Chapter 404 Do you know you are wrong? Where is your mistake?

When Yan Shaoting learned that Ma Fang had been ordered to return to Beijing.

He was being pulled all over golden by Haodaer.

The eldest sister, Lu Wenyan, lay on her side on the bed, watching this scene of loving father and filial son, with a smile on her face.

Yunniang and the maids took the young master with nervous expressions and began to change clean clothes for Yan Shaoting.

Xu Wei and Lu Yi were standing at the door, both of them were holding back their laughter as they looked at Yan Shaoting who was covered in the clothes. They thought that they could probably only see Yan Shaoting in this state at this time.

After a while, Yan Shaoting changed into clean clothes and walked up to his son who had also changed his clothes.

Yan Shaoting glared and snorted at Haodaer fiercely: "You are almost half a month old, you must learn to control yourself!"

Regarding the scolding and dissatisfaction of his father.

The young master of the Yan family, who didn't even have a proper name, immediately pursed his lips and turned to look at his mother with tears in his eyes.

Lu Wenyan immediately threw out a pillow.

Yan Shaoting quickly reached out to catch it, and then said in a flattering manner: "Madam, please calm down."

After saying that, looking at the little boy who had been holding back his little expression for a long time but just couldn't cry, Yan Shaoting could only leave the room with conviction.

Nowadays, Yan Shaoting knows exactly what his status is in the Yan family.

Although he is not as bad as Yan Shifan, who has to be on good terms with the watchdog at home, he doesn't have much status in the rear house.

I walked out of the house and looked at the two people who were trying not to laugh.

Yan Shaoting rolled his eyes.

He led the way and asked, "When did Ma Fang return to Beijing? Where did she go after returning to Beijing?"

Lu Yi followed closely behind and explained, "I entered the city after noon, first went to the Ministry of War to perform my duties, then went to the Ministry of Personnel to report, and then accompanied by people from the Ministry of Rites, I went to the Huitong South Pavilion to rest and wait for the palace to summon me."

Xu Wei also asked, "What was Ma Fang's reaction after he entered the city?"

Lu Yi curled his lips: "How can he react? He acted as if nothing had happened. He met many old acquaintances in the Ministry of War and was very enthusiastic. After entering Huitong Hall, he asked the lieutenant general who returned to the capital with him to go out and buy wine and meat."

After hearing what Lu Yi said, Xu Wei silently glanced at Yan Shaoting.

Yan Shaoting just smiled faintly, with a bit of curiosity in his heart.

Obviously, Ma Fang knew in her heart that nothing would go wrong on her trip back to Beijing.

Or maybe he was just pretending to be calm.

But it is likely that Yan Shaoting is inclined to believe that Ma Fang is confident that he will be safe when he returns to Beijing this time.

At this moment.

The three of them have already walked out of the villa.

Yan Shaoting looked back at Jiashan behind him.

On the hillside, you can vaguely see the location of the Gongde Mausoleum.

"He should come here."

Yan Shaoting muttered something in a low voice and stopped talking.

Xu Wei and Lu Yi looked at each other, and they both understood in their hearts that the reason why Yan Shaoting said that was because Changping actually helped Xuanfu Town and Ma Fang this time.

Otherwise, if those 3,000-plus Mongols were really allowed to run rampant in the capital, Xuanfu Town and Ma Fang would be held accountable.

At least, Ma Fang had to acknowledge the favor of these Changping civilians who died.

Wait until the three of them walked around the academy and came to the square in front.

Xu Wei then spoke: "Since Ma Fang has been ordered to return to the capital, it is time for you to return to the city."

Lu Yi said on the side: "I will go back to the city first. If there is any news, I will send it to you after you return to the city."

Done.

After getting Yan Shaoting's nod of agreement, Lu Yi led his horse and men back to the city.

Looking at Lu Yi's departing back, Yan Shaoting put his hands in his pockets and stood with Xu Wei.

"The prince said a few days ago that Prince Yu asked the emperor to allow me to go south to serve as an official."

Xu Wei's eyes moved. Although it was something unexpected, he was not too surprised. Instead, he looked around and said, "Prince Yu has disregarded the rules this time."

Yan Shaoting hummed: "I'm afraid it's all thanks to the prince."

Hearing this, Xu Wei couldn't help but laugh.

This is true no matter whose family it is, even the royal family, just like the Yan family now, where everyone from top to bottom revolves around the little kid who is not even a month old.

Xu Wei smiled and said, "Since Prince Yu has already arranged for you to go south to serve as an official, then the favor you have received from Minister Yang will be in vain."

Yan Shaoting shook his head: "The emperor means to wait for an opportunity, I think he should be released to Nanjing. In this case, Yang Bo still needs to come forward, otherwise how can he give the emperor a chance?"

After hearing this, Xu Wei thought for a moment and finally nodded.

He muttered quietly: "In this case, the only thing left is what kind of official position you can seek."

Say it.

Xu Wei frowned.

Once Yan Shaoting goes south to serve as an official, he will be alone in the capital, and it will be difficult to go south with him.

After all, he is not only the Chief Secretary of the Changping Security Bureau, but also the Right Secretary of the Zhanshi Palace.

You can't possibly seek an official position in the south yourself.

Yan Shaoting naturally saw Xu Wei's dilemma, and patted Xu Wei on the shoulder with a smile: "Don't worry, Mr. Wenchang, even if I don't bring anything, I will take you south with me. Mr. Wenchang has been staying in the capital for the past two years, and it's time for him to go back south if he has the chance."

Can't help it.

Yan Shaoting lamented that time was passing faster and faster nowadays.

And in Beijing.

Xiyuan Wanshou Palace.

Jiajing leaned on the throne and sighed softly: "Nowadays, I often feel that time passes so quickly..."

As he spoke, Jiajing lowered his head and glanced at Ma Fang who was kneeling on the ground.

"I still remember the Gengwu Rebellion in June of the 29th year of Jiajing! At that time, you were only a thousand-household official. You led troops to Huairou and encountered Altan Khan. You killed Altan Khan's generals on the spot, forcing Altan Khan to retreat temporarily."

Inside the palace.

Ma Fang, who was suddenly summoned into the palace from Huitong Hall, knelt quietly on the ground, feeling somewhat uneasy and confused.

But when I heard these words from the emperor, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for the past.

Jiajing continued, "It seemed like more than two months later, the Mongols attacked again, and it was you, Ma Fang, who led the troops to meet the enemy. You first saw through the Mongols' plan to use a weak force to lure our army, and then you ambushed the Mongols into our army, winning a great victory. But you remained as steady as a rock, certain that the Mongols would come back, so you set up defenses in Yemachuan, and then defeated the invading enemy without any armor, turning the tide."

Sitting on the throne, Jiajing patted the table lightly while speaking.

He sighed softly: "Counting it up, it has been thirteen or fourteen years now."

Inside the palace.

Ma Fang, kneeling on the gold bricks, knocked his head heavily on the ground.

"Your Majesty, I have received the Emperor's grace, but I have failed to defend the border properly. I beg the Emperor to issue an order to severely punish me!"

It happened more than ten years ago, but the emperor still remembers it so clearly.

Whether you really remember it or have reread it not long ago.

To have this thought.

For Ma Fang, it was an enormous grace from God.

Jiajing slowly sat up from the throne, looking vaguely at Ma Fang who was kneeling in front of him.

This military commander, who was only a small officer of a thousand households more than a decade ago, was promoted all the way to the rank of Xuanfu Guerrilla General in just half a year because of his military talent. He was then promoted to the rank of the second-rank deputy governor, and at the end of the same year, he was promoted to the rank of the first-rank left governor.

Ma Fang's talent is beyond doubt.

Over the years, Ma Fang has been able to guard the border steadily, also because of his trust in him. However, this trust is based on his belief in Ma Fang's ability.

As long as Ma Fang is here, there will be no trouble at the border.

And this is indeed the case. Since Ma Fang was promoted to the commander-in-chief of Xuanfu, he adopted a preemptive strategy, which led the entire Nine Borders defense line to shift from defense to offense. Although there were wins and losses, overall, the situation in the Nine Borders in recent years has been inclined towards the Ming Dynasty.

Even last year, when Ma Fang took the initiative to lead his troops out of the country to attack northern Mongolia, intending to inflict heavy damage on Altan Khan's main force, Altan Khan bypassed his troops and instead launched a surprise attack on Xuanfu, breaking through the important town of Longqing. Ma Fang was only stripped of his post as Left General, and he still served as the commander-in-chief of Xuanfu.

Very capable, but not loyal enough.

This is Jiajing's view and examination of Ma Fang.

The so-called loyalty does not mean loyalty to the Ming Dynasty and the court, but loyalty to oneself.

And Ma Fang lacks exactly this.

Jiajing sighed softly, "Last year, you led troops out of the border, which led to the invasion of the enemy. Because of your crime, you were stripped of your post as the Left Commander-in-Chief. I thought of your past military exploits and ordered you to make meritorious contributions while serving your sentence. Now, this incident has happened. Do you know how excited the censors in the court were before this?"

Ma Fang lowered his head, the emperor's words could not be false.

He had already heard the criticisms against him from the censors in the court on his way here.

Although I don't know the scene at that time, I think the crowd must have been very excited.

"I deserve death. Your Majesty has shown great favor, but I have repeatedly failed to live up to your expectations. This has led to the impeachment of the court officials, which has only added to Your Majesty's troubles. This is all my fault!"

Although Ma Fang knew it.

If he really could not escape the blame this time, then he would not be summoned back to the capital to report on his work, but would be escorted back to the capital as a convicted official.

same.

If the emperor wanted to punish himself severely, he would not say so many words at this time, but should work with the cabinet to directly determine his guilt.

But being clear is one thing.

The right attitude is another matter.

Jiajing snorted coldly: "How could I be annoyed by the censor's few words? I just want to ask you, do you know where you are wrong?"

After hearing this, Ma Fang was stunned for a moment.

This kind of problem was not what I had imagined.

He lowered his head and looked away. After a while, he slowly spoke: "I, a guilty minister, still guarded Xuanfu despite my crime. I should have built the border wall as solid as a rock, so that the Mongols could not penetrate it. But I failed to live up to the emperor's expectations. This year, the court allocated an additional 300,000 taels of money and military supplies, but I was unable to stop all the Mongols outside the Great Wall. I even watched the Mongols sneak into the capital, disturbing the imperial city and endangering the emperor's safety. This is my great crime."

However, a hint of dissatisfaction flashed in Jiajing's eyes.

This is not the answer I wanted.

He snorted coldly: "There are only over 3,000 people. Even if I personally led the army to slaughter them, they would have been annihilated by the Changping defenders long ago. How can I disturb the safety of the imperial city?"

Ma Fang was totally confused.

Although he knew that the Mongolian army that sneaked into the capital was defeated by the militia team led by the young Lord Yan in Changping, the emperor should not say so.

Isn't this my fault?
So where did I go wrong?

Ma Fang couldn't help but frown and think.

Jiajing also frowned and thought about it. He felt that Ma Fang had been in the army for a long time and didn't understand these twists and turns.

He could only cough lightly, and said with a slightly dissatisfied tone: "Since you were stripped of your post as the Left Commander last year because of the invasion of the enemy, have you ever thought of reporting to me? Have you ever reported directly to me about the border affairs? Or have you forgotten that you, as the general commander, have the right to report directly to me?"

After a scolding.

Jiajing turned his head and looked away.

Ma Fang opened her eyes wide and finally reacted.

Just for something like this?
He raised his head quickly, then leaned down again and said, "I know I was wrong!"

Jiajing then turned around with a hum and glanced at Ma Fang: "Now you know where you went wrong?"

Ma Fang felt strange, even though she now knew where the problem lay.

But how can I start this?

Could it be that he knew that he had not been loyal to the emperor?

However, Ma Fang felt a little wary.

The emperor is now asking himself to make a choice.

Make a choice between the court and the emperor.

Think about it.

Ma Fang raised his head, clasped his hands together, and said in a deep voice: "The Nine Frontiers are the foundation of the country. Everything in Xuanfu is a military secret. I have been granted the grace of the emperor to guard Xuanfu. I have not reported all the matters to the emperor. This is my fault."

After hearing this, Jiajing felt a little more satisfied.

But he changed the subject and said, "You know, after this incident, some people in the court suggested to me that I should set up a military supervisor beside you."

Military supervisor.

The imperial court was often established in the army.

Even in Xuanfu today, there are many military supervisors.

But this is the first time I have heard of setting up a military supervisor around him.

Ma Fang immediately leaned forward and bowed his head: "All military decisions are made by the emperor, and I dare not make the slightest comment."

If the emperor hoped that he would favor Xiyuan at some point, Ma Fang might consider it.

But if he had to add a military supervisor to his side, that would be impossible to accept.

No one wants a pair of eyes following them all day long.

Jiajing smiled faintly: "I think there is no need to appoint a military supervisor."

Ma Fang raised his head cautiously, trying to observe the emperor's expression and reaction.

But Jiajing continued, "You will be in Beijing these few days, and people from various ministries will come to ask questions. This is a common practice, and you should understand it."

Ma Fang didn't have time to think about it, so he could only nod and say, "I understand."

Jiajing added: "When leaving Beijing, take the Jingxuan Post Road. When you pass Changping, go to the academy."

At this time, Ma Fang really couldn't figure it out.

Looking at Ma Fang's somewhat puzzled expression.

Jiajing smiled faintly: "Prince Yu came to Beijing and served as the principal of the academy. After the battle of Changping, he mentioned that the students of the academy admired the soldiers at the border very much..."

Jiajing paused and didn't say the following words.

Ma Fang's eyes finally lit up, and he immediately clenched his fists: "When I leave Beijing, I will go to the academy in person to pay my respects to Prince Yu, and tell the students of the academy about the border with my soldiers!"

Only then did Jiajing nod.

Some things don't need to be made too clear.

He waved.

"Let's go down."

"Remember, I am still guilty today. I will wait for the day when I can report my victory and make great contributions."

Ma Fang had originally been relieved, but now she was worried again.

The emperor was warning himself.

Ma Fang bent over and clenched his fists.

"Wei Chen understands."

After finishing speaking.

He then slowly walked out of the hall step by step.

…………

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(End of this chapter)