The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

The army set off on August 12th. By the time of the Mid-Autumn Festival on August 15th, the first battle report had been sent to the rear army camp. These military information must be forwarded to the imperial court in the capital through messengers from the rear army.

Chen Heng is in charge of rear affairs and has the right to intervene in all military affairs. When you unfold the military information you have obtained, you will see that it is full of good news. This time the imperial court sent 40,000 troops and 50,000 civilians to serve as corvees. With so many troops pressing down on the situation, the initial progress should have been smooth and appropriate.

There is a saying that there are thousands of soldiers and horses filling the mountains and fields. Forty thousand soldiers plunged into the Black Mongoose Mountain. How could it be described as a tiger descending from the mountain?

The progress on the front line was as fast as thunder. The people in the rear army were also discussing when to move forward. As the war gradually deepened, supply became a top priority. Li Zhi's order this time was to eliminate all evil, so the leaders naturally wanted to pursue the murderer to the end.

Once they get deep into the mountains, it will be too dangerous to transport food and grass from the current location of the rear army camp. Moving forward to replace the previous Chinese army camp was something that had already been discussed.

Chen Heng and Lu Yingxiong, as both civil and military personnel in the rear army, decided to relocate as soon as the war went smoothly. The mobilization of tens of thousands of people also involves the transportation of various materials. Only by leaving early can there be room for free.

If Uncle Xin hadn't stopped her, Liu Xianglian would have dreamed of having fun in the army. This time he got a bargain with Chen Heng. He made his own decisions and asked Lu Yingxiong to get hundreds of soldiers and horses. He also named himself a small leader and led the people around all day long, which was very happy.

To ensure nothing goes wrong, Chen Heng only allowed transportation during the day. He also repeatedly made it clear to the soldiers of the two camps that once the sun sets, no one is allowed to open the camp gate.

In this way, we were busy until August 20th, when all the baggage was properly transferred.

Chen Heng, who rushed to enter the camp on the last day, saw the pitiful Jia Baoyu as soon as he entered the camp. When the latter saw that the real master had finally arrived, he hurriedly asked: Is there any news about my brother-in-law?

Regarding the news about Xue Pan's disappearance, Chen Heng had already learned from Liu Xianglian. Don't look at the tens of thousands of people under your command. There are so many people and horses.

But if there is one more person in the tent, there is absolutely no possibility of hiding. The number of people in each battalion and each team is determined. Don't worry if an extra person shows up unexpectedly. Neighboring comrades should report the matter to their superiors.

Like Hua Ben, picking someone up on the battlefield to take care of him privately is just a joke on the robe of the same team. Military law is merciless, and there is only one word for the fate of people with unknown origins: death.

Seeing Chen Heng shaking his head decisively, Jia Baoyu became even more angry. How could such a good person go without news for several days?

The matter has dragged on until now, and Jia Baoyu can't leave even if he wants to. This missing person is his wife’s biological brother. There was no clear news before and after, so how could Jia Baoyu have the dignity to go home and see Baochai.

Chen Heng had no idea about Xue Pan's whereabouts and had no intention of speculating. He has a lot on his hands now, and the wounded from the front line have begun to be gradually sent down. The dry food the soldiers carried when they set out still had room for seven or eight days. Chen Heng should hurry up and instruct the civilians to make fires to cook meals, and quickly prepare dried meat, flour cakes and other items to send to the front line for replenishment.

Never think that soldiers in the middle of a battle have the time and energy to make their own fires. At this point, let alone eating a few mouthfuls of hot white rice, it would be a luck to have a full stomach and go on the road.

It's not Chen Heng's turn to worry about transportation. Lu Yingxiong's five thousand soldiers and horses will be responsible for this together with the civilian men in the camp.

Chen Heng's responsibility is to arrange every military affairs and take care of the wounded. The number of the latter was not large at first. By the beginning of September, there were already over a thousand wounded in the camp, and the number was even increasing day by day.

However, the military situation was still dominated by good news, but Chen Heng still showed worry and anxiety as he looked at the deeper and deeper battle lines. The reason why the fierce bandits in Wumon Mountain are difficult to exterminate is not because of the topography of Ping'an Prefecture.

Dayong's territory decreases from west to east, except for the relatively flat terrain in the coastal provinces. Ping An State is located on the second continental shelf. The terrain here is composed of mountains connected with mountains, interspersed with winding river tributaries.

This kind of terrain can't be said to be a battle. Even when marching across the border, one has to worry about casualties. So deep into it, apart from Zhuge Liang's seven captures of Meng Huo, it is difficult to see more successful cases in the history books.

As a general, you should assess the situation and act in accordance with the favorable circumstances and circumstances. Chen Heng couldn't figure out Shi Ding's intention, but he had to organize his thoughts and receive the Zhen family who came to raise an army.

In such a dangerous place, the person who came was naturally the manager of the Zhen family. How could the two elders of the Zhen family show up. After Zhen Xi learned that Mao Daqing was a bandit in Ping'an Prefecture, he directly threatened to provide 20,000 taels of military salary to ensure that the officers and soldiers of the three armies would eradicate the evil.

After all, it was a door-to-door delivery of money. Chen Heng thanked him for the food and salary he raised. At the request of the manager of the Zhen family, Baoyu was called from outside the camp. The other party also had a letter from home for Baoyu. Second Master Bao got his mother's letter from the manager of the Zhen family, and he was immediately in trouble.

Should I go or not? The old lady is so angry with herself that it would definitely be unfilial to keep her here. But Xue Pan's whereabouts have not been found so far, and it would be shameless to go back. Just when Jia Baoyu was in a dilemma, Chen Heng took advantage of the night and walked into his camp.

Are you here to persuade me to leave? As soon as Jia Baoyu saw Chen Heng, he began to speculate on his purpose.

Chen Heng shook his head and said bluntly: I advise you to stay.

Huh?! Jia Baoyu was full of words and stuck them in his mouth. He was stunned, as if he was seeing a ghost, and looked at Chen Heng up and down before saying, You...can't be...

There was no one around, and Liu Xianglian was looking after him outside. Chen Heng didn't hide it, and said directly: There is a murderous disaster in your family now. If you are a little responsible and want to save the elder sisters, then stay and guard with me. The old lady, no matter what Persuasion is coaxing, you figure it out yourself.

What nonsense are you talking about? Baoyu was so frightened that he stood up from his seat. How could the Jia family be such a prominent family, how could they be in danger of death? He immediately shook his head and said hurriedly, Don't you think I'm some kid just trying to fool me?

If he hadn't thought that Jia Baoyu would still be of great use, Chen Heng wouldn't want to talk nonsense here. He calmed down and said in a calm voice: Baoyu, there are some things that I can't let you know yet, because I'm not completely sure in my heart. I can only say so much. Believe it or not, it's all up to you. Own.

If there is no conclusive evidence about Shi Ding and Shui Rong, even if it is told to Lin Ruhai, his own Lord Taishan will not easily agree.

After saying this, Chen Heng did not want to persuade him, so he stood up and left. He left Baoyu space to think alone, and was not afraid of what the other party would decide. Anyway, Chen Heng already had an idea in mind. Regardless of whether Baoyu agreed or not, the other party would not even think about leaving the military camp. After spending so much effort to capture Baoyu, how could he let him go at the critical moment?

Baoyu didn't know that he had no wings to fly. After thinking about it all night, he decided to write a letter to the family and return to Beijing. When Chen Heng learned about this, he immediately felt relieved. It would be best if the other party is willing to keep it.

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Good news about military intelligence is always shipped at an expedited speed of 800 miles. Li Zhi looked at a letter of success written by Feng Shiding in his hand. Although he was overjoyed, he summoned Lin Ruhai for questioning.

What the monarch and his ministers wanted to discuss was naturally the matter between Shui Rong and Shi Ding. Li Zhi pointed to the military information on the case and said to Lin Ruhai: It seems that the third son of the Shi family and Shui Rong only have some personal relationship.

Lin Ruhai couldn't find anything to refute for a while, not to mention that he really couldn't think of a worse situation. He immediately said: Even so, of course it is for the best. When Master Shi returns to the court, I will definitely apologize to him.

A good planner will not mind temporary success or failure. Lin Ruhai knew that his previous actions were just a precaution for his son-in-law who was thousands of miles away. He didn't know Chen Heng's worries, but when he noticed the personal relationship between Shi Ding and Shui Rong, he couldn't help but feel a little darker.

It's just a trivial matter, how can I apologize for it? Li Zhi waved his hands carelessly. He didn't know why Shi Ding wanted to hide his friendship with Shui Rong. But as long as the other party is doing his job carefully, it doesn't matter if he turns a blind eye.

After all, there is no perfect person in this world. Li Zhi was tolerant and magnanimous, but he was also indispensable for being defensive. Despite the calm demeanor on his face, he had already ordered a team of troops from the border gate and quietly rushed to the Qingniwa area to wait for orders.

As long as something unexpected happens, this group of people can take sea ships directly to the state capitals of Shandong, Jiangsu and Zhejiang at any time. This was the confidence that allowed Li Zhi to talk and laugh, and the reason why he finally aspired to the throne.

How can a man who is an emperor be self-effacing and call himself a loner?

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Lao Gu, please say something. Yan Hu was going crazy with anxiety. All this time, Gu Zaiyong was still teasing his broken bird, How about we just do nothing and keep watching?

Otherwise? Gu Zaiyong showed a slightly surprised expression and asked doubtfully, What else do you want to do at this time?

Place your bets. If you don't think about yourself, you have to think about your son. Yan Hu advised again, whether it is the one from Yangxin Palace who wants to make a comeback, or the one from Linjing Palace who is superior. Even if it's not for the glory and wealth, just for the two of them to escape unscathed, they should still put some thought into it, right?

Gu Zaiyong laughed when he heard this. He turned his head in the corridor and looked at the official minister next to him, who was like his butt was on fire. He joked: My old friend is confused. I think we can spend our old age peacefully without doing anything.

I think you are the one who is confused. Yan Hu shook his head. He was so angry, You don't think His Majesty can really let us spend our old age peacefully.

Otherwise? Gu Zaiyong asked with a smile.

Confused by the other party's wise-cracking expression, Yan Hu subconsciously reflected on his own problems. After thinking for a long time, he asked again: You mean?

With the restoration of the Supreme Emperor, you and I will be safe and sound, and we can even be promoted to noble positions. Gu Zaiyong turned his head and continued to feed the birds in the cage. The golden sunlight poured in from the corridor, illuminating the red official robes of the two people and making Gu Zaiyong's leisurely expression vivid and clear.

Then what if His Majesty wins? Yan Hu continued following Gu Zaiyong's train of thought.

The goatee at the corner of his mouth was slightly raised, and Gu Zaiyong couldn't help but said proudly: Hasn't His Majesty always wanted Wei Yinghong and Shen Tingfang to join the cabinet? We can just nod in agreement.

Now?! You mean?! Yan Hu showed some excitement in his eyes.

When the new party becomes more powerful, even if His Majesty intends to punish us, he will consider letting us go. Gu Zaiyong smiled brightly, At that time, we will change from powerful and deceitful ministers to lonely and treacherous ministers. Except for Your Majesty, all of us will It is unpopular. Without the great emperor as a close friend, what can we do that makes His Majesty afraid?

Lao Gu, this is a great plan!! Yan Hu was overjoyed when he heard this. Why didn't he think of this? The so-called emperor's mental skills are nothing more than the way of checks and balances and the art of controlling his subordinates.

Instead of establishing a new group of people, they would form a stranglehold with the new party, causing renewed turmoil between the government and the opposition. It is better to use waste and put the unpopular old party on the table so that the two parties can check each other. No matter what is new or what is old, they are just a few chess pieces in Wang Tu's hegemony.

Gu Zaiyong has been the chief assistant for so many years, so he may be confused about small things. It can grasp the mentality of those in power and the wonderful use of power. He really knows it by heart and has already become the best in the world.

After smiling at his old friend's flattery, Gu Zaiyong couldn't help but look up at the sky. A group of wild geese are flying across the sky. In this season, they are about to fly south for the winter.

but……

But what? Seeing that Gu Zaiyong hesitated to speak, Yan Hu couldn't help but ask, That's what you said.

We still need to send some --- thoughts to His Majesty.

Gu Zaiyong narrowed his eyes slightly, trying hard to defeat this bad old man Pei Huaizhen. I don't want to end up dead without a body, and then be laughed at by Pei Huaizhen in the underworld.

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In the morning of the next day, the two thousand-step corridors in front of the palace gate were already filled with hundreds of waiting officials.

As Chen Heng's generation of Jinshi sought foreign appointments, all officials in the court came and went with old faces. Strangely enough, when new people appear, everyone will complain that the waves behind the Yangtze River push the waves ahead. Now that the newlyweds are no longer jumping around in front of them, everyone feels that the court is less lively.

There were all familiar faces coming and going. When Lin Ruhai stepped forward, the officials around him greeted him according to etiquette. Walking to the end of the corridor, Lin Ruhai suddenly saw the old and strong chief assistant standing at the front of the queue waiting.

Haha, good morning, Mr. Lin, you slept well last night.

The sun really came out in the west, and this bad old man actually greeted me. Lin Ruhai, who was a little surprised, still greeted the head of the civil service, Thank you for your concern, I have a good sleep last night.

Yeah. Gu Zaiyong couldn't help but nodded and said with emotion, It's good to be young, unlike me. It's just autumn, and my old bones can't hold on anymore.

Are you okay? I will be sixty next year too. Lin Ruhai frowned subconsciously and laughed.

The chief minister is getting stronger with age. Even His Majesty often says in private that state affairs still need to be handled by adults.

Haha. Gu Zaiyong chuckled, No, no. I'm afraid I won't be able to stand it until winter comes.

It’s only the end of September, so it’s winter? It's too early to say this. You don't want to chat with me today, do you?

Lin Ruhai looked at Gu Zaiyong, who had a meaningful smile on his face. Seeing the other party's appearance, Lin Ruhai's eyebrows narrowed slightly.

Winter? Winter is here! !

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One day in early October, the moisture in the south moved up. It has rained continuously recently, which is really annoying. Chen Heng, who was still busy in the military camp, had just finished writing the paperwork. The number of wounded has been increasing day by day recently, and there are simply not enough military doctors in the camp.

Even if it is known that most of the people have been transferred to the border to support the war. Chen Heng still had to stay at his desk and write a letter, preparing to ask the county magistrate of Ping'an Prefecture to invite some more doctors to the camp to treat the wounded.

He was busy on his end, and a battle report was sent into the camp by the messenger covered in blood and mud.

Sir, the soldiers on the front line are surrounded! The general has an order, please ask the court for help as soon as possible.

What did you say? Chen Heng suddenly stood up from his position, rushed forward and snatched the battle report from the opponent's hand.

Eight thousand words reached! ! ! really not bad