Chapter 497 The Grand Tutor Returns to Beijing!
After Zhu Yuanzhang finished speaking, he glanced at everyone in the tent, finally stopping at Zhu Sheng.
Below Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Sheng, who was currently Zhu Yuanzhang's top adviser, also narrowed his eyes.
After Zhu Yuanzhang mentioned the Yellow Turban Army in the north, he knew what Zhu Yuanzhang was going to say next.
He had thought about this issue before.
But the problem is that there are many respected people in the Yellow Turban Army in the north, especially the "Longxiang Marshal" Meng Zhang and Zhang Liang. One was the nominal commander-in-chief of the Yellow Turban Army, and the other was the Human General of the Yellow Turban Army.
Given the reputation of the two men, if they really go south, it is hard to say whether Zhu Yuanzhang will still be in charge of the Yellow Turban Army.
After all, Zhu Yuanzhang was still a member of the Yellow Turban Army in name, and many of his soldiers still considered themselves to be members of the Taiping Sect and the Yellow Turban Army.
If Meng Zhang and Zhang Liang really make a call, they can really attract a lot of people.
"I understand your intention, my lord."
"The Yellow Turban Army in the north is indeed a force that can be utilized. However, we must proceed with caution and not take it lightly."
Zhu Sheng stepped out slowly, speaking in a steady tone and with a calm demeanor.
"There are quite a few respected people in the Yellow Turban Army in the north, especially the 'Longxiang Commander' Meng Zhang and Zhang Liang.
Given their prestige, if they really go south, the affiliation of the Yellow Turban Army will probably become something that the lord will have to consider."
He paused slightly and continued.
Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang frowned slightly, obviously thinking about this problem.
What Zhu Sheng said was true. If all the Yellow Turban troops in the north moved south, they might indeed pose a threat to his position.
However, if he could persuade a part of the Yellow Turban Army to move south, it would undoubtedly greatly enhance his strength, and he would be more confident in fighting against the Daxuan Army.
"Yunsheng is absolutely right."
"The Yellow Turban Army in the north is indeed a double-edged sword. If used properly, it can help me fight against Daxuan; if used improperly, it may bring disaster upon myself."
Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment and spoke slowly.
"My lord, I have a plan that may work."
"We can send an envoy to the Yellow Turban Army in the north to test their intentions first. If they are willing to go south, we can further discuss the specific matters."
"At the same time, we can secretly contact some of these generals and offer them huge benefits so that they are willing to lead their troops south to join forces with us."
"This way, we can avoid the danger of the Yellow Turban Army in the north moving south, and at the same time, we can increase our strength."
When Zhu Sheng heard this, he knew that Zhu Yuanzhang had understood what he meant and the interests involved in the matter, so he continued to offer advice.
"Yunsheng's plan is brilliant," Zhu Yuanzhang praised. "We should follow Sheng's plan and send envoys to the Yellow Turban Army in the north. At the same time, we should secretly contact some of the generals and offer them huge benefits so that they are willing to go south and join forces with us. We will let Sheng and Yunsheng handle this matter together and make sure it is done properly."
Zhu Sheng's face showed no expression when he heard this. He just bowed slightly and said, "I will obey your orders and live up to your trust."
In the north, the wind is cold and the snow is white.
At this time outside Minglong Pass, the Daqian army stood firm like a steel Great Wall, and was launching a frantic attack on the Night King's army at Minglong Pass.
However, at this critical moment, a piece of bad news swept in like a cold wind, shaking the morale of the army.
Daqian Grand Tutor Gu Changqing, wearing a silver-white battle robe, stood under the gate tower, staring at the battlefield in the distance.
"Grandmaster, urgent news!"
A scout wearing light armor, holding a letter sealed with wax, hurriedly climbed up the city wall, knelt on one knee, and presented the letter with both hands.
Gu Changqing slowly turned around and took the letter that seemed to carry a thousand pounds of weight. His fingertips gently stroked the wax mark on the cover, and he had already guessed a few of the contents. He opened the envelope and unfolded the letter. Every word that came into his eyes was like a heavy hammer, hitting his heart hard.
The letter stated that Emperor Daqian led the army in person, but met with an accident on the battlefield. He passed away, and the whole country was shocked.
Gu Changqing's hands trembled slightly and his eyes were red, but he tried hard not to let the tears fall.
These words hit Gu Changqing's heart like a heavy hammer, making him feel dizzy in an instant.
At this time when Daqian is in turmoil, Si Xiaofei's sudden death is a heavy blow to Daqian.
This was not just the death of a monarch, but also a turning point in the fate of the entire dynasty.
"Pass the order down. The entire army will withdraw immediately. Abandon the outer defense line and retreat to the city. Relying on the city as a corner, we will hold on and wait for reinforcements."
Gu Changqing's voice was low and powerful, and every word revealed unquestionable majesty.
He turned and looked into the distance, his eyes carrying a hint of sadness. "The Night King rebelled, and Your Majesty has suffered misfortune. Daqian is in a turbulent time. We must proceed step by step and cannot make any more mistakes."
Upon hearing this, the deputy general beside him looked solemn and hurriedly responded and went to convey the military order.
Gu Changqing stayed alone under the city wall, looking at the gradually withdrawing army, feeling mixed emotions.
He suppressed the grief in his heart and quickly calmed down.
At this moment, he must make a decision to stabilize the morale of the army and preserve the foundation of Daqian.
He looked around and saw that the army outside the pass was still on high alert, but there was a hint of uneasiness and confusion in their eyes.
"Pass my order down, immediately withdraw the troops outside Minglong Pass!"
Gu Changqing's voice was firm and powerful, as if it could penetrate the cold wind and reach the hearts of every soldier.
When the soldiers heard this, although they were confused, they did not dare to disobey the order of the Grand Tutor.
"Rely on the several cities in Qianzhou close to Minglong Pass to form a corner for each other and defend with all our strength."
"Qiu Longteng, Yin Yuanxun, listen to my order. You two will take over the army immediately and focus on defense. Do not attack!"
Gu Changqing continued to give instructions.
Upon hearing this, Qiu Longteng and Yin Yuanxun immediately stepped forward to receive orders.
After arranging everything, Gu Changqing turned and looked in the direction of Qiandu.
"Master, are you going to..."
Seeing this, a deputy general couldn't help but ask.
"I have made up my mind. I will lead an elite army and return to Qiandu overnight!"
Gu Changqing's voice was firm and unquestionable.
Upon hearing this, the deputy general was shocked, but he dared not say anything more.
At this time, Qiandu had fallen into chaos due to the death of the emperor.
The court officials were in a state of panic, the people were talking about it, and the entire dynasty seemed to be in a precarious state.
When Gu Changqing arrived at Qiandu, the dawn was just breaking in the sky. The faint light of morning light sprinkled on the ancient and solemn city walls, covering this capital city that had experienced many vicissitudes of life with a thin layer of golden gauze.
However, the atmosphere in the city was out of tune with the tranquil morning light. There was a sense of depression and uneasiness in the air, as if even breathing had become heavy.
Gu Changqing headed straight for the imperial city without stopping for a moment.
(End of this chapter)