After reading the express report, Xiao Yunhe Chu Yan's body suddenly tensed, and his hands snapped and grabbed the express newspaper in his hand, glaring angrily. It looks like it's about to have a seizure.

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger!" Lu Zhen beside him hurriedly reminded softly. Xiao Yunhe came back to his senses and glanced at the stunned and panicked Jinshi students in front of the hall. Pressed the rage.

"That's all for today, I will come back tomorrow, and then I will continue the temple test. Lu Zhen, you can arrange these jinshi first. Xiao Yunhe threw down a sentence and walked out of the Martial Arts Hall quickly.

"Ju Wenzhen, Lu Zhen in the servant, Ma Sui in the left servant, Li Sheng, the secretary of the military department, Xue Cuncheng, the doctor of Yiyi, and Wu Yuanheng, the secretary of the ministry. Xiao Yunhe walked fast and spoke quickly, "Let them come to the Hongwen Pavilion to discuss the matter." ”

"The villain obeys!" Ju Wenzhen hurriedly bowed. Ran as fast as he could. It had been a long time since he had seen the emperor so excited and angry as he was now. Presumably, what happened this time was very serious.

It didn't take long for Lu Zhen and others to rush to Hongwen Hall. Seeing the emperor's expression, I couldn't help but jump in my heart: The emperor is so angry today!

"Let's all take a look!" Xiao Yunhe threw the express newspaper in his hand in front of Lu Zhen and the others. said hatefully, "Wu Shaocheng is a puppet." It's so bold that I almost let him be the emperor!"

Li Sheng was quick, he picked it up and read it first, and his face was also angry: "This horseman! is so rude!

Ma Sui was also furious when he saw it: "It's against this guy, Your Majesty, please order the dispatch of troops to recruit Wu Shaocheng to set foot in the town of Rebellion!"

Lu Zhen, Wu Yuanheng and the others looked at it in turn, and the expressions on their faces also changed, but they were not in a hurry to speak.

Xiao Yunhe sulked for a long time, but found that Lu Zhen, Wu Yuanheng and the others didn't speak, and couldn't help but wonder: "Lu Zhen, Wu Yuanheng, Xue Cuncheng, why don't you speak?"

Lu Zhen bowed his hand and said, "Your Majesty is angry, where can you listen to other opinions?" Therefore, the ministers are waiting for Your Majesty to calm down before starting to admonish. ”

Xiao Yunhe was slightly stunned, but also reined in his thoughts, and said, "Okay, I'm not so angry now. If you have anything to say, just say it. ”

Lu Zhen glanced to the side and motioned for Wu Yuanheng to step forward and speak. Over the past few days, Lu Zhen and Wu Yuanheng have also cherished each other and had some personal friendships. There is also some tacit understanding between the two. Just now, the emperor walked away angrily in the Wude Palace, and Lu Zhen and Wu Yuanheng were present. The emperor was in a hurry, and the two urgently discussed a few words before they came to see the emperor. Therefore, a unified opinion has long been reached.

Xiao Yunhe also saw Lu Zhen's small action, and said, "Lu Zhen, I let you speak, why did you let Wu Yuanheng come out?"

Lu Zhen smiled and said, "Weichen doesn't understand military affairs, so he doesn't dare to make nonsense and make comments. Master Wu was deeply gloomy, and it was no longer suitable for him. ”

Xiao Yunhe couldn't help laughing: "You are a real person. Okay, Wu Yuanheng, just tell me, what tacit understanding have you reached with Lu Zhen?"

Wu Yuanheng stood up, bowed his hand and said indifferently: "Weichen did have some discussions with Lu Xianggong. Our opinion is: this is not a time to speak. ”

"Why?" asked Xiao Yunhe in a calm voice.

"Because I can't afford to fight. Wu Yuanheng replied very simply, and said, "Last year, although the imperial court had some harvests, it was immediately put into spring ploughing production after the beginning of spring, and it would cost a lot of money and grain to form Long Xiangwei. Waste is waiting to be rebuilt, and it has to be spent everywhere. This year, there is no huge corruption in the imperial court that can be punished, and it can only rely on its own ability to earn money and food. As soon as the war starts, everything will be wasted and slowed down. His Majesty was born in a horse, and he knew better than Weichen that marching and fighting was the most expensive way to consume money and food. An army of 100,000 people must invest at least 100,000 people to transport military supplies to him. The food, clothing, shelter and transportation of these 200,000 people are more than the consumption of 2 million people. If only a small force is sent to conquer and suppress, it is rare to have any effect. Therefore, there is no war to speak of now. ”

Lu Zhen also stood up and said, "Your Majesty, not only can't you fight right now, but you can't fight. After the imperial court implemented innovations and reforms, it took a year to finally get a moment of peace and calm. The people had just enjoyed a brief period of calm and could no longer be disturbed by the war. War must be tempered, and now, there must be no war. ”

Xue Cuncheng also expressed his position: "Weichen, Xue Cuncheng, the righteous doctor, also opposes sending troops to fight. ”

Ma Sui couldn't stand it anymore, and stood up and said: "You keep saying that you can't fight, but don't you see how rude and arrogant Wu Shaocheng is? If you don't use strong means to conquer him, that is, to raise tigers for the sake of appeasement and adultery. ”

"No!" Wu Yuanheng quickly retorted, "If you don't suppress it now, it doesn't mean that you won't suppress it in the future." Paleacy, but not necessarily to nurture adultery. Majesty, Weichen strongly persuaded Majesty Xià, and sealed Wu Shaocheng as the Huaixi Festival to make peace of mind. As long as we wait another year or two, the imperial court will be rich, the army will be fully trained, and the people will be able to afford the attrition of the war, and then we will carry out a strong conquest and suppression of Huaixi!"

Lu Zhen and Xue Cuncheng said at the same time: "The minister seconded the proposal!"

Xiao Yunhe stood in front of these people, his eyes still burning with anger. He clenched his fists behind his back and clenched his bones, and finally gritted his teeth and spit out two words: "Quasi-music!"

Seeing that the emperor made such a ruthless decision, the ministers had nothing to say. In fact, everyone's heart is full of hatred and hatred for Huaixi Wu Shaocheng. It's just that for the sake of the overall situation of the country in front of you, you must first endure your personal grievances. Comparatively speaking, the emperor's anger was greater, and his authority was provoked by Yan zhòng. He can endure it, what else can't be endured as a courtier?

After making a decision, Xiao Yunhe became much calmer. He paced over to the table and sat down, his expression already restored to his usual expression. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Although I agreed to his request from Wu Shaocheng, I would not just give in so lightly and cheapen him for nothing. He shouted at me, and I had to give him some restraint in return. ”

"What His Majesty said is very true. Li Sheng, who had not spoken much, said out loud at this time, "Wu Shaocheng is arrogant and domineering, so he can't agree to him lightly." Did you ever remember that when you entered Beijing from Xichuan, the traitor Li absconded from Beijing and defected to Li Xilie?"

"Yes, of course I remember. Xiao Yunhe said, "I'm also thinking about this matter. Wu Shaocheng killed the imperial court officials and supported the army, which was an unforgivable crime. But when he listed Chen Xianqi's crimes, he could be regarded as finding a step down for himself. On the surface, he still doesn't want to completely tear his face with the court. He wants to take care of this cheek, and I will follow his wishes and not clash with him head-on. If you want me to make him an envoy of the Huaixi Festival, you can. Lee must be handed over. ”

"It's not just about handing over people. Li Sheng said, "Li served as the Jianghuai salt and iron transshipment envoy under the Emperor Taishang, and in just a few years, he became the richest man in Daqi. When he absconded, he brought a large amount of money, grain, and rice, all of which he brought over to fund Li Xilie. Therefore, Li Xilie and his subordinate generals all regarded Li as the God of Wealth. Whether it is Li Xilie, Chen Xianqi or Wu Shaocheng, they are all respectful to Li. He is alone. You can raise all the troops in Huaixi! Your Majesty will also force Wu Shaocheng to hand over Li He and return the money and grain that should have belonged to the imperial court!"

Ma Sui shook his head and said, "Will he, Wu Shaocheng, agree to this condition?"

"It's better not to say yes. Li Sheng said, "Wu Shaocheng wants officials, and His Majesty wants people and things, this is originally a bargaining deal." There must be room for mediation between them. Now it matters. It's not that Wu Shaocheng will be given an official position. It's about buying time for the imperial court. Isn't this back-and-forth bargaining a goal?"

"Well said. Xiao Yunhe said, "Wu Shaocheng's reason to ask me for an official position is to have an excuse to take over Huaixi. In fact, in terms of the actual situation, he has eliminated dissidents within Huaixi. Firmly grasped the power of the army. He didn't want to and didn't dare to openly confront the imperial court, so he made a request to me. In fact, whether I agreed to him or not, he actually controlled Huaixi's Yiqiē. However, this justifiable name is also very important to him. I'm going to take advantage of his mentality. Come and bargain with him. Li, a traitor, as a member of the royal family, doesn't want to serve the country. He also corrupted the law and harmed the public and private interests, provoked the relationship between the monarch and the minister, and even planted me. How can I spare him? If Wu Shaocheng wants an official position, don't want to continue to shield national thieves. Decreed, I Qin Feng Wu Shaocheng as the Huaixi Festival envoy to stay, Caizhou Sima. He was ordered to hand over the national thief Lee and return the state goods that Lee had embezzled. After the deed is done. I added him to the title of envoy of the festival and made him the prince of the country. ”

"Your Majesty ......" Lu Zhen hesitated, but still said, "In this way, wouldn't it be an indirect admission of what Wu Shaocheng played." Is it really true? Chen Xianqi, who was killed, has always been loyal to the Great Qi and moved closer to the imperial court. His Majesty made a compromise with Wu Shaocheng. It is tantamount to expressing belief in Chen Xianqi's many crimes. This is really too aggrieved for Chen Xianqi. ”

Xiao Yunhe exhaled sullenly and said, "Aggrieved, why not the dead Chen Xianqi?"

Lu Zhen was stunned and stopped talking. The emperor was right. In this incident, even the emperor held back his resentment and anger in his chest.

"When he suppresses Huaixi in the future, I will rehabilitate Chen Xianqi. Xiao Yunhe said, "Wu Shaocheng is rude and provocative today, and I will not forget it." I'm going to make him pay a hundredfold!"

The emperor's tough attitude and clear stance also affected the mentality of the ministers. Originally, among these people who participated in the imperial meeting, there were still a few who did not want to fight in their hearts, and advocated using political skills to peacefully recover Huaixi. However, after listening to the emperor's words, he also deeply understood that the fundamental interests of the imperial court and Huaixi were opposed. In this way, war is inevitable. Huaixi's storage zài is like a cancer growing on a person's body. If it is not removed, it will inevitably affect the whole body and even endanger life.

"Li Sheng, the secretary of the military department. You can also settle the accounts for everyone. In the past year, what have the army of Daqi done and what kind of changes have taken place. Xiao Yunhe said, "Only by knowing oneself and knowing one's opponent can one not be defeated in a hundred battles." I don't want to fight a battle that I don't know if I am not sure. ”

"Yes, Your Majesty. Li Sheng stood up and said, "From the first year of Jingxing to the second year, the total number of soldiers and horses controlled by the imperial court was about 400,000. In the past two years, a total of more than 50,000 old, weak and disabled soldiers have been laid off. However, this year alone, more than 60 new Longxiang regiments have been built across the country, and there are countless Longxiang battalions. The Ministry of War counted the number of people, and there were nearly 150,000 people. These 150,000 people are farmers when they are busy and soldiers when they are free. Not only did it not delay production, but it also effectively guarded the safety of local states and counties. In total, more than 14,000 veteran mercenaries have been discharged this year. The military department selected 30,000 elites from each dragon regiment and filled them into the left and right god guards. There are more than 2,000 retired soldiers from the Flying Dragon Cavalry and the left and right Yulinwei, and the selection and filling of personnel is underway. Left and right Jin Wuwei, they were all selected last year, and there are not many young elites, and no one has retired this year. Therefore, in terms of the total number of soldiers, the army has been expanded by more than 15,000 people this year. However, as the Lord of the Tobe Shoshu said, the expenditure on the military did not increase much. The Longxiang regiments and battalions in various prefectures and counties are basically self-sufficient and do not need to be funded by the imperial court. Meantime. The number of armor warlords in the treasury has increased by 100,000; this year's Uighur war horses have been bought more than 5,000 more than last year; and since the Tibet has already made good trade alliances, the tea caravans sent by the imperial court have also been exchanged for more than 6,000 war horses from Tibet. There are nearly 10,000 more war horses than last year. The further popularization of cavalry, coupled with the hard training of soldiers and their lives, the mobility and combat effectiveness of the army. Greatly elevated. At this time, if you send troops to attack Huai, the chances of victory will be greatly increased. ”

"In this way, if I don't fight this battle, I'm still a little sorry for the hard work of the people of Daqi this year?" Xiao Yunhe said jokingly, and everyone laughed.

"Hit. It's settled. Wu Shaocheng also seems to be ready, ready to deal with me at any time. Xiao Yunhe straightened up and said, "But there is a problem to be solved first - how to fight this battle." Who to send to fight. Ma Sui. You are most familiar with the Huaixi area of Hebei, and you are also an expert in marching and fighting. Let me start with my opinion. ”

Ma Sui stood up, his thick eyebrows tightly knit and thought for a moment. Said: "陛xià...... In the opinion of the ministers, this is a civil war, and it should be based on the heart. Regardless of victory or defeat, it is the people and soldiers who suffer after all. Caizhou and other places occupied by Wu Shaocheng have always been the most important salt wells in Daqi. Ninety percent of the salt in the world comes from Huaixi. The imperial court could not cause too many casualties to the people of Huaixi because of the war, so that the salt wells of Daqi would be destroyed. Fight Huaixi, when you are surprised, you can win it with surprise soldiers. If we attack head-on with regular troops, the losses on both sides will be very huge, and when the time comes, it will be us who will bear this loss. ”

"Attack the heart first, surprise soldiers. This line of thought. It coincides with my thoughts. Xiao Yunhe said, "But." Soldiers are impermanent, and water is impermanent. Although the idea is clear, it is not necessarily easy to implement. Wu Shaocheng is not an ordinary person. At that time, he was a general under Li Xilie, and fought with Li Sheng and Yi Shen under the city of Bianzhou. If it weren't for Quhuan's surprise attack on Li Xilie's back, and the Huaixi Army itself was also out of harmony, the victory would have been indistinguishable for a while. Since the time of Li Xilie, the Huaixi Army has been known for its elite and Xiaotong. So much so that back then, when the Shence Army and the Jianchuan Army led by Li Sheng personally confronted it, they did not have the absolute upper hand. Therefore, Huaixi's army should not be underestimated. Li Sheng, you fought with Wu Shaocheng. Tell me what you think and what you think. ”

Li Sheng replied: "Your Majesty, the main body of the Huaixi Military Land, was Li Xilie's subordinate back then. From the second year of Jianzhong, Chengde Jiedu made Li Weiyue, the son of Li Baochen, and Wei Bojiedu make Tian Yue collude with Shannan Dongdao Jiedu to make Liang Chongyi rebel. From that time, Li Xilie began to lead troops to quell the rebellion, and fought dozens of battles in the east and west, and was invincible and invincible. After several years of training, the Huaixi Army really has quite strong combat effectiveness. It's a pity that Li Xilie also rebelled later, and the Huaixi Army also became a strong opponent of the imperial court. Wu Shaocheng commanded the most elite troops under Li Xilie at the beginning, and he himself has been in the army for many years and is very good at using soldiers. Bianzhou Yishen and Xuzhou Quhuan are also famous generals for a while. However, in the confrontation with the Huaixi army, he did not get much bargain. Weichen was ordered to go out to resist Li Xilie that year, and he also saw the combat effectiveness of the Huaixi Army with his own eyes in Bianzhou. To tell the truth, the Huaixi Army, which has been fighting for many years and does not remove armor and horses, does indeed have the strength to confront the imperial court and the royal division!"

"What if I send the Flying Dragon Cavalry to help? What if, 30,000 Divine Guards plus 10,000 Flying Dragon Cavalry, against the 40,000 Huaixi Army, what will be the outcome or defeat?" Xiao Yunhe raised his sword eyebrows slightly, staring at Li Sheng.

Li Sheng met the emperor's gaze, and said with an unchanged face: "Sixty percent of the chances." ”

"I see. Xiao Yunhe nodded slowly and said, "Of course, war is never just about fighting head-on with the courage of flesh and blood. I just want to understand the combat effectiveness of the Huaixi Army, so that I can formulate a corresponding response strategy. Now it seems that the Huaixi Army is not a pus, and it is no wonder that Li Xilie and Wu Shaocheng dare to oppose the imperial court so arrogantly, it turns out that they have such an ace iron army in their hands. Ma Sui said that it is necessary to attack the heart and use strange soldiers to deal with Huaixi. It seems that this idea is still very right. Fighting to the death with the Huaixi Army is the next strategy. The strategy is like this, and when the tactics are executed, they have to be played on the spot. Who can be the coach of this expedition to Huaixi?"

After the emperor said this, the atmosphere in the room suddenly became solemn.

If anyone serves as the commander of this expedition to Huaixi, it will undoubtedly be a historic task for Daqi. If you can succeed, it is needless to say that you will receive supreme honors and awards, and you will be recorded in history in the future. For a lifetime, these are all things that can be dreamed of. In the same way, the responsibility and pressure of this expedition to the west. It's also unusually huge. Millions of people all over the world will be watching this battle. Regardless of the course and outcome of the war, it must be flawless in order to convince the public. The slightest mistake will leave a stain. If that fails...... Needless to say, there is no need to gain a foothold in Daqi from now on, and the career of this life can be regarded as coming to an end.

The room was quiet for a while.

Li Sheng glanced around at everyone and took a long breath and stood up. He bowed heavily and said, "Your Majesty, Weichen is willing to go!"

Almost at the same time, Ma Sui also stood up: "Weichen is willing to go!"

These two veterans will stand up, and Xiao Yunhe is not surprised at all. He smiled and waved his hand, "No." You can't go. You are divided into the left and right gods to defend the gods, and I want you to sit in the imperial court and command Ruoding, guide the war ahead, and take care of the military of the world. What you do is more important than fighting yourself. This time. You cannot leave the country yet. The reform of the military system is at its most important, and I can't do without you at all times. You were sent on the expedition because of a small loss. ”

The two veterans stood stunned for a moment. I had to retreat.

Xiao Yunhe himself said, "Chu Yan doesn't need to be recommended. He sits in the west of the river, and the entire western front of Daqi must be supported by him. He couldn't leave for the time being. ”

Everyone wondered: The four generalissimos, Li Huaiguang is gone, now Li Sheng and Ma Sui can't leave the court, and Chu Yan can't move his nest, who else can he use?

Everyone turned their stunned eyes to Li: The emperor won't let this seventeen or eighteen-year-old handsome doll go on the expedition, right?

"Li Sheng, Ma Sui, the two of you have so many generals under your command, can't you recommend one or two to come out to take command?" Xiao Yunhe smiled. Began to put the two old commanders of the army.

The two stood up with a wry smile on their faces, and Ma Sui said, "Your Majesty...... Wechen's former generals are now burdened with heavy responsibilities. The two brothers, Li Guangjin and Li Guangyan, sat in Hebei and had heavy responsibilities, and Duan Zuo garrisoned Luoyang. Others, but they are useless. Li Sheng also expressed the same helplessness.

Xiao Yunhe smiled: "Li Sheng." You only told me about those generals, but why didn't you mention your son and those apprentices? Li, Fang Ci, and Xu Zhan. All are adults. Why do you hide and report when the country is employing people?"

Li Sheng Chuyan's body trembled, and he said in surprise: "Your Majesty, the dog is just young, I am afraid it will be difficult to resist the big responsibility! Fang Ci and Xu Zhan are younger than the dog, this ......"

"Since ancient times, heroes have come out of youth. Didn't you Li Sheng join the army at the age of eighteen, and he killed the Tibetan generals in the first battle, and became famous in the first battle?" Xiao Yunhe said with a smile, "In my opinion, the current Li is not lost to you back then. Do you have no faith in your son?"

"This ......" Li Sheng glanced back at Li who was standing at the end, and hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, the state affairs are big, and the ministers dare not trust it! Although the dog's martial arts and military art have some heat, this time the war is mainly based on attacking the heart and governing the government. Wei Chen is worried that he is very unfamiliar in this regard, lest he miss the national plan of His Majesty!"

"That's a good point. Xiao Yunhe still smiled and nodded, "Li, you stand up yourself." ”

Li was not flustered, got up and came out to bow down.

"I, I want you to be the vanguard of the expedition to the west. Do you have the courage and ability?" Xiao Yunhe asked very directly.

Li gritted his teeth lightly and replied loudly, "Yes!"

"Good. Stand down. After Xiao Yunhe finished speaking, he smiled at Li Sheng. Li Sheng's heart beat a drum, and he couldn't help but be frightened.

"Since none of you can recommend a suitable person to take command, then I will appoint you. After Xiao Yunhe finished speaking, his eyes glanced at everyone present, and then fixed his eyes on Wu Yuanheng, "Wu Yuanheng." ”

Wu Yuanheng's brows moved, and he stood up: "Weichen is here." ”

"I, I have appointed you as an envoy to Huaixi, and led the army to fight against Huaixi to appease the people. Xiao Yunhe looked at Wu Yuanheng calmly and said, "Do you dare to accept the order?"

Wu Yuanheng was stunned, and glanced up at the emperor, his eyes full of confusion and panic.

Everyone else looked at the emperor and Wu Yuanheng in surprise. I don't know what they're thinking.

"Dare, don't you dare?" Xiao Yunhe asked in a calm voice.

Wu Yuanheng was silent. The atmosphere in the room suddenly became tense and weird. Including Wu Yuanheng himself, no one thought that the emperor would appoint Wu Yuanheng, a civil official, to take command of the expedition. Everyone's eyes fell on Wu Yuanheng's body as if they had substance.

Wu Yuanheng lowered his head slightly, his eyes shining with an abnormal light. After another moment, he bowed his hand and calmly replied with one word: "Dare." ”

Everyone actually breathed lightly at the same time.

"That's very good. Only the emperor still looked relaxed and wise, and said slowly, "I, let Zuo Yu Lin Wei General Li be your vanguard of the expedition to the west." Return to Gaogu and lead 10,000 flying dragoons as your Chinese guards. In addition, I will assign the young generals Fang Ci and Xu Zhan to you as the front officials. Ma Sui, among the right god guards stationed in the national capital, you selected 40,000 troops and handed them over to Wu Yuanheng. A total of 50,000 troops began preparations on the same day and were ready to go out at any time to fight against Wu Shaocheng, a traitor in Huaixi! I hope that you, a handsome man, can fulfill your duties and fulfill your mission. ”

Wu Yuanheng gritted his teeth tightly, bowed down and saluted: "Weichen Wu Yuanheng, lead the order!"

The Imperial Council was over, and the Emperor left Hongbunkan and went to Wudejeon. Li Sheng and the others were quiet for a while, and they were thinking about each other, and the Hongwen Pavilion was quiet for a while.

After a long time, the young Li was the first to break the silence: "Father, all the ministers, adults, juniors, please leave first." ”

Only then did everyone come back to their senses, and they all looked at Li as if they had seen a rare treasure, looking at him Chu Yan was uncomfortable.

"You ...... Why are you looking at me like that?" Lee's face turned red. It's really uncomfortable to be stared at by so many powerful officials.

"Ahem...... It's nothing. Li Sheng coughed dryly and said, "Go back and say goodbye to your mother." Zuo Yu Linwei's military affairs should also be arranged by Haosheng. ”

"The boy knows. The child quits. Li bowed his hand, saluted the elders again, and strode away.

Ma Sui looked at Li's back and sighed in admiration: "It's really a tiger father without a dog! Brother Liangqi, I'm really jealous that you have such a good son." The sons under him are not successful, alas!"

"Brother Xunmei is too awarded. The dog is just a few horsemen's bravery. Li Sheng said with a smile, "It's not a weapon, it's not a weapon!"

Wu Yuanheng was silent and left the Hongwen Pavilion without saying a word. After all, he is not the prime minister yet, and he does not belong here. Lu Zhen, Xue Cuncheng and others also left the Hongwen Pavilion separately and returned to Menxia Province and Shangshu Province. "Let's go too. Li Sheng asked Ma Sui to walk out of the Hongwen Pavilion together. The two of them asked almost in unison: "Why did the emperor let Wu Yuanheng take command?" and then the two looked at each other, their faces full of doubts.

Ma Sui shook his head: "I can't figure it out below." Brother Liangqi, you have followed the emperor for many years, and you are also very familiar with the people around the emperor. You can't think of any way?"

Xiao Yunhe lightly locked his eyebrows, stroked his long gray beard, and slowly shook his head: "Your Majesty's wisdom is as deep as the sea, what he wants to do is difficult for us courtiers to speculate." I look at Wu Yuanheng. I was also surprised by the emperor's decision this time. It is enough to see that the emperor and Wu Yuanheng did not reach a tacit understanding beforehand. In other words, the emperor did not consult Wu Yuanheng first. Given the intimacy of their relationship, this is somewhat strange. ”

"I think it's weird, too. Ma Sui said, "It's a fact that neither you nor you can leave the court." If Li Huaiguang is still here, the burden of this expedition to the west will definitely fall on his shoulders. Did you find out? This time, the emperor's use of people is quite strange. Commander Wu Yuanheng, the pioneer general is the young son of your family, the Chinese army guards Gao Gu, and the front officials Fang Ci and Xu Zhan. It was all very young people. It seems that the emperor has already started to train new people and make arrangements for the future development of the imperial court. ”

Li Sheng smiled and said, "Yes, there is nothing wrong with doing this." After all, you and I are old. Chu Yan is also in his early fifties, can he last for a few years? If there are new people who can come forward, we will be able to retire with peace of mind, right?"

Ma Sui also smiled. Expressions of approval. But after a while, he suddenly frowned, shook his head and whispered, "No...... His Majesty's arrangement should have another meaning!"

"What's the meaning?" Li Sheng looked at Ma Sui puzzled. Reading novels all the way, Ma Sui was also puzzled: "I can't say clearly." Just feel...... Emperors are not just there to train new people. It seems that there is another deep meaning in this. But what it is, I can't figure out for a while. Liangqi, you have always been the emperor's closest person, and you know each other very well. Can't you figure it out?"

Li Sheng's eyes were cloudy, and his tricks were unpredictable. After a while, he sighed lightly, shook his head, and said, "Me too...... I can't figure it out for a while!"

Ma Suihu glanced at Li Sheng suspiciously, knowing that he must have come up with some doorways, but he didn't want to talk about it. So he smiled and said, "That's it." 陛xià do things. He has his own reasoning. Let's take care of our own land. Brother Liangqi, he is about to conquer Huaixi. The military department will definitely be extremely busy. You and I haven't had a few drinks together for some days, so it's better to choose a day than to hit the day, so please come to my house for a few drinks today, right? ”

Li Sheng laughed: "It's okay." The little brother is respectful, it is better to obey his fate! Brother Xunmei, please!"

In the province under the door, Lu Zhen and Xue Cuncheng were also muttering, guessing the emperor's intention to use people like this.

Xue Cuncheng pondered for a moment and said: "Based on my understanding of the emperor's majesty, my majesty boldly used the Confucian marshal Wu Yuanheng this time, and used the young general to play the vanguard, mainly to cultivate newcomers. ”

Lu Zhen smiled slightly: "And these people are all former ministers of His Majesty's lineage." ”

"What do you mean by that?" Xue Cuncheng said with some unhappiness, "You have been following His Majesty for some days, in his eyes, what is the difference between a descendant and a side line? If there is really a difference between intimacy and intimacy, there are still you in this subordinate service?"

Lu Zhen smiled: "I didn't mean that." I, Lu someone, have not been narrow-minded enough to do that. I'm just stating one thing. In fact, those who are in command and sealed generals are indeed the descendants of His Majesty. I didn't say there was anything wrong with that. Majesty, this is intended to let Wu Yuanheng also have some roots in the army, which is beneficial in the long run. Your Majesty's intentions are quite profound, how can you and I predict. ”

"You mean to say ......" Xue Cuncheng frowned, and stopped halfway through.

Lu Zhen smiled: "Don't say, don't say." In the future, I will understand. ”

At this time, the emperor had already returned to the Chengqing Hall of the harem. Concubine Wu Qiyun was about to give birth, and Xiao Yunhe was also very concerned, and ran to Chengqing Hall in three days. Now, he was holding a big-bellied concubine and walking around the garden.

"Yun'er, I have something to tell you today. I didn't discuss this matter with you beforehand, so don't blame me. Xiao Yunhe smiled.

Wu Qiyun gained a lot of weight, squinted his eyes and smiled: "Your Majesty, what are you talking about." His Majesty is the lord of the world, so naturally he can be the master of anything, so why bother to ask his concubines?"

Xiao Yunhe smiled and said, "That's the case. I am already planning to use troops against Huaixi. And the person in charge is your eldest brother Wu Yuanheng. ”

"Oh, big brother in charge?" Wu Qiyun was also a little stunned, he was slightly stunned. Nodding and saying, "Your Majesty has a deep meaning in doing this, and the concubine has nothing else to say, she just wants to say goodbye to her eldest brother." ”

"So, you can understand my intentions?" Xiao Yunhe smiled and said. "Perhaps, you are the only one who can understand my true intentions. I've already told Wu Yuanheng. Before he sets out on the expedition, he will come to the Chengqing Hall to say goodbye to you. The child in your womb is about to be born, and your mother's family is such an uncle. It would be best if he could see the child in his new birthplace. ”

Wu Qiyun nodded plausibly, but did not respond. She lowered her head and walked with the emperor silently. "Why didn't you speak all of a sudden?" Xiao Yunhe wondered.

"Oh no, nothing. Wu Qiyun smiled awkwardly. said, "Your Majesty, can you promise your concubine one thing?"

Xiao Yunhe smiled: "Let's hear it." ”

Wu Qiyun hesitated. said: "My eldest brother is stubborn by nature and has an iron backbone. Once you have decided on something, you will not give up. The concubine was worried about his ...... If my eldest brother does something wrong, can His Majesty spare him from dying?"

Xiao Yunhe frowned slightly, and said with some unhappiness: "What are you talking about? I am as close as flesh and blood to your eldest brother. Don't you say that Wu Bocang has always been upright and will not do anything wrong, and even if he does something wrong, how can I harm him? Don't talk about it again. ”

Wu Qiyun bowed in a panic: "The concubine is speechless...... The concubine is guilty!"

Xiao Yunhe sighed lightly, and thought to himself in his heart: It seems that even you, Wu Qiyun, have not really understood my intentions...... The emperor's mental technique, after all, is not something that you ordinary people can understand. Future. You will understand.

In the following days, the imperial court actively prepared troops and horses to prepare for the expedition. On the one hand, an ultimatum was issued to Wu Shaocheng in Huaixi. Xiao Yunhe issued a strict decree, forcing Wu Shaocheng to return Li within half a month, and return the national wealth that Li took away.

Huaixi was suddenly stunned. Wu Shaocheng was frightened, but also knew that the emperor had run out of patience and might use force at any time. If this had been a few years ago, he, Wu Shaocheng, would have been able to sit back and relax without hurrying. But now, the Great Qi Imperial Court is already strong and strong, and it is a big question whether Huaixi can resist it.

Wu Shaocheng is also a ruthless character. At the critical moment, the dead Daoist friend did not die the poor Dao, he grabbed Li and cut off the head with a knife, and sent him to the national capital. He also wrote a euphemistically worded letter, expressing his allegiance to the court and never being in the company of traitors.

Xiao Yunhe passed Li's head to the first Beijing division, but he was even more shameless and angry at Wu Shaocheng. Because Li brought the land and national wealth, Wu Shaocheng did not send it back. wants to use a worthless Li head to ensure that he will be powerful in Huaixi, this wishful thinking is too loud!

On September 21, the autumn wind gusted and the eagle flew. The 50,000 troops of the expedition to the west have been assembled outside the national capital. The drums shook and the horns were noisy.

In the Chengqing Palace, Wu Qiyun was wailing in pain, her child was about to be born.

Wu Yuanheng bowed outside the hall with a solemn expression. Seeing the palace maids and eunuchs shuttling through the Chengqing Hall like flowing water, his heart also tightened.

After a while, a pair of Cirrus Dragon Boots appeared in front of him. Wu Yuanheng looked up in amazement, and hurriedly said, "Your Majesty!"

Xiao Yunhe made him stand up, put one hand on his shoulder, and said softly, "Don't wait. The soldiers are ready to go, and it will be an auspicious time in half an hour. I will accompany you out of the city and send you on the expedition. ”

"We're in charge. Wu Yuanheng bowed and said with a worried expression, "Your Majesty...... Concubine De, isn't it, difficult to give birth?"

Xiao Yunhe's cheeks twitched, he barely squeezed out a smile, patted Wu Yuanheng's shoulder and said, "Don't worry, it'll be fine." I've sent some of the best imperial physicians. I have already made an order, at a critical juncture, I would rather not have a dragon seed, but also die to Concubine Baode. ”

"Your Majesty!" Wu Yuanheng suddenly bowed down on his knees and kowtowed on the ground. On his always calm face, tears were already flowing.

"Alas, hurry up. What are you doing here?" Xiao Yunhe hurriedly pulled him up, and said with a light breath, "You two brothers and sisters, I have never been friends in trouble. At this time, I would rather lose a prince than lose any of you. If you are away on this expedition, it will inevitably be dangerous. You have to promise me that you will return safely no matter what. For decades to come, you will be my most important right-hand man. I can't live without you!"