés. And. This is exactly what the emperor wants to see. Because the Wu family is withering, if the strength is too weak, it will only fall into a dead end in the harem, and it will be difficult for the second prince Li Huai to have a foothold. Since the emperor intends to balance the power comparison between the harem and the court, why don't I be a favor. Recommend Wu Yuanheng to take command......?

Lu Zhen pondered for a long time and didn't speak, and Xiao Yunhe was not in a hurry. Wait there quietly.

After a while, Lu Zhen's heart suddenly lit up, raised his head and said, "Your Majesty already has the most suitable candidate in your heart, so why ask Weichen again?" Xiao Yunhe asked quietly: "How can you see it?"

Lu Yi smiled and said confidently: "At the foot of Zhongnan Mountain, thousands of horses are galloping. Among the 10,000 horses, there is a fierce tiger, isn't it specially raised by His Majesty for the Northern Expedition?"

"Hahaha!" Xiao Yunhe suddenly laughed out loud, "Knower, Lu Jiuye! So, you also approve of me reactivating that tiger to deal with the wild wolves in the desert and grassland?"

"Wei Chen agrees very much! The commander of the Northern Expedition army is none other than him!" Lu Zhen said categorically, and he also put down a big stone in his heart. He sighed to himself: It's okay, it's okay, I finally remembered that there is such a special character. Wu Yuanheng sat in charge of the military affairs in the DPRK and China, so how could he be in command and go out to the wilderness? The Northern Expedition was different from the Eastern Expedition, and it required people with extremely high military qualities to get things done, and Wu Yuanheng was obviously a little behind. Li Huaiguang, Li Huaiguang! He seems to have been specially given by God to Daqi to deal with foreign enemies! There is no need to say much about his military talents. Analysis from the perspective of the political situation between the DPRK and China...... Li Huaiguang does not belong to any faction, and he has bottomed out and started all over again. Regardless of whether he will rise or fall, it will not have a serious impact on the overall situation of the court. It is precisely because of this that Li Huaiguang will not have too much land and political burden after he goes on the expedition. He is relaxed, the emperor is relaxed, and the ministers of the Manchu Dynasty and those princes and concubines are also relaxed. There is only one situation, and some subtle circumstances may arise -- that is, Li Huaiguang returned from a great victory in the Northern Expedition, and since then he has risen again and stood tall in the court. When the time comes, will he, Li Huaiguang, still not worship Wu Yuanheng, who has the grace of knowing and recreating him, as a god? In this way, Wu Yuanheng, a Confucian marshal who had already mixed in the army, would also have the support of forces in the army. The strength of the three veins of the harem is balanced. This is enough to see that the emperor still does not have the heart to establish a queen and a prince. He had to observe and compare for a long time, and it would be years before he made a decision.

Xiao Yunhe looked at Lu Zhen with deep eyes, nodded and said, "Good, good, very good." Three good words were uttered in a row.

Lu Zhen finally sighed secretly: "How can Weichen be virtuous, don't dare to be praised by His Majesty." It is His Majesty's eyes that are as wise as a torch. He finally understood how profound the emperor's intentions were. He left Li Huaiguang behind to raise horses and train soldiers, in addition to military needs, his political intentions were also quite clear. With such a scheming and long-term emperor, why can't Daqi have long-term peace and stability?