Chapter 362: 94. Felt Hat

94. Felt Hat

The crowd finishes reading the official document in silence one by one,

and then tacitly boards the boat to return to Xunyang City.

Venerable Shan Dao and Xiufa, master and disciple, stay at the Twin Peaks Peak to observe and study the grottoes.

The female family members, including Zhen Shuyuan and Ye Weilai, are personally sent back to the mansion in Huaiye Lane by Xie Lingjiang.

Ouyang Rong, Wang Lixian, and their party return to the Xunyang Prince's Mansion in Xiushui Ward.

Inside the bamboo forest study, there is no time to serve tea, the door is closed, and they prepare to discuss matters.

Half an hour later, Xie Lingjiang returns.

Everyone is present. Wang Lixian puts down the official document in his hand and says with a frown:

"I didn't expect this person to be one way to your face and another behind your back."

Li Fusu is indignant:

"At the victory banquet a few days ago, this person was still respectful to Father, with a look of admiration. I didn't expect that now he would turn around and report secretly, actually telling Grandmother that when Father was in contact with the Teng Prince, the private letters he transferred were not just the few reported by Tanlang.

"Asking him for evidence, asking what the content of these groundless letters is, this guy uses the excuse that he was just a transit point and didn't look at them, just reporting to Grandmother dutifully after abandoning darkness for light...

"Simply despicable and shameless."

Ouyang Rong nods, smiling and agreeing: "A three-surname slave is disgusting, but he still has some tricks."

Wei Mei looks at Tanlang's calm and composed expression and asks with a worried tone:

"Dirty water is splashed on us, it is difficult for us to avoid it. This person's intentions are vicious... We should hurry up and write a letter to explain. If the Empress becomes suspicious again and punishes Qilang, it won't be good."

Li Guoer lowers her eyes and tidies up her red sleeves, taking over the conversation:

"Clarifying by letter is certainly necessary, but Mother doesn't need to worry about serious things like suspicion and demotion.

"Today is different from the past. Father is now the Pacification Ambassador of the Jiang Nan Circuit. Not long ago, regarding Wang Junzhi's matter, we have already tried our best to show loyalty, killing Wang Junzhi and completely cutting ties with Li Zhengyan.

"Although Grandmother is very suspicious, she is not a fool and can distinguish clearly.

"It's just that with Zhu Lingxu splashing this dirty water, it is impossible for Grandmother not to have any resentment at all.

"Maybe in Grandmother's eyes, Father is indeed sincere and loyal to the Great Zhou now, but before the rebellion of Li Zhengyan happened, it might not be the case. When he was just restored as the Xunyang Prince, he was suspected of frequently writing private letters to local old-brand vassal princes... who knows if he had any ulterior motives.

"This dirty water will ultimately have some influence..."

Li Guoer's pretty face is calm, analyzing and speculating.

Ouyang Rong glances at her. This little Princess is now becoming more and more accurate in her speculation about her grandmother, who sits in the highest position in the Luoyang court.

He doesn't know what the young girl's brain is thinking about all day long, pointing all her skill points here...

Xie Lingjiang squints her eyes and says:

"So this Zhu Lingxu is disgusting because he is disgusting here. It's one thing to write a memorial to the Empress to praise her and show dog-leg loyalty, but he deliberately and casually presents some groundless slander. Even if it can't hurt you for a while, it can disgust you to death.

"And who knows, one day it will become a seed of disaster."

Speaking of this, she raises her chin, and a touch of anger appears on her fair, oval face:

"Especially when he deliberately and falsely slanders Eldest Ru Shixiong, saying that when he was in the enemy camp in Hongzhou, he often heard Wei Shaoqi and Du Shuqing praise Eldest Ru Shixiong endlessly,

"Yue Ziang, who once wrote a manifesto against the Wei, was also convinced by Eldest Ru Shixiong, prostrating himself in admiration...

"This Zhu Lingxu even said with bad intentions that Cai Qin also admired Eldest Ru Shixiong greatly.

"Before, because of the mutiny of the Guizhou garrison troops, because Eldest Ru Shixiong was the only one who stood up to oppose it, Cai Qin said to everyone... The Great Zhou imperial court only has Jiangzhou Changshi Ouyang Lianghan as a real man, worthy of the name of a righteous gentleman, while the civil and military officials of the court are all dog shit, one clear cannot cover up the turbidity, burying the virtuous, a sign of a dying country..."

Speaking of this, the beauty is slightly angry, saying coldly:

"Regardless of whether what he said is true or false, what does it mean to write these words in front of the Empress and the court lords? If this is not vicious, what is?"

"More than that." Li Guoer laughs lightly: "The most interesting thing is that when Zhu Lingxu wrote these things, the tone and context were still praising Ouyang Lianghan, starting by saying... Ouyang Lianghan strictly defended the city, was also cautious and wary of their surrendered Hongzhou troops, and did not allow them to enter the city, sighing that what he heard in the Hongzhou enemy camp was indeed well-deserved..."

"Heh, what a good 'praise to kill'."

"Alright, there is nothing to say."

Ouyang Rong looks around at the indignant crowd and nods:

"Just a high-sounding letter of allegiance, selling integrity to gain loyalty.

"Now the imperial edict has been issued, and the Empress has enfeoffed Wei Jisi as the Grand Commander of the Jiangzhou Circuit Expeditionary Army, so the timing of Zhu Lingxu's memorial is just right. It is not a coincidence, it is just a letter of allegiance to the Wei clan.

"Zhu Lingxu can be considered a surrendered general, he always has to hold onto a thigh in the court, and there are only a few choices. This memorial can be considered a complete break with us, as well as the Prince of Wei's Mansion and the Baoli faction.

"This person acts decisively, I have to say, the timing is well grasped.

"The Wei clan does need him. This defection and the military merit of the Battle of Guling can be considered the Wei clan's political achievements."

Ouyang Rong turns his head, his tone as usual:

"There is nothing to regret. Such a three-surname slave, what do we want him for? If he wants to defect to the Wei, let him defect. We are not a trash can, we don't take everything."

Xie Lingjiang frowns:

"But this Zhu Lingxu is indeed old and cunning. Eldest Ru Shixiong deliberately insulted and provoked them recently, but they all endured it and didn't commit any mistakes like mutiny."

Li Guoer turns to look at Ouyang Rong and says softly:

"It is impossible to have no complaints. He defected when Cai Qin's military momentum was at its peak. Martial men are naturally arrogant. They originally thought it was a posture of victory, like being served as masters at Wang Lengran's place, but they didn't expect to be grandsons. It is estimated that they now have the heart to drink the blood of the dog official Ouyang Lianghan.

"This shows that Zhu Lingxu is indeed good at governing the army and can suppress the dissatisfaction of his subordinates. This batch of surrendered Hongzhou troops is managed very well by him, consistent inside and out.

"Setting aside this person's despicable fence-sitting, he indeed has the talent to lead the army and govern subordinates. It is difficult to provoke him into making mistakes."

Xie Lingjiang purses her lips: "You are good at praising people. Why don't you write a letter to praise him to death?"

Li Guoer immediately replies: "Using your Eldest Ru Shixiong's words from before, this is called attaching importance to the opponent in tactics."

Ouyang Rong laughs lightly:

"No mutiny or chaos means he is good at governing subordinates, and his control is indeed strong. This batch of surrendered Hongzhou troops is like his Zhu family's private army."

He nods in public: "Actually, this is a good thing. The more private, the better."

"A good thing? What does this mean."

"Hmm."

Ouyang Rong responds indifferently. Just as Xie Lingjiang, Li Guoer, Wang Lixian, and others are curiously waiting for his subsequent words, Ouyang Rong suddenly says:

"The letter of allegiance has been handed in, and Wei Jisi has become the Grand Commander of the Jiangzhou Circuit Expeditionary Army, starting to form a team. It seems that the new appointment letter for our Grand Commandant Zhu should be on the way."

Li Guoer frowns: "You mean to say..."

Ouyang Rong nods:

"Hmm, Jiangzhou has been relieved, naturally we must pursue the victory. Hongzhou is the next target. Wei Jisi will not wait. How can he leave too much preparation time for Cai Qin in vain? Now is the best time.

"Even if he is still forming the expeditionary army in the north, it does not affect the forward thrust of the existing troops in Jiangzhou.

"As for the corresponding candidates, Wei Jisi probably knows how many catties and taels Wang Lengran has better than we do.

"So, may I ask what is more suitable for recovering Hongzhou than the original Hongzhou Commandant?"

The crowd cannot help but look sideways.

This study meeting ends, and two days pass, calm and peaceful.

In the city, every time Zhu Lingxu sees Ouyang Rong, he is polite and gentle. Those who don't know would think the two have a very good relationship and that no such "praise to kill" had happened at all.

As for Ouyang Rong, his attitude is indifferent, quite arrogant, and he has never given Zhu Lingxu a good look.

The latter's expression is not angry either.

One cold, one hot.

It's just that after separating, turning around, the expressions of the two foxes, one old and one young, both return to calm...

On this day, the appointment letter for the Grand Commander of the Jiangzhou Circuit Expeditionary Army, Prince of Wei Wei Jisi, is sent to the Jiangzhou Government Office.

Appointing Hongzhou Commandant Zhu Lingxu as the Grand Commander of the Vanguard, using the elite troops of the Jiangzhou Zhechong Prefecture, surrendered Hongzhou troops, and reinforcements from Yangzhou to form the vanguard of the expeditionary army.

In a few days, attack Hongzhou and take back the lost territory!

It needs to be said that the military system of the Great Qian and Great Zhou has two systems: "Garrison" and "Expeditionary".

The former is the Zhechong Prefecture set up in the locality daily.

The latter, the main source of troops is provided by various Zhechong Prefectures under the Fubing system.

When a war occurs, the imperial court will grant someone the title of Grand Commander or Marshal of a certain circuit, selecting local Fubing nearby to be used to suppress the thieves.

The specific title of the Grand Commander of the Expeditionary Army is generally based on the place name of the war zone.

So this time Wei Jisi was granted the title of Grand Commander of the Jiangzhou Circuit Expeditionary Army.

Although there is no place called Jiangzhou Circuit on the map, because the war happened in Jiangzhou, it is named after it,

commanding all the wars in this area, and even including the subsequent war to suppress Li Zhengyan, the power is not insignificant.

Of course, this title is generally temporary. After the war ends, the title will be cancelled, and this kind of field army will be disbanded, and each will return to the garrison establishment.

And an expeditionary army is divided into vanguard, middle army, rear army, etc., generally with six armies,

Each army is commanded by an expeditionary commander, and each expeditionary commander is a general who can stand alone.

And the Vanguard Commander can be considered one of the most important positions among the six army commanders, because it is easy to obtain military merit, and they are all trusted generals.

Regarding the appointment of these positions, Wei Jisi, as the Grand Commander of the Jiangzhou Circuit Expeditionary Army, has an important right of suggestion, and the imperial court generally does not strongly oppose it.

Zhu Lingxu was heavily taken care of by the Wei clan this time, giving him a good position.

It can be considered a promotion by a noble person, rising steadily.

And from another perspective, the Grand Commander of the Expeditionary Army, as the highest military officer commanding the soldiers in battle, indeed has huge power.

Local government offices in Jiang Nan such as Jiangzhou and Yangzhou must cooperate unconditionally in a state of war.

No wonder various parties fought for this position before.

With this piece of cake in hand, distributed down, I don't know how many people the Wei clan and Wei Jisi can buy over by taking this opportunity...

Zhu Lingxu, who was a surrendered general and living under someone else's roof just a few days ago, obtained the position of Vanguard Commander of the expeditionary army. Inside and outside Xunyang City, the atmosphere suddenly became a bit different, and the eyes of some officials who originally looked down on him also became different.

On this day, at the Xunyang Prince's Mansion, everyone gathers in the study again.

"Sure enough, as Tanlang expected, the Wei clan really rewarded a good bone. This time, Zhu Lingxu and his son are afraid they will follow the Wei clan even more wholeheartedly."

Wang Lixian sighs, his frown unresolved:

"Tanlang, what should we do now? This person has a grudge against us, but is good at enduring. He is about to get his wish. With his vengeful nature, should we write a memorial to impeach him and see if we can hinder it a little."

"The Grand Commander of the Expeditionary Army only has the right of suggestion, the Empress can certainly take back the order..."

"Very difficult to take back."

Ouyang Rong shakes his head:

"The Empress also wants to buy horse bones with a thousand gold, impeaching him is useless, as long as it is not a crime of rebellion.

"After all, letting the surrendered Zhu Lingxu serve as the Vanguard Commander to recover the lost territory of Hongzhou not only shows her love for talent and tolerance, but can also divide Li Zhengyan and Cai Qin's side."

Xie Lingjiang's eyebrows stand up: "Then we can't be helpless, wouldn't that look weak."

"Indeed, we can't do nothing. We must appear very anxious." Ouyang Rong agrees very much.

"Very anxious? Appear?" Li Guoer grabs the point.

"That's right."

Ouyang Rong guides step by step, making suggestions:

"This expedition, Zhu Lingxu serves as the Vanguard Commander. The vanguard has been formed in these few days, responsible for taking the lead in attacking and scouting the river, but it has not been decided yet. We should fight for this position.

"So Uncle, at the expedition meeting in the Jiangzhou Government Office tomorrow, don't hang high and act like a clay bodhisattva anymore. This time you must speak and express your position."

"Vanguard? Express position? Is it to recommend someone to go? Is Tanlang willing to go?"

Ouyang Rong waves his hand:

"I am not a military officer, and besides, I was just provoked and 'praised' by him, the Empress and the court lords will not allow it. I will not go."

"Then who goes?"

Ouyang Rong says softly: "Qin Heng."

Wang Lixian frowns: "General Qin has been low-key in the past, and on the surface, he has little involvement with us. Recommending him suddenly, is it inappropriate?"

"Inappropriate is just right. That way it shows we are anxious and want to fight for merit."

He smiles and explains softly:

"I have discussed this matter with Qin Heng. Uncle and the Prince's Mansion have now gained momentum, not like before, being fish on the chopping block, at the mercy of others. A Resolute Commandant of the Zhechong Prefecture can still be protected."

"Good, listen to Tanlang."

Li Fusu asks worriedly:

"Vanguard scout, Zhu Lingxu also has the right of suggestion. Will he fight with us? Zhu Lingxu's eldest son Zhu Yuheng is also a Resolute Commandant. Since everyone knows Hongzhou is easy to take, how can there be no reason to fight for this merit? Anyway, we have already fallen out."

The crowd sees Ouyang Rong nod calmly: "Fighting is just right."

"Ouyang Lianghan, what exactly are you going to do?" Li Guoer is curious.

Ouyang Rong lowers his eyes.

Xie Lingjiang's eyes brighten slightly:

"I know, Zhu Yuheng once had dealings with Li Zhengyan and Yue Ziang. If Eldest Ru Shixiong impeaches him with this matter, the Empress will be suspicious, and the position of vanguard will not be able to compete with Qin Heng. It can be considered a counterattack."

"No."

Ouyang Rong shakes his head, asking back with a strange tone:

"Little Junior Sister, if I am bitten by a dog, why should I bite back?"

Xie Lingjiang tilts her head, her index finger painted with vermilion nail polish lightly tapping her chin, confused:

"Then what does Eldest Ru Shixiong mean?"

Ouyang Rong suddenly takes out a strange felt hat from his sleeve and gently places it on the table in front of him.

"This is..."

Under the curious or confused eyes of Xie Lingjiang, Li Guoer, Wang Lixian, and others, he smiles a little embarrassedly:

"Biting people randomly, of course, is to slaughter the dog's head."

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 363 =====