SWDnovel Chapter 1435 Talk
Chapter 1435 Talk
Chapter 1435 Conversation
"Mingwen, here, here!"
Emperor Liu Adou of the Han Dynasty was still in the carriage, only sticking his head out, waving repeatedly to his brother-in-law who came to greet him, his face full of joy.
This trip to Luoyang was somewhat rushed, so the emperor's entourage and procession were kept simple.
If it weren't for the presence of guards, the carriages would look like those of a wealthy young master on an outing.
The welcoming ceremony in Luoyang was also kept simple.
In any case, the war at the front has not yet ended, so the emperor should be able to understand.
The Emperor of Han Dynasty did not mind at all. In fact, he was very pleased to see his brother-in-law standing at the very front.
He even openly greeted his brother-in-law in front of everyone:
"Come here quickly, come here quickly!"
Although everyone already knew that the emperor favored the Grand Marshal the most, seeing the emperor so openly and unreservedly showing affection for the Grand Marshal still drew everyone's attention.
Judging from His Majesty's expression, he probably wishes he could have the Grand Marshal ride in the imperial carriage with him!
Grand Marshal Feng stepped forward as ordered. Before he could even speak, Liu Adou impatiently reached out, making a gesture as if to pull his brother-in-law into the carriage.
"Come quickly! I haven't seen Mingwen for a long time. I hear news of your victories from Hebei every day while I'm in Chang'an. I wish I could grow wings and fly to Hebei to see how you strategize, kill the bandits, and quell the rebellion."
Grand Marshal Feng was a little embarrassed and gestured to his left and right that there were people around him.
"Your Majesty is overly complimentary."
Emperor Liu, however, was completely oblivious, waving his hands repeatedly, his eyes gleaming:
"Previously, I only saw that you stationed your troops at Jingxing. Many people in the court said that Taihang is a dangerous place, and Hebei is where the puppet Wei started. It has plenty of troops and food. I'm afraid it can't be won in one battle."
"Even worse, some say that the army is locked in a stalemate with the rebels at Jingxing, wasting food and fodder, and that the treasury is about to be empty. They suggest that it is better to withdraw the troops for the time being and discuss the matter again later."
"Fortunately, Minister Fei strongly opposed this, saying that Sun Tzu said: 'To advance when one does not know when the army should advance, and to retreat when one does not know when the army should retreat, is to ensnare the army.'"
"With the war raging, how can we suddenly order a retreat? If we are defeated when we should have been, whose fault is it?"
"After court, I went to visit the Grand General who was recuperating. The Grand General also said: 'In our great Han Dynasty, no one is better at using troops than the Grand Marshal. To criticize the good for the bad is no different from leading the blind on the bright path. It is only a laughing stock for the wise.'"
“I think this makes perfect sense. Since I have already bestowed upon the Grand Marshal the insignia of authority, allowing him to command all the troops in the land, quell the rebellion, and recover Hebei, how can he abandon the task halfway? This is how I have suppressed those dissenting opinions.”
"Later, Mingwen, you lived up to expectations. Successive victories in Hebei came one after another. When you did not move, you were like a thunderbolt, leaving people shocked and at a loss."
At this point, A Dou slapped the carriage shaft repeatedly and burst into laughter:
"You didn't see the expressions on the faces of the court officials at that time, especially those who advised me to withdraw my troops. You have no idea how interesting they were!"
"Mingwen, do you know how I felt back then? It was even more refreshing than drinking ice cream on a sweltering summer day!"
A Dou became more and more excited as he spoke, and he almost started dancing with joy.
As Feng Da Sima listened, he coughed repeatedly, reminding his brother-in-law not to lose his composure in public:
"My ability to recover Hebei this time is not only due to the bravery of the soldiers at the front, but also to Your Majesty's overall planning in the rear, the full support of the Grand General, and the provision of food and clothing by the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat. This is what is meant by the unity of the emperor and his ministers, and the cooperation between the internal and external forces."
"I have only relied on the strength of the entire Han Dynasty; how dare I claim credit for what is due to Heaven?"
After being reminded by Grand Marshal Feng and hearing the Grand Marshal's humble words, A Dou restrained himself somewhat.
But he still couldn't suppress the excitement on his face, only lowering his voice slightly:
"No need to be modest, no need to be modest! I saw it all, and I know perfectly well who deserves the most credit in this battle in Hebei!"
"Unless the Prime Minister is resurrected, no matter who is in his place, no one can do this!"
Although that's what he said, A Dou was still quite pleased with his brother-in-law's words.
Although I indulge in eating, drinking, having fun, and sleeping with beautiful women in the palace, my brother-in-law has said that I also have the merit of overseeing the overall situation.
Upon realizing this, the Emperor of Han could not contain his emotions and, unable to hold back his feelings, grasped his brother-in-law's hand, patted the back of his hand, and said with some reluctance:
"I originally intended for you to ride with me, but the General is traveling with me this time."
He gestured behind him, this time truly lowering his voice so that only the two of them could hear:
"The General's body..."
He paused, as if gathering his thoughts, then said, "Anyway, it's not good. You should go and take a look."
When Grand Marshal Feng heard that Jiang Wan had also arrived, he was greatly surprised. Why hadn't the official secret report from Chang'an mentioned this matter?
Feng Da Sima's private network of informants wasn't so crazy as to plant spies around the General and closely monitor Jiang Wan's every move.
This is the Han Dynasty, not the pseudo-Wei Dynasty, much less the pseudo-Wu Dynasty.
Some rules are easy to break, difficult to rebuild, and may even be impossible to rebuild.
Besides, I, Feng, have always acted with integrity and by taking advantage of the prevailing trend. Why would I need to do something so petty?
Feng Da Sima was originally thinking about how to remind Liu Pangzi that coming to Luoyang without prior notice was a bit too rash.
Upon hearing that Jiang Wan had also secretly accompanied them, they immediately realized that Fatty Liu was most likely being framed.
He immediately followed the instructions and went to the carriage at the back.
I initially thought the carriage, which was about the same size as the emperor's, was a secondary carriage, but I never expected that General Jiang Wan was inside.
"Lord Jiang, Feng Yong requests an audience."
"It is the Grand Marshal. I have been ill for a long time and am too weak to get up and come out to meet you. I can only humbly ask the Grand Marshal to come to my carriage to meet me."
A few coughs came from inside the car, followed by Jiang Wan's voice.
Feng Da Sima heard the weakness in the voice, and his heart sank slightly. Without further hesitation, he stepped up the carriage.
Jiang Wan's carriage was similar in size to Liu Pangzi's, suggesting it was a special gift from the emperor.
The interior was quite spacious. Jiang Wan, wrapped in a quilt, lay half-reclined in the corner of the car, smiling as she looked at Grand Marshal Feng:
"With the victory in Hebei secured, the Han Dynasty has restored most of the empire. I would like to congratulate the Grand Marshal on his great achievement and thank him for his courage in risking his life for the restoration of the Han Dynasty."
Although she was already skin and bones from being tormented by illness, it was clear that Jiang Wan was genuinely happy for this battle, and a sickly blush appeared on her pale face.
Grand Marshal Feng shook his head and repeated what he had said to Fatty Liu:
"General Jiang is too kind. It is only because of the support of His Majesty and General Jiang and General Fei that we have the courage and sacrifice of our soldiers. This is because the emperor and his ministers are of one mind and the people are working together. We would never dare to take credit for ourselves."
"There are no outsiders here, so there's no need for further modesty."
Jiang Wan coughed lightly, then slowly waved her hand, and said nonchalantly:
"I fear my days are numbered, and my mind is easily weary. Let me refrain from idle talk."
Feng Da Sima wanted to comfort Jiang Wan, but after opening his mouth, he closed it again.
No matter how many words of comfort you offer, they will probably just sound like nagging and pointless noise to the other person.
Since you're treating me like an outsider, then I won't say anything more.
I felt the car start to shake, so I figured it was continuing to move forward.
Grand Marshal Feng adjusted his posture, found a seat in the carriage, thought for a moment, and then asked:
"Why would Chiang Kai-shek travel despite his poor health?"
"It's alright, it's alright," Jiang Wan patted the ground beneath her. "This car is so much more comfortable than the old one."
"I heard them say that now the carts are using something called... Western Region grass glue, which not only prevents damage even after traveling thousands of miles, but also relieves the discomfort caused by the bumpy ride of the oxcart."
Jiang Wan looked at Grand Marshal Feng and exclaimed, "This item was brought back from the Western Regions by someone sent by the Grand Marshal. It will truly be of great benefit to your travels."
This time, Grand Marshal Feng had no choice but to be modest:
"It is merely based on what my teacher recorded, and some agricultural experts tried planting it at home, which is not a permanent achievement."
Jiang Wan pointed, her wrinkles deepening with laughter:
"Alright, alright, everyone knows that your sect is powerful, capable of anything, so don't show off."
Oh, oh, Mr. Chiang, what are you saying?
What does it mean to show off?
Jiang Wan's smile faded, and a look of reminiscence returned to her face:
"Back then, when you went to Hanzhong to open a workshop, I went to Hanzhong to see you; when you went to Nanzhong to become a chief administrator, I went to Nanzhong to see you again, watching you tinker with those novel things that I had never seen before."
"At that time, we only thought that those things would benefit the people and be useful to the Han Dynasty. We never thought they would have such a great effect."
"Those things, whenever I think about them, I always feel like they happened just yesterday, but I never imagined that more than twenty years have passed..."
"I never imagined that I would not only witness the Prime Minister personally recapture Chang'an and the Emperor return to the old capital, but also have the opportunity to come and see this old capital of Luoyang."
Jiang Wan, somewhat rambling, turned her head, gently pulled back the carriage curtain a little, and gazed outside with a fascination, her tone filled with deep emotion:
"This is Luoyang... the old capital of the Han Dynasty..."
The Prime Minister recovered Chang'an, and he provided ample food and clothing for the army in the rear. As one of the Prime Minister's designated successors, he also contributed to the recovery of Luoyang.
Even in the afterlife, I will not be ashamed to face the late emperor and prime minister.
But Jiang Wan's appearance only made Grand Marshal Feng's heart sink further.
He tentatively asked:
"Lord Jiang, now that you and His Majesty have arrived in Luoyang, is everything alright in Chang'an?"
Jiang Wan didn't turn her head; she remained looking out of the car, her tone relaxed.
"What could possibly happen in Chang'an? All matters of state are handled by the Secretariat. After the great victory in Hebei, even if His Majesty doesn't attend court for six months, nothing will happen."
The main force of the army is currently out suppressing the rebellion, while the Ministry of Personnel is stationed in Chang'an.
Even if something unexpected happens, the Grand Marshal can immediately lead his army back to Guanzhong. Who would dare to challenge the Grand Marshal?
However, these words were a bit hard for the Grand Marshal to bear.
No, Lord Chiang, His Majesty's carriage is just ahead.
Is it really okay for you to say that?
Although it was the truth.
But... doesn't His Majesty have any pride?
Most importantly, Chiang Kai-shek, is this the kind of thing you should say?
"Oh, it's okay."
Feng Da Sima nodded.
Seemingly having guessed what Grand Marshal Feng was thinking, Jiang Wan finally turned her head and asked:
"But His Majesty's sudden arrival in Luoyang has disrupted the Grand Marshal's plans?"
"Oh, no, it didn't have much of an impact. It's about time to wrap things up."
Yanzhou was just a side trip.
In Feng Da Sima's vision, that was the transitional zone between the Han and Wei states for the next few years.
Of course, Yanzhou is located on the south bank of the Yangtze River, so using it as bait to fish for those who can only grow cotton on the north bank at present is also a convenient thing to do.
The only impact was that Mr. Feng couldn't fish by the Zhang River and had to rush to Luoyang to oversee things.
Upon hearing Jiang Wan mention the war, Grand Marshal Feng seemed to remember something and asked:
"Can the treasury keep up?"
This battle can be considered a national effort, with troops divided into five routes (General Zhen Dong, Grand Marshal Feng, Shi Bao, Wang Han, and General Zhen Nan, Jiang Wei).
Even a significant amount of grain stored in Liangzhou and Shu was transferred to Guanzhong, and then transported from Guanzhong to the front lines.
Feng Da Sima was fighting on the front lines and didn't worry about the money and supplies in the rear, just as Jiang Wan only cared about raising money and supplies in the rear and didn't worry about the situation on the front lines.
"I was a little nervous, but I wouldn't say I couldn't keep up."
Jiang Wan's voice lacked a bit of strength, but her tone was calm and easygoing; when discussing national affairs, she spoke as if it were everyday conversation.
"Furthermore, His Majesty also ordered the Imperial Household Department to contribute a considerable amount of money and grain this time."
That's why I always said that the fat brother-in-law's character is trustworthy.
"So, this time, when Chiang Kai-shek came to Luoyang..."
Feng Da Sima has confirmed that Fatty Liu came to Luoyang this time to take the blame.
The main reason for his visit to Luoyang is likely because of Jiang Wan.
“A few days ago, I lost my strength and fainted again.”
Jiang Wan spoke calmly, as if she were describing someone else's illness, "After the palace physicians came to examine him, His Majesty promoted Jiang Xian's official rank the very next day."
Jiang Xian was Jiang Wan's second son.
The question is, why not promote the eldest son, Jiang Bin?
Jiang Bin, as the governor of Hedong, made contributions during the Shangdang Rebellion.
In this battle in Hebei, Hedong supported Wang Han's army, and its contribution was certainly not small.
As long as the merits are calculated after the war, Jiang Bin will surely continue to rise in rank.
This is a genuine achievement, far superior to the kind of reward bestowed upon Jiang Xian.
Jiang Wan closed her eyes slightly as she finished speaking, seemingly a little tired after saying so much.
"At that time, I realized that I probably wouldn't be able to get through that winter!"
"Back in my day, I first witnessed the late emperor establishing his empire in Jingzhou, and then followed him to Shu, where I watched him ascend the throne."
"After the late emperor passed away, he assisted the prime minister in the southern and northern campaigns, and recovered Chang'an. After the prime minister left, he assisted the grand marshal in the eastern and western campaigns, and recovered Luoyang and Hebei."
"I think my life has been worthwhile. That day, His Majesty personally visited me at my bedside and asked about the unfinished business in my heart."
"I thought about it for a long time but couldn't come up with anything, so I just casually mentioned that I wanted to see Luoyang after the Han Dynasty had recovered it. I never expected that His Majesty would actually bring me here..."
After the Prime Minister recaptured Chang'an, he died of illness in Chang'an.
Now that the Han Dynasty has recovered Luoyang, it wouldn't be so bad if I were to die of illness there.
It might even become a beautiful story.
Upon hearing this, Grand Marshal Feng's lips twitched.
You fucking fat bastard!
When I get old and am bedridden, even if you can't come to visit me in person, your son should at least come and ask me what regrets I have.
Otherwise, I might just sit up in a panic on my deathbed and rebel against your Liu family's empire!
For example, I've always wanted to see the Hu Ji Whirlwind Dance, especially a large-scale Hu Ji dance, but unfortunately I haven't had a good opportunity.
If you don't bring over a hundred or eighty young and beautiful Hu women from the Western Regions to dance a hundred and eight different dances in front of my bedside, thus fulfilling my wish, can you justify this?
The problem is not poverty, but inequality.
What the general can do, I cannot do?
Despite the gossip some people may have about Chiang Kai-shek now, once the truth is revealed, he will undoubtedly gain countless more die-hard fans.
Seeing that Grand Marshal Feng's expression was shifting, Jiang Wan coughed lightly twice:
"Grand Sima."
"Ok?"
Grand Marshal Feng looked up.
Jiang Wan's relaxed expression vanished, replaced by a hint of seriousness:
"The palace's expenses have been quite high lately..."
In the palace?
Expenses?
Grand Marshal Feng didn't react for a moment.
Didn't we just say that the Imperial Household Department has advanced a considerable amount of military funds?
The palace's expenses should be covered by the Imperial Household Department's funds, right?
Otherwise, Dong Yun would definitely spit at Fatty Liu again.
“The harem has seen a number of new women added in the past two years,” Jiang Wan pondered, organizing her thoughts, “and most of them are daughters of prominent local families.”
"I heard that it was the Empress who sent people out of the palace to inquire about the reputation of the legitimate daughters of various families and took the initiative to bring them into the harem on behalf of His Majesty."
You fucking fat Liu!
Damn it!
The first wife helps you find a second wife?
"I never intended to return to Chang'an alive when I came to Luoyang this time, and I probably won't be able to help the Grand Marshal much in the future."
"But Grand Marshal, you have been away from Chang'an for a long time. I'm afraid you won't know the situation when you go back and won't be prepared."
"Therefore, regarding our meeting this time, I can only offer a word of advice. If you return to Chang'an without any trouble, that would be the best outcome, but it's always good to prepare in advance."
Grand Marshal Feng nodded and bowed respectfully.
"You are very kind, Mr. Chiang. I will always be grateful to you."
Jiang Wan waved her hand, closed her eyes, and said nothing more.
The struggle between imperial power and the power of the prime minister has been ongoing since the Former Han Dynasty.
Chancellor, Grand Chancellor, General-in-Chief, Grand Marshal...
Regardless of what it's called, it's essentially a type of power held by the prime minister.
The late emperor entrusted state affairs to the prime minister, and the prime minister entrusted state affairs to the grand marshal. Your Majesty has never had any objections to this.
Jiang Wan had naturally already approved of this model.
If His Majesty has no objection, we will not allow others to interfere or criticize, and we will certainly not allow others to undermine the excellent situation of the Han Dynasty.
Even the Empress wouldn't do.
If there was any hesitation before, there was none after the Shangdang Incident.
After all, Chiang Kai-shek also wanted to be remembered in history.
After the three restorations of the Han Dynasty, it is enough for later generations to have a place among the meritorious officials.
Instead of being interrupted halfway through an enjoyable experience, especially by a wicked woman, and dying with regrets.
At this moment, Grand Marshal Feng's words made Jiang Wan feel particularly at ease:
“The lady in Yong’s harem has quite a connection with the palace. In Yong’s opinion, there is no major problem with the new concubines in the harem.”
In fact, it didn't matter to the Empress if she wanted to win over powerful families to make more money for the royal family and for the sake of future generations.
But if she thinks she can change the political landscape by winning over powerful families, then she's only dreaming.
If there are any fools who don't know their place, Grand Marshal Feng wouldn't mind letting them know what a butcher from a powerful family is like.
Unfortunately, most of the time, they couldn't even get past Lady Li, a concubine in the Grand Marshal's household.
Not to mention a behemoth like the Xinghan Society.
Do you know what it means for the economy to determine the superstructure?
Do you understand what it means for the superstructure to have a reaction effect on the economy?
To Feng, who possessed the true secrets of dragon slaying, the powerful families who fantasized about turning their lives around by sending women to the emperor were all weaklings, not worth mentioning.
The empress, who had been allied with him, eventually became an insignificant opponent.
Down on my luck, utterly destitute...
Of course, Jiang Wan's words in the carriage may not have been unintentional, and at the same time, they were meant to express her stance.
Even if there were spies around the carriage, the news would only be used to intimidate those with ulterior motives.
We chatted all the way, and the carriage stopped at some point.
Someone outside reported:
"Reporting to the Grand Marshal and the General, we have arrived at our destination."
Grand Marshal Feng lifted the carriage curtain and stepped out. Looking up, he saw that the carriage had entered the Taiji Hall directly.
Fatty Liu forced Jiang Wan to recuperate in a palace within the Taiji Hall, and then held Grand Marshal Feng's hand tightly.
His expression contained a mixture of shyness, nervousness, anxiety, and unease.
"Mingwen, I have something to tell you."