Chapter 298: The First All-Out War of the Three Kingdoms: The First Victory of the Great Zhou

In the teahouse.

With the appearance of Zhang Guifen, some of the voices discussing the Loyal and Brave Marquis Mansion disappeared.

Except for Qi Heng, everyone's eyes were looking at her.

Although the Loyal and Brave Marquis Mansion now seems a little lonely, if they really see Zhang Guifen or Wei Yuan, they can't help but admire and be shocked in their hearts.

Not only them, but even among the people there is a rumor that the Loyal and Brave Marquis Mansion was once very prosperous, and it also represents the utmost glory of the Emperor Zhao Zhen's dynasty.

Such remarks are somewhat "heart-breaking" and "treasonous", but as the saying goes, there is no wind without waves. The emergence of many voices in the folk, reflected in the court, means something unusual.

At this time, Qi Heng stood up eagerly and greeted Minglan, "Sixth sister, long time no see."

It has been a long time since they saw each other.

Since Wei Yuan was dismissed, Minglan rarely moved around among the nobles. Every day, she either accompanied her mother to recuperate or accompanied her aunt Zhang Guifen to take care of her two younger brothers.

Apart from this, there was almost no outsider who had any dealings.

Minglan nodded slightly, as a response to Qi Heng.

The latter immediately laughed happily.

Qi Heng was able to come today because he knew that Minglan would also come when Zhang Guifen entertained young men and celebrities.

So Qi Heng asked his mother to ask for an invitation.

Although the Qiguogong Mansion is indeed in decline now, their connections are still there anyway.

Zhang Guifen was not in a position to refuse, so she let him come.

"Meet Sister Zhang."

"Meet Madam Wei."

"."

As Qi Heng finished speaking, the others stood up one after another and greeted Zhang Guifen.

Even if Wei Yuan was dismissed, what could he do?

Zhang Guifen is always the well-deserved "big sister" among them.

The Zhongyong Marquis' Mansion is lonely, but they just look at it lonely.

In fact, in the eyes of those bigwigs in the court, the glory of the Zhongyong Marquis' Mansion is far from over.

Among those who greeted enthusiastically, Rong Feiyan stood up, walked to Zhang Guifen, bowed slightly, and said:

"Sister Zhang, why didn't you bring Zhuang Ge'er and Jing Jie'er today? Sister still wants to see them."

"Minglan is really getting more and more beautiful, even I am a little envious when I see her."

Although Rong Feiyan is interested in Qi Heng, she can also see that Qi Heng is interested in Minglan.

However, this so-called marriage event, especially the marriage event of the upper class, has never been to see whether the man and woman really like each other.

But to see the family background of both parties.

In the final analysis, Minglan is because of the Zhongyong Marquis behind her.

No matter what the Zhongyong Marquis will be like in the future.

But for now, it is definitely the period when the Zhongyong Marquis' Mansion is the weakest.

Therefore, Rong Feiyan firmly believed that during this period, she would not necessarily lose if she competed with Sheng Minglan for Qi Heng.

Rong Feiyan had no intention of harming anyone. She felt that girls wanted to find a good husband for their own future. Since they wanted to compete, they should compete openly.

But she did not expect that Minglan had never thought of competing with her for Qi Heng.

When Wei Yuan had not yet become famous, Minglan's standard for choosing a spouse might be more inclined to literati.

After all, most of the men around her, such as Sheng Hong and his son, were scholars.

But now, if she really had to choose for herself, she would rather marry a warrior.

After a slight pause.

Zhang Guifen looked around at everyone one by one, and her unique temperament stood out. She slowly spoke to them:

"Now the country is in turmoil, and the emperor is ill. It is not appropriate for us to be too ostentatious when we get together. Therefore, today I just invite you to burn incense and drink tea. I hope you will forgive me."

Hearing this, everyone responded quickly,

"Mrs. Wei (Sister Zhang), you are polite."

"The tea here is excellent. I often come here to drink."

"I am used to eating delicacies from mountains and seas on weekdays, so drinking some tea is also very good."

"."

Even if Wei Yuan is dismissed now, even if Zhang Guifen's reputation is not as good as before after marriage.

But these people still dare not offend her openly, and still have to support her.

This is the oppression brought by Zhang Guifen, or the Zhang and Wei families.

After hearing those voices, Zhang Guifen remained calm in her heart.

Even, she felt a little helpless in her heart.

Nowadays, even the peddlers in the market know how to discuss the current war and the people in which prefecture were slaughtered by foreigners.

And the children of the noble families in front of her are just thinking about who has a high enough status in the capital and how to curry favor with them.

Even a man like Qi Heng, in his heart, thinks more about his own fame.

No wonder Du Fu, who was praised as the poet in the previous dynasty, once wrote such a sentence, [The rich have wine and meat, and there are frozen bones on the road].

And Zhang Guifen can only say this in her heart.

After all, she is also a child of the "rich family".

But perhaps because of the different family education since childhood, or perhaps because the two men closest to her, Wei Yuan and Zhang Fu, are the kind of people who worry about the country and the people, are willing to guard the border for the country, and do not hesitate to work hard.

So, in her mind, just because she is a child of the "rich family", she should pay more attention to those who are about to be "frozen to death".

——

In the Imperial City, Xuanzheng Hall.

Crown Prince Zhao Xi was looking at the urgent war report that had been sent from 800 miles away, which was about the situation in Daming Prefecture.

At this moment, the six ministers, Fan Chunren, Han Zhang and other pillars of the sky were all sitting in front of Zhao Xi.

After a while, Zhao Xi put the battle report on the table and asked calmly:

"Everyone, I believe you have all read this battle report? Do you think Qin Zhen can win?"

Can he win?

Who dares to say that?

However, since the court decided to increase troops in Daming Prefecture and wanted to defeat part of the main force of the Liao army there, they have been waiting for the action of Daming Prefecture.

Now, if Qin Zhen takes the initiative to attack and wins, it will surely boost the morale of the people.

"Your Highness, let's not talk about the victory or defeat for now, but in my opinion, this battle must be fought, and our army must also take the initiative to attack, and can no longer passively take the beating."

Han Zhang spoke slowly.

Since the Liao Kingdom went south, the army of the Zhou Kingdom has been in a passive situation.

Now, the local armies have finally recovered, and it is indeed time to take the initiative to attack.

If the battle of Damingfu is successful, they can turn the passive situation into active one and then launch a full-scale counterattack.

"Okay, since you think this battle must be fought, let Qin Zhen fight with all his might!"

Although Zhao Xi is still young, he may not have witnessed any war with his own eyes.

But no matter what, he is a crown prince who is not afraid of fighting.

Pause.

Yan Da, the commander of the Imperial City Division, said slowly: "Your Highness, according to the news from our staff, the Marquis of Wei, who is far away in Jiangnan, wrote a letter to General Qin Zhen not long ago."

"The content of the letter is to remind General Qin Zhen that I should be cautious in the battle of Damingfu and not be too radical."

Fan Chunren asked curiously: "What is radical?"

Yanda bowed and said: "Replying to Prime Minister Fan, I don't know what radical means. But this is the original words of the Marquis of Wei, and I am just narrating it."

Zhao Xi said excitedly: "Did Master Wei really say that?"

Seeing this, Han Zhang said: "Your Highness, the Marquis of Wei is not in Damingfu and is not clear about the situation there. The Marquis of Wei is strongly opposed to pointing to the war in front. Now, he is far away in Jiangnan and not serving in the court, but he interferes too much in the battle of Damingfu, which is really inappropriate."

He said this because he didn't want Qin Zhen to hesitate because of Wei Yuan's letter.

This is the great plan of the general.

At this moment, the court's attitude must be very clear, and it must fully support Qin Zhen's decision.

Otherwise, if there is any war in the future, Wei Yuan will send a letter, and the generals will have to listen to his opinions. Is this reasonable?

Originally, Zhao Xi was a little hesitant when he heard that Wei Yuan sent a letter to Qin Zhen.

As the regent prince, he unconditionally believed in Wei Yuan when it came to fighting.

Therefore, he had an idea in his mind, that is, to let Qin Zhen not worry.

But after hearing what Han Zhang said, he deeply agreed.

"The guard often told me that when the generals were marching outside, there were people in the capital who were pointing fingers at the war ahead, which was not conducive to the generals' fighting. The guard wrote to the prince, presumably out of good intentions."

"But this also seems to be a suspicion of pointing fingers at the war ahead. Perhaps the guard is a little anxious."

Thinking of this, Zhao Xi said seriously: "Tell Qin Zhen to win the first battle at all costs! Win!"

If Daming Mansion loses the first battle, it will have an unimaginable impact on the full-scale war of resistance.

After everyone discussed the matter, a famous imperial doctor came to the hall to report that the Zhongyong Marquis Mansion was suspected of forming a party.

When this was said, including Han Zhang and Zhao Xi, all frowned deeply.

What time is it now?

It is not an exaggeration to say that it is urgent.

In addition, Liaoxia went south, Wei Yuan was dismissed, and Zhang Fu was assassinated. These things are closely connected.

At this time, you still want to target the Zhongyong Marquis Mansion?

Zhao Xi called the Imperial Censor to the palace and asked, "Marquis Wei is far away in Jiangnan, what mistake did he make?"

The Imperial Censor knelt down and kowtowed, "Your Highness, it's not Marquis Wei, it's Lady Yanmen County."

Lady of the Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery?

Zhao Xi was almost amused, "Tell me, the Lady of Yanmen County is a woman, how can she form a clique for personal gain?"

The Imperial Censor bowed and said, "The emperor is ill and the country is in turmoil. At this critical moment, the Lady of Yanmen County actually entertained the children of nobles in a building. What is her intention? Your Highness, please understand."

Zhao Xi frowned, "You mean, the Lady of Yanmen County entertained guests in a building?"

After a pause, he turned his head and looked at Wang Anshi who was standing beside him, "Master Wang, if you form a clique and entertain guests, would you do it in a building?"

Wang Anshi shook his head, "I will not form a clique. Even if I entertain guests, there is no reason to do it in a building."

Zhao Xi looked at the Imperial Censor again, "Where and in which building did you see it?"

The Imperial Censor said, "Zhao's Teahouse."

Teahouse?

Zhao Xi couldn't help but roll his eyes, "You are forming a clique, so you invite people to have tea? If the Loyal and Brave Marquis's Mansion is really suspected of forming a clique, it should be in the Marquis's Mansion. Could it be that the Loyal and Brave Marquis's Mansion can't even accommodate some guests?"

The censor was stunned, and after a long struggle, he said, "But now it's wartime, and the emperor is in poor health."

Zhao Xi was extremely dissatisfied, "Don't you want to eat? Don't you want to drink? The Lady of Yanmen County just invited some people to have tea, why are you so idle?"

The censor was stunned.

At this point, the court still doesn't use Wei Yuan, doesn't it want to deal with him?

I took advantage of the situation to report the Loyal and Brave Marquis's Mansion. Isn't it a good thing for the court?

Why blame me?

Zhao Xi didn't even want to look at him, "Get lost."

After the censor left Xuanzheng Hall, he issued another order,

"From today on, as long as Liaoxia does not withdraw its army, no censor will be allowed to participate in the generals leading troops in the front!"

"I am young and cannot personally lead the expedition to Liaoxia, but I do not want the soldiers in the front to fight for the country, while there are still some people in the rear who do not know what to do!"

--

February 27, the eighth year of Jiayou.

Daming Prefecture.

Qin Zhen led 300,000 troops to raid the Liao army camp.

Although Yelu Xinxian had been prepared for it, he still suffered heavy losses in the face of the attack of the Great Zhou army.

Many fortresses painstakingly built in Daming Prefecture were destroyed by the Great Zhou army.

In this battle, the Liao army suffered 30,000 casualties, and the Great Zhou suffered more than 10,000 casualties. It was the most advantageous battle fought by the Great Zhou army since the outbreak of the first full-scale war of the Three Kingdoms.

This battle greatly boosted the morale of the Great Zhou army.

While the Liao army retreated a hundred miles, the Great Zhou army cleaned up the battlefield, collecting arrows, weapons and corpses.

Qin Zhen had been discussing the next plan with many generals.

Some said that at this moment, they should make a concerted effort to completely annihilate the main force of Yelu Xinxian.

Others said that Yelu Xinxian's troops should be completely devoured and not given any breathing space.

However, in the eyes of everyone, Qin Zhen, who acted extremely radically, announced that he would stay on the spot and closely monitor the Liao army's every move.

He did not plan to launch a large-scale annihilation campaign against the Liao army in the short term.

Many generals were puzzled by this.

"General Qin, we obviously won the battle, why don't we pursue the victory?"

"If this gets out, people will think we lost the battle!"

"Yes, the most important thing for military strategists is to be weak twice and exhausted three times. If we don't pursue the enemy now, we will miss the opportunity."

"."

Hearing this, Qin Zhen smiled and said, "Generals, didn't you advise me not to be radical before? Why don't you advise me now?"

A general clasped his fists and said, "General Qin, this is a different time!"

Qin Zhen suddenly took out Wei Yuan's letter and said, "I know that many of you were promoted by the Duke of England."

" You all know that both the Duke of Ying and the Marquis of Wei are very good at guessing hostility. "

"The Marquis of Wei said that Yelu Xinxian was steady in battle, which was definitely not an empty statement."

"What we can think of, how could Yelu Xinxian not think of it? The principle of not pursuing an enemy who is desperate should be understood by you better than me."

"Before, I decided to raid the Liao army because you couldn't think of it, and Yelu Xinxian couldn't think of it even more."

"But after that, Yelu Xinxian will definitely think that I am eager to succeed and will definitely pursue. Therefore, it is right to rest and recuperate at this moment, keep the troops still, and wait for the army to join. "

His goal has been achieved, that is, to make a splash.

This battle was won, and in the future, he will always have a place among the military generals.

It is true that expanding the results of the battle means expanding the merits, but doing so is too costly and there are many unknown risks.

In this case, why bother chasing the enemy?

Qin Zhen believes that the next thing will be much simpler. As long as there is no mistake, it is a merit.

After everyone left the tent, he continued to look at the letter Wei Yuan had written to him, muttering:

"Brother Wei, after all, I have to thank you for the success of this battle."

"If it weren't for you, I wouldn't dare to use a surprise attack. A surprise victory is indeed effective, but it only works once."