Chapter 378: Facing the enemy!

Xu Jie started talking.

The atmosphere in the cabinet classroom suddenly changed.

Yang Bo looked at Xu Jie in astonishment at his sudden attack on Xuanfu.

In addition to confusion, he was also unhappy.

When Xu Jie attacked Xuanfu, wasn't he actually attacking himself, the Minister of War?
However, Xu Jie completely ignored the gazes of everyone present and instead turned his head to look at the Prime Minister who was sitting in the head chair of the cabinet.

Xu Jie said with a sullen face: "Lord Yan, after the beginning of the year, an urgent message was sent to Beijing from Xuanfu. Ma Fang, the general of Xuanfu, hoped that the court could allocate money and grain to prepare for the border defense this year. At that time, the cabinet meant to follow the rules of previous years and not allocate the money and grain. But we all know what happened later..."

After saying this, Xu Jie glanced at Yang Bo indifferently.

If it weren't for you, Yang Bo, who gave the idea to that Xuanfu Lieutenant General Lan Yongzhen, how could that man go to the Ming Dynasty God of Wealth and the Emperor to plead for mercy.

Xu Jie suddenly slammed the table.

Everyone present was so shocked that their shoulders trembled.

But Xu Jie denounced him coldly.

"The court still allocated 300,000 taels of money and military supplies for the border wall. But what about Ma Fang, the general commander of Xuanfu?"

"The Mongols are still coming in from outside the Great Wall. Where did Ma Fang spend all the money he got?"

"Is the money given by the court given in vain? Or is it just wasted?"

After a round of denunciation, Xu Jie looked coldly at everyone present.

He snorted coldly: "This time, no matter when the people of the Anda tribe withdraw from the border, Xuanfu General Ma Fang will not be able to escape the blame! The court is considering how to withdraw the troops, but they will be held accountable and severely punished afterwards!"

In full view.

Xu Jie looked murderous and ready to call for an explanation.

Yang Bo was also confused.

I felt anxious.

Speak immediately.

"The border wall of Xuanfu Town is thousands of miles long. The imperial court has neglected its construction and repair over the years. How can it be completed in one day with the money and grain allocated by the imperial court this year?"

Done.

Yang Bo looked at Xu Jie and said, "Please understand, Lord Xu, this time the four armies of the Anda tribe attacked, and Xuanfu Town stopped three of them at the border wall. The enemy troops that rushed into the pass actually hid their tracks and took advantage of the opportunity. How could Xuanfu be completely protected by the thousand-mile border wall when facing three armies attacking?

Moreover, Juyong Pass is now well-mannered. As long as Xuanfu withdraws some troops to support us, we can surround the enemy from the front and back and wipe out the enemy troops that have entered the pass on the spot."

At this moment.

It means that the husband has his own reasons and the wife has her own reasons.

On the surface, it makes sense for Xu Jie to hold Xuanfu accountable.

After all, the imperial court gave an extra 300,000 taels of money and military supplies after the beginning of the year. If the Mongols were still able to charge in at this time, then wouldn't the money from the imperial court have been given in vain?

But Yang Bo’s defense is equally true.

The three armies of the Andada tribe launched a frontal attack. When Xuanfu saw this, they must have focused all their energy on the three enemy armies outside the border wall.

At this time, the Andada tribe saw the opportunity and sent out another group of troops to take advantage of the gap in the wall of Xuanfu Town and rush in. That was understandable.

There are thousands of miles of border walls, but Xuanfu has only a hundred thousand soldiers and horses.

Even if there was a queue, it would be impossible to fill the entire side wall with people.

Yan Song also had a headache.

Out of nowhere, something happened in Xuanfu this year.

This happened after the imperial court gave money and food.

In fact, at this time, Yan Song also tended to favor Xu Jie. No matter what happened afterwards, the issues of Xuanfu Town and General Ma Fang must be investigated.

Yan Song thought for a moment and spoke slowly, "It is our duty to defend the border from the enemy. If something happens, no matter what the outcome, the court has always rewarded those who have made contributions and punished those who have made mistakes. Merits and mistakes cannot be offset."

These words, spoken in front of everyone, were in favor of Xu Jie.

Xu Jie didn't feel grateful at all.

Because this is how it should be at this time.

When Yang Bo saw that the Prime Minister Yan Song also said this, he could only shut up with a gloomy face.

What the outcome of Xuanfu and Ma Fang will be, we can only discuss it after the Mongols retreat.

However, although Yang Bo was nervous, he still felt a little hopeful.

If Ma Fang and Xuanfu could deploy their troops comprehensively and encircle and suppress the enemy forces that rushed into the pass, it would be a credit. And if they could inflict heavy losses on the three enemy forces at the border wall, it would be a great credit.

By then, the merits and demerits cannot offset each other.

But the imperial court couldn't really discourage the military morale in Xuanfu.

Duke Dingguo Xu Yande, who was present, was already accustomed to seeing the civil servants quarreling like this.

He said calmly, "The present is not the past. The troops at Juyong Pass have not moved, so the pass should be safe. However, the capital should also be on guard against the enemy troops rushing in from this route. They may cross the Great Wall in the Yanshan area from other places and rush into the capital."

The Duke of Ying, Zhang Rong, who was beside him, immediately said, "Before we came to the cabinet, we went to the Western Garden first. The capital is now heavily guarded by the imperial army, but there is no large army outside the city. His Royal Highness Prince Yu is still in Changping Academy. When it gets light, we should send someone to escort His Royal Highness Prince Yu back to the city."

This statement makes the meaning clear.

The nobles were not worried about the safety of Juyongguan and the capital.

The nobles also met the emperor first. What Zhang Rong said actually meant that the emperor hoped the court could send someone to bring Prince Yu back as soon as possible.

After all, the city of Beijing is heavily guarded at the moment, so even if Andada's troops rushed all the way to Shuntian Prefecture, they would not be able to cause any harm to the city of Beijing.

On the contrary, there are few heavy troops outside the city, so it is really unsafe for Prince Yu to stay in Changping.

These words changed the way everyone present thought.

Yan Song immediately said: "Prince Yu is related to the country and his life is worth a lot of money. We must not neglect him, let alone let him stay outside the city!"

Although Xu Jie had some other thoughts in his mind.

But at this time, we must also follow what Yan Song said.

He said in a deep voice: "Don't wait until dawn, right now, the East Factory, the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and the Beijing Camp, all three places should send people out of the city immediately to escort Prince Yu back!"

Huang Jin stood up immediately: "We will personally take people to Changping."

Everyone looked over.

No one said anything about it.

Yan Song clasped his fists and bowed to Huang Jin: "I'll have to trouble Eunuch Huang with this matter."

Huang Jin's face was calm and he waved his hand: "There is no time to lose, we will go now. After the elder and the others have finished discussing everything, they should also rest early, after all, the thieves haven't broken in yet."

Done.

Huang Jin left under the gaze of everyone.

Yan Song glanced at the people present.

He smiled: "Eunuch Huang is indeed very clear-sighted. The Mongolian thieves haven't really invaded yet, so there's no need to panic. There's no need to work so hard to stay here. It's better to go back home and rest. The court can't stop doing other things just because of this.

The summer grain harvest has been gradually collected in various places, and the Ministry of Revenue must also keep an eye on it. The land tax cannot be lost, and the war with the Japanese pirates in the south cannot be stopped. My Great Ming is rich in the Central Plains, the two capitals, and thirteen provinces. Why should I be afraid of these mere Anda bandits? "

At this moment.

No matter what Yan Song said, it still served as a reassurance.

The Prime Minister was as steady as a rock, showing no panic and handling the situation calmly.

Only then can the people below continue to work step by step.

Everyone stood up and bowed to take their leave.

Yan Song just sat on the chair and watched everyone leave, then he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

He glanced sideways at Xu Jie who also did not leave.

In front of Gao Gong, Yuan Wei and Li Chunfang.

Yan Song said softly: "At this moment, the war has just started, so we should stop talking about holding all parties accountable. The army must be stable, but the hearts of the officials in the court must also be stable. We must not make any mistakes."

Upon hearing this, Xu Jie immediately bowed his hands, looking helpless: "What the elder said is true. I was too impatient just now and worried about the situation at the border wall."

Yan Song nodded and looked at Gao Gong again: "When the war breaks out, the expenses of all parties will increase. The Ministry of Revenue must keep an eye on it. The court cannot be stingy at this time, but it cannot spend money like water. It must be used where it matters most."

These words.

It can be regarded as standing on the side of Xu Jie's accountability for Xuanfu Town. Money.

Use it where it counts.

Gao Gong also nodded: "Don't worry, Lord."

Yan Song nodded and smiled: "Let's all go back. We won't have many hours to rest, but we still need to close our eyes and get some sleep."

After finishing speaking.

Yan Song did not continue speaking and was the first to walk out of the cabinet classroom in front of everyone.

Several people took a look at each other.

Without saying anything more, he patted his butt where he had been sitting all day, and left the classroom, shaking his sleeves.

……

Changping.

When Huang Jin and his men arrived, it was already daybreak.

In front of the Public Security Bureau.

Nearly two hundred factory guards and Beijing army officers and soldiers were waiting on the parade ground on horseback.

Huang Jin, with a look of embarrassment, stopped Zhu Zaigui, who was about to take the students to various places to appease the people.

"Your Highness, you can't really stay here!"

"Even if Your Highness cares about the people of Changping, we can go back to the city and ask His Majesty to make the decision and send more troops."

"Your Highness is a person of great value and is of great importance. You must not let him get away with it. And we have Yan Binke and Xu Shuzi in charge of Changping. If anything really happens, they will be able to protect the people."

"Your Highness, please go back with me..."

Huang Jin was about to cry.

When he led his men out of the city at night, he ran all the way to Changping.

When they arrived, they also found Prince Yu.

But the other person didn't say a word in response, which made Huang Jin feel completely broken.

Damn it.

If Prince Yu doesn't return to the city and anything happens, Huang Jin won't be able to afford the compensation even if he has ten heads.

Zhu Zaigui frowned, looking at Huang Jin with displeasure and annoyance: "I have said that I will stand together with Changping. I am the prince, the son of your majesty, and my words are as good as words. How can I change them? I will go back to the city with you."

Huang Jin was really about to cry.

Eyes are red.

She said hurriedly, "My Lord, I kneel before you, please follow me back."

talking.

Huang Jin knelt straight on the ground in front of Zhu Zaigui.

The students from the academy nearby looked at their headmaster nervously.

Zhu Zaigui glanced at the students he had called over to accompany him as he went around to appease the people.

His expression became more determined. He looked down at Huang Jin who was kneeling in front of him and said in a deep voice: "Eunuch Huang, you have been with the emperor for so many years, and you are half my elder. Are you going to sit back and watch me break my promise to the people?"

Hearing this, Huang Jin's shoulders suddenly shook.

He raised his head and looked at Zhu Zaigui eagerly.

"My Lord, your safety..."

Zhu Zaiqi waved his hand and said, "Since Eunuch Huang has personally led people out of the city, there is no need to go back now. If Eunuch Huang is worried, he can bring people to protect me these days. If the thieves really come and the situation is critical, I will have to rely on Eunuch Huang to protect me back to the city!"

As soon as these words came out.

Huang Jin's tears, which had been accumulating for a long time, finally flowed out.

How could he have thought of that.

Originally, I was just going out of the city to escort Prince Yu back to the city, but it turned out like this.

Huang Jin could only cry and say: "Your Highness is sincere and wants to protect the people. He will stand together with the people. I... I will protect Your Highness and bring him back safe and sound even if I have to sacrifice my life!"

Seeing Huang Jin, he stopped trying to persuade him.

Zhu Zaigui finally smiled, bent down, stretched out his hand, and helped Huang Jin up.

His tone softened a bit.

"Don't worry, Eunuch Huang. I am not trying to show off my strength. I know that the soldiers and people of the Ming Dynasty will never let anything happen to me."

Huang Jin couldn't say anything at this time and could only nod repeatedly, but his heart was completely stuck in his throat.

And on the other end.

Yan Shaoting's face looked very unhappy.

After a busy night, Lu Yi rushed back with dark circles under his eyes and a sore throat.

"Something is wrong outside Juyongguan."

"The Mongols who came in suddenly disappeared, and no one could find their trace."

Xu Wei, who was standing by, stood up quickly and asked, "Where are the people from Yanqing Guard and Huailai Guard? Where are the scouts from Juyong Pass?"

Lu Yi shook his head: "We have sent people, and even our Jinyiwei sent out scouts last night, but we can't find any trace of the enemy. According to our guess, this time someone must be secretly helping these Mongols, otherwise they would not have been able to escape our detection."

Yan Shaoting looked towards Juyongguan with concern.

How come the person suddenly disappeared?
That's a real army of soldiers.

He immediately asked: "How many Mongols have rushed into the pass this time?"

Lu Yi immediately replied: "Three thousand people! Although not many, they are all two horses each. Their purpose is to make a long-distance raid and tie down our army!"

Three thousand people.

Six thousand horses.

Yan Shaoting’s brows became increasingly solemn.

Xu Wei was also muttering worriedly, "It doesn't make sense. How could so many people just disappear?"

At this time, Xu Wei couldn't help but worry.

Although the Mongols outside the Great Wall are no longer as powerful as they used to be, if they were to fight one-on-one in the wild, it would take two or three border soldiers to defeat one enemy.

And if it were in this capital city.

These three thousand Mongols are enough to match the imperial court's army of more than ten thousand.

Just when Yan Shaoting and Xu Wei were at a loss for words.

Xiao Junpeng, the chief clerk of the Public Security Department, ran in with one of his boots missing.

"Si Zheng!"

"Si Cheng!"

"The Mongolian wolves are coming!"

boom!
Like a thunderclap.

Yan Shaoting, Xu Wei, and even Lu Yi, all looked at Xiao Junpeng who had rushed over.

Then, Xu Wei and Lu Yi turned their eyes to Yan Shaoting.

The enemy is invading.

At this moment, Yan Shaoting, the chief of Changping Public Security Bureau, was the commander of Changping.

Yan Shaoting calmed down in an instant.

His eyes were as calm as water, yet extremely resolute.

Under the gaze of everyone, he spoke in a deep voice.

"Spread the message to all places in Changping!"

"Meet the enemy!"

…………

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(End of this chapter)