Chapter 129 The Man Below Wei Zhongdao
"Ah~"

Wei Boju couldn't help but sigh again. He was afraid that his younger brother was really deeply in love with the talented woman Cai Yan, and couldn't extricate himself.

In fact, given Cai Yong's current situation, the Hedong Wei family looked down on him.

After all, the royalists are now showing signs of gaining momentum, with the king's brother-in-law Dong Cheng coming to power, and Cai Yong being regarded as Wang Jing's cronies. What's more, Cai Yong had been valued by Dong Zhuo before. With such a "stainted" identity, he will inevitably be suppressed by all parties in the current court.

Therefore, Cai Yong losing his official position was the lightest punishment. If the punishment was more serious, he might even lose his life.

As a result, the Cai family has completely lost its value for marriage.

But Wei Zhongdao just likes Cai Yan!

Perhaps because he was a son born in old age, Wei Zhongdao was loved by his parents at home since he was born. In addition, he was weak and sickly since childhood, so everyone in the family indulged him and spoiled him.

Wei Boju really couldn't bear to see his brother become emaciated for a woman, so he simply helped him arrange the marriage.

However, when Wei Boju went to Cai Yong's house in person and explained his purpose, he only received two cold words in response, which were said by Cai Yan herself.

"Don't marry."

There was only coldness and disgust in Cai Yan's bright eyes. Even when Wei Ji, the head of the Hedong Wei family, came in person to ask for marriage on behalf of his younger brother Wei Zhongdao, Cai Yan had no intention of giving face to the Wei family and directly refused with a firm attitude.

The Wei family is a famous family after all. Even if Cai Yan politely declined, it would be somewhat offensive, let alone with this attitude?

He's simply aiming to make enemies!

Wei Boju also felt a little embarrassed. He stood up angrily and left without looking back.

Cai Yong looked at his stubborn daughter and couldn't help but sigh: "Actually, Wei Zhongdao is a good person. It's not his fault for what happened last time."

Cai Yan shook her head, "Yuan Xu once said that a person's true character can only be revealed after a long journey. No matter how well a person pretends to be, his true nature will be revealed when he encounters a big event. I didn't resent the Wei family for not saving my father last time. After all, it is human nature to seek benefits and avoid harm. But it would be fine if Wei Zhongdao didn't help me, but he refused to even see me, fearing that he would be implicated by my father. This kind of person is not worthy of Yan'er's love."

"A journey of a thousand miles tests a horse's strength, and time reveals a person's true character. Marquis Qi is quite talented in writing. No wonder you, Zhaoji, can't stop thinking about him."

"Father! What are you talking about? Yan and Yuanxu are just close friends."

"Yes, yes, is it not enough for me to believe it?"

Cai Yong twirled his beard and laughed teasingly, obviously not believing it at all. However, he was happy to see Cai Yan and Wang Jing get together, and even felt that it would be quite good if Wang Jing really became his son-in-law.

As soon as Wang Jing was mentioned, Cai Yong began to worry again: "It has been such a long time since he sent back any news, could it be that Marquis Qi is..."

"No! Good things will come to those who are lucky. I believe that you will be safe and sound! Definitely!"

Cai Yan silently prayed for Wang Jing in her heart, hoping that he would be safe and return safely.

At this time, at Hangu Pass, a gentle breeze was blowing, but the sound of the Yellow River waves was still there.

Wang Jing stood proudly on the city wall, tall and straight, facing the east and gazing into the distance.

After a while, a carrier pigeon landed and was caught steadily by the secret guard behind Wang Jing. He quickly confirmed the symbol on the envelope and quickly handed it to Wang Jing, saying respectfully, "General, this is a Class A, second-class urgent report."

"Ah."

Wang Jing responded casually, took the secret letter with a calm look, and with a stroke of his fingertips, the flowing flame burned open the seal like a sharp sword.

After reading the contents in his mind, Wang Jing passed it directly to Jia Xu and Li Ru beside him without saying a word.

Now these two are his advisers, and they have made great contributions in clearing out the remnants of the Xiliang Army. Therefore, they have paid their loyalty tokens and officially entered the central decision-making circle of the Northern Army.

Jia Xu and Li Ru took the secret letter together and read it quickly.

Li Ru was the first to speak. When he served Dong Zhuo, he had dealt with Dong Cheng before, so he knew a little about Dong Cheng's character. He reminded him, "My lord, Dong Cheng now has a large army. I think he will attack General Xu and Minister Xun soon. If their retreat is cut off, Liang County and Hulao will most likely be lost."

The troops led by Xu Huang and Xun You were all elite and their fighting power was certainly strong, but man is iron and rice is steel, and they will be hungry if they don't eat for a meal.

If Dong Cheng really wanted to take action, he didn't need to show up directly. As long as he cut off the food supply in the rear, the army on the front line would collapse without a fight.

Jia Xu also added: "Before Gongda led the troops to the battle, he had anticipated that something might happen in Luoyang, so he brought enough food and grass for half a year. Hulao Pass guarded by Xu Gongming also had a lot of food stored, so food and money are not the biggest problem at the moment. What I am more worried about is that if Your Majesty joins forces with the noble families and attacks from both inside and outside, my army will lose its righteousness and face death."

Although Liu Xie was young, he was an emperor after all. Therefore, it would be a troublesome matter for him to stand up and call on troops from all over the world to fight together.

"My lord, although we failed to catch the biggest fish, the current situation means we can no longer wait."

Li Ru and Jia Xu both advised Wang Jing in unison.

They all knew Wang Jing's plan. The main purpose of this fishing trip was to go after Yuan Wei. After all, the other party was the Taifu, who ranked above the Three Dukes and had the status of the Emperor's teacher.

Even compared to Wang Yue, the "imperial teacher" who taught Liu Xie swordsmanship, Yuan Wei, the regent minister, was more influential as an imperial teacher and was recognized and supported by the entire Confucian community.

Therefore, as long as Yuan Wei did not make mistakes on his own initiative, Wang Jing could not accuse him of it without reason. Otherwise, it would be a huge loss of points politically and would cause the legitimacy of his own power to be questioned.

Wang Jing thought for a moment, and finally agreed with their advice: "Yuan Wei and Yang Biao are indeed old foxes. They can keep their temper and not take action. It seems that I underestimated them."

Li Ru's eyes flashed with ferocity: "My Lord, it is not difficult to kill these two people. Just find an excuse and say that they have evil intentions and are colluding with the princes of other counties to rebel. When the time comes, the army will surround them and kill them with the military tactics. Even if they are the three Confucian masters, they will die."

Jia Xu is a poisonous scholar, and Li Ru is a poisonous snake.

When Jia Xu suggested killing people, it was usually for the purpose of self-protection and he did it out of necessity.

But Li Ru was different. He killed people for fame, fortune and power, and his methods were extremely cruel and he left no room for mercy.

Therefore, in Li Ru's opinion, the so-called old ministers like Yuan Wei and Yang Biao were just famous for their reputations. Perhaps they had unfathomable spiritual cultivation and could break all laws with a single word.

However, the art of Confucianism's holy words also has its limits, and the military strategists' tactics are the biggest nemesis of Confucianism. No matter how great your spiritual cultivation is, as long as we are united as one, killing you will be like slaughtering chickens and dogs.

If you really want to ignore the consequences and directly gather tens of thousands of troops and set up a formation, you can wipe out the entire enemy.

The counselors offered suggestions, but the decision of whether to adopt them or not ultimately lay with Lord Wang Jing.

Wang Jing rejected Li Ru's suggestion without thinking: "If killing people could solve the problem, I would have killed them long ago, but Yuan Wei and Yang Biao are different. They are not only ministers in the court, but also among the three highest officials. Killing them must be based on the law, not out of personal grudge. Otherwise, the national law will be abolished and the world will inevitably be in chaos."

Wang Jing's words shocked Jia Xu and Li Ru.

How many people in the world are able to hold power without abusing it?
"Ru has been taught."

Li Ru bowed to Wang Jing and was full of respect for him.

The attitude shown by Wang Jing is very clear, that is, he will not kill people at will because of different political views, and he will never become the second Dong Zhuo.

Historically, Dong Zhuo once killed Yuan Wei's entire family because of the affair between Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu, but it was of no avail in the end. Instead, it strengthened the determination of the Runan Yuan family to rebel. Without Yuan Wei and Yuan Ji, Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu were able to mobilize more political resources, which directly accelerated the defeat of the Western Liang Army.

Wang Jing certainly couldn't make the same mistake again, as that would be too stupid.

You must know that the class to which the aristocratic families belong actually represents the entire upper class of the Yan and Han Dynasties. They control the most land and wealth and have the most advanced productive forces.

To be against them is to go against the will of heaven.

Killing one or two people will not help at all. Instead, it will ruin your reputation. You will then be collectively ostracized by the aristocratic families and even attacked by the heroes of the world.

So since Yuan Wei and Yang Biao did not jump out this time, Wang Jing was too lazy to deal with them.

However, Dong Cheng, who was the most active, and Liu Xie, who refused to settle down, had to be dealt with.

"It seems like it's time for me to go back."

"My lord, do you need to recall the elite troops from Hedong under Minister Xun's command?"

Xun You had two thousand elite Hedong soldiers under his command, and their combat effectiveness was not bad. That was why Li Ru proposed to let them come back to be on the safe side.

Upon hearing this, Wang Jing shook his head and said, "Sun Wentai is not someone you can easily deal with. Liang County must not be lost, and Gongda's people cannot be moved lightly. As for the small fry like Dong Cheng in Luoyang, I can suppress them with the back of my hand. Why do I need a large army to accompany me?" When saying this, Wang Jing displayed his unparalleled arrogance and pride.

Because he always holds an ace in his hand that he has never used.

That is the golden-armored general!
"Is this... too risky?"

Li Ru and Jia Xu were both a little worried.

"Don't worry, I have the situation under control. By the way, there are still some things you need to do before returning to Luoyang."

Then Wang Jing began to give orders: "Wenyou."

Li Ru immediately bowed and said, "I'm here!"

"You are responsible for arranging personnel to spread the news in Luoyang City, saying that His Majesty condoned the prince's uncle to murder the people, causing many people to be displaced and their families to be destroyed. This is really against the harmony of heaven."

Obviously, this was an offensive of public opinion warfare, and Wang Jing wanted to shake the morale of Dong Cheng's soldiers.

"My subordinate understands!"

"Wenhe."

Jia Xu cupped his hands and said, "I am here."

"You are in charge of the coordination and intelligence. You must carefully observe the changes in the situation. If there is any major incident, inform me immediately."

"I obey my orders."

Wang Jing personally led 3,000 Bingzhou soldiers and embarked on the return journey in a very high-profile manner.

Along the way, the mighty army did not hide its identity. Instead, it openly raised the banner of the Northern Army and approached Luoyang in a dignified manner.

When the news that Wang Jing had "returned as the king" was heard, the entire capital was shocked. There were several surprises a day, and some people cheered and were ecstatic.

However, some forces that had previously engaged in small actions were now trembling with fear, unable to sleep or eat, for fear that Wang Jingqiu would hold them accountable later.

As soon as the news reached Luoyang, Liu Xie was completely panicked: "Marquis Qi has recovered from his injury? Could it be that God wants me to die?"

After all, he is just a child. It is inevitable that he will be at a loss when faced with such a life-and-death matter.

Liu Xie also felt very guilty. After all, Wang Jing had saved him from Dong Zhuo and had always taken good care of him and had never shown him any disrespect.

However, after hearing that Wang Jing was seriously injured, the first thing he thought of was to deprive the Northern Army of its command, wanting to take this powerful force into his own hands.

How is such an act different from being ungrateful?

Seeing Liu Xie's panic, Dong Cheng stepped out to comfort him, "Your Majesty, Wang Yuanxu only has 3,000 soldiers with him, while our army has more than 20,000. As long as we choose a good general, it will be easy to destroy him."

Seeing Dong Cheng so confident, Liu Xie was relieved. "Marquis Qi pacified Hedong and repelled the Xiongnu. He also single-handedly killed Dong Zhuo and defeated the Xiliang army. He is a top-notch general in the world. He has been invincible since his debut. Who can lead the army to fight him?"

"Grandmaster Zhu has the strategy of a great general. He never makes mistakes in his plans and never neglects his plans. He can be entrusted with important tasks."

Dong Cheng was the first one to recommend Zhu Jun to Liu Xie. Lu Zhi returned to his hometown and lived in seclusion, Huangfu Song was far away in Chang'an. Of the three heroes of the imperial dynasty who suppressed the Yellow Turban Rebellion in the past, only Zhu Jun was left.

"Yes, yes, yes. Qiantang Hou is loyal, brave and courageous. He is indeed capable of taking on important tasks."

Liu Xie finally calmed down and began to draft an edict, appointing Zhu Jun as the Right General of Cavalry of the Han Dynasty and ordering him to lead 20,000 troops to stop Wang Jing outside the city of Luoyang.

In the Imperial Household's Mansion, as soon as the imperial order arrived, Zhu Jun knelt down to receive it.

After reading the imperial eunuch's order, the eunuch who came to deliver the imperial edict specifically warned Zhu Jun, "The military situation is urgent. Please ask the imperial carriage master to set off immediately and never let the chaotic soldiers set foot in Luoyang."

Zhu Jun's opponent was Wang Jing. His expression was solemn, but the emperor's order had been issued. Although he had many questions, he did not dare to disobey. He could only bow his head and clasp his fists in front of the imperial edict: "Your Highness, Zhu Jun, obeys your order."

"Father, why is His Majesty so confused?"

After everyone left, Zhu Hao walked up to Zhu Jun, looking indignant, and cried out in a sad voice: "Marquis Qi has made great contributions to the country and has not committed any serious faults. Your Majesty's actions are like abandoning the dog after the rabbit has died. Once this precedent is set, who will dare to serve the country wholeheartedly in the future?"

After all, he is a descendant of a general and a member of the military camp, so Zhu Hao is obviously standing up for Wang Jing.

"Your Majesty has his own considerations. As subjects, how can we presume to guess the will of heaven and criticize it in private?"

Zhu Jun stopped his son who was about to speak, and immediately summoned his personal soldiers in the palace to put on precious armor for him and prepare weapons and good horses.

The military situation is urgent at the moment. From Hangu Pass to Luoyang, the distance is only 300 miles. Because the official road is unobstructed, it only takes six days to walk.

If the 3,000 Bingzhou soldiers abandoned their baggage and marched a long distance, they could reach the city of Luoyang in just two or three days and catch the royalists off guard.

Therefore, Zhu Jun knew that his time was very tight, not to mention that his opponent was Wang Jing, so he did not dare to be careless. After dressing neatly, he immediately took a few personal soldiers and rode to the camp to take over the command of the troops.

But in the military camp, when Zhu Jun saw the so-called new army recruited by Dong Cheng, he was speechless.

Most of the new recruits in front of them were refugees and farmers. They were thin, had dull eyes, and were not even equipped with half of their weapons and armor.

More than half of the recruits not only had poor training levels, but also had very shabby weapons and equipment.

Many people only had a wooden spear in their hands. As for armor and iron weapons, they were even rarer. Officers below the rank of team leader could not even think about getting them.

"Father, what's the use of having more people than such a weak group?"

Zhu Hao was almost driven crazy by Dong Cheng. What kind of idiots were these?

With such a group of trash, it would be difficult to march, let alone engage in close combat with the enemy.

However, what is even worse is that many of the officers above the mid-level are children of aristocratic families. It is fine to let them recite poetry and sing songs, but now they have to lead troops to fight!
Can this group of people really kill their opponents by reciting poems?

Zhu Hao didn't dare to leave his back to such a group of idiots who had never been to the battlefield and could only talk about war on paper.

Zhu Jun saw everything and his eyelids twitched wildly. The 20,000 men agreed upon were not enough, but what about the quality of these new soldiers? Didn't they say that they had gathered enough money and food to arm 20,000 men?

Is it because the situation is so urgent that you still have to give me a discount on this matter?
Zhu Jun was really furious at this time. What a bunch of stupid teammates. They dared to interfere even when they were about to die. They were really stupid.

But he had the emperor's order and considered himself a loyal minister, so even though the situation was so bad, he had no choice but to go ahead.

"Although the new soldiers are weak, they can still defend the city. Although the soldiers of Bingzhou are strong, they are rootless and floating like duckweed. How can they last long? Our army still has a chance of winning."

Zhu Jun said this to comfort himself and to appease his subordinates.

In order to maintain the morale that has almost hit rock bottom, he can only resort to talk nonsense, which is also a skill that a famous general must have. After all, what kind of famous general is he if he can't even fool his own people?
It’s just like bosses starting a business in later generations. If you can’t fool your employees with empty promises, why start a business?

Afterwards, Zhu Jun also performed his duties conscientiously and began to command and dispatch his soldiers seriously. He not only had to be familiar with the status of each unit, but also had to arrange corresponding defensive tasks for everyone, especially collecting various supplies for defending the city, such as kerosene, rolling logs and stones.

Of course, the most important thing is that the new recruits must be trained. Not to mention how many combat skills they learn, at least they must be able to understand combat orders.

Otherwise, even if the general issued the correct combat orders, but the troops under him were unable to execute them, wouldn't that be a waste of time?
After Zhu Jun arranged everything and the generals left, Zhu Hao began to complain in a low voice: "Father, how easy is it to train in just a few days? Marquis Qi is a famous general of the time, how could he give us time to prepare?"

In Zhu Hao's opinion, the so-called 20,000 troops sent by Dong Cheng may not be as effective as paper dummies. After all, dummies will not be afraid and may even be able to scare the opponent.

The real person would be afraid, panic, and run away, which would lead to the defeat of the entire army. Even if Sun Wu were alive again, he would only be able to watch helplessly.

If Wang Jing led his army to attack the city, whether he could defend it would depend on God's will.

Anyway, Zhu Hao himself has no confidence.

Zhu Jun was helpless. With no one around, he could only sigh and say to his son, "Do your best and leave the rest to fate."

(End of this chapter)