Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 200 Minglan's Longing, Liao Kingdom's Helplessness

In early August of the fourteenth year of the Hongwu reign, the summer heat gradually subsided, and the sky was high and the clouds were light.

The various armies had already assembled in Xiongzhou, Bazhou and other places, with camps stretching for dozens of miles, and provisions and supplies were also prepared.

Because it was an imperial expedition led by the emperor himself, the safety of the army was a matter of great concern to the court and the public.

The Imperial Medical Academy was also busy, with several skilled imperial physicians, including He Hongwen, ready to accompany the emperor.

Although Old Madam He was ill in bed, she knew in her heart that if He Hongwen could accompany the emperor smoothly and treat the soldiers properly, he would be richly rewarded after returning to the capital.

She may very well become the head of the Imperial Medical Academy in the future, reviving the glory of her family and living up to her own painstaking teachings.

Today, as the eastern sky begins to lighten with the first hint of dawn, candlelight flickers inside the Celebration Palace.

Empress Dowager Cao looked at Zhao Han, who was already clad in armor, sighed softly, and said gently, "Your Majesty's journey is for the sake of a long-term plan to stabilize the nation, and everyone in the court and the country is grateful for it."

"However, the battlefield is not the same as the palace; everything must be done with the utmost care."

"Do not plan all night during the march, as this will exhaust your mind. While the safety of the soldiers must be taken into account, Your Majesty's own health must be taken even more seriously."

"Although my energy is not what it used to be, everything in the palace is under the joint control of the Empress and me. You can rest assured that there will be no problems whatsoever."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Han smiled calmly, "With Your Majesty's words, I have no more worries."

"I hope that Your Majesty will also take care of your health and wait for your son's triumphant return so that we can celebrate together."

Empress Dowager Cao looked at Zhao Han meaningfully. Coming from a military family, she understood better than anyone what the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun meant to the Great Zhou.

"Go then," Empress Dowager Cao smiled gently, her face showing kindness.

Zhao Han bowed respectfully, then rose and left.

Only after his figure completely disappeared from sight did Empress Dowager Cao return to the inner palace with the help of palace maids, constantly praying that Zhao Han's journey would be smooth and that he would return soon.

If it weren't for Zhao Han's numerous offspring, and the fact that her princes were all intelligent and each had their own strengths, she would never have agreed to the idea of ​​personally leading the army.

Meanwhile, Hua Lan, Ming Lan, and the other concubines were waiting inside the Funing Palace, glancing anxiously toward the palace gates every now and then.

Rong Feiyan, dressed in fine clothes, frowned slightly, her reluctance evident, and muttered, "Why aren't they coming over yet?"

"Once the Emperor leaves, who knows when we'll meet again? He says it will be a year or two, but things on the battlefield are unpredictable."

Upon hearing this, Minglan gently patted the back of her hand, saying, "The Emperor always keeps his word. Don't overthink things and cause yourself unnecessary trouble."

“Since he said he would stay for a year or two, he would definitely be concerned about the palace and try his best to end the war and return home as soon as possible.”

"Let's just wait patiently."

Rong Feiyan looked up at her and nodded with a hint of disbelief.

Not long after, Zhao Han came to say goodbye to them.

After Hua Lan led the concubines in a respectful bow, she stepped forward, took out a peace charm in a brocade bag, and said softly, "This is something I specially requested. I hope Your Majesty can keep it close to your body so that I may have peace of mind."

"Hua'er, you're so kind." Zhao Han took the brocade pouch and put it away, then her gaze slowly swept over Minglan, Shulan, and the others.

"I will strive to return next year to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with you all, and make up for the regret of today's separation."

“Alright, we’ll all wait. Then we’ll enjoy the moon, play marbles, pitch-pot, archery, and have some wine in the Imperial Garden!” Zhang Guifen smiled brightly.

When it comes to polo, she can't compare to Minglan. They can be evenly matched in pitch-pot, but when it comes to archery, she is far ahead, while Minglan can't even draw the bow.

Her pink lips parted slightly, her face showing concern, "Your Majesty, please take care."

"Don't worry." Zhao Han gently patted her thin shoulder, her tone reassuring.

After exchanging a few casual words, they set off in a grand procession to the camp on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by eunuchs and imperial guards. The concubines also dispersed.

Inside Ninghui Palace, Danju saw Minglan leaning against a soft couch, her eyes vacant, as if she were in a daze.

She blinked and said softly, "Is Your Highness missing His Majesty? You didn't say a word on the way back, and now you're not even asking to go back to sleep."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Tao put down the clothes she was folding and said with a smile, "Your Majesty was just comforting Consort Rong so eloquently, so why are you so sullen when it comes to yourself?"

Minglan looked up at the sky and sighed deeply before resting her chin on her hands.

"I don't know, I just feel empty inside, there's a feeling I can't describe, and I can't muster the energy to do anything."

Xiao Tao raised her hand and touched her chin, her face showing some worry. "This won't do."

"If His Majesty returns and sees that the Empress has lost weight and looks haggard, he will surely blame this servant and Sister Danju."

Danju softly agreed, "That's right, we can't afford to take the blame then."

Her eyes flickered slightly, and then she said, "I heard from the eunuch in charge of purchasing yesterday that the Yong'an Restaurant along the Bian River is about to open. When that happens, would you like me to send someone out of the palace to buy some for Your Highness to try?"

"Can Yong'anlou's taste surpass that of Fanlou?" Xiao Tao asked with some doubt.

Danju smiled and added, "The manager is Zhao Niangzi, who is half-covered. She runs a restaurant, so it must be pretty good."

As soon as these words came out.

Minglan, who had been slumped on the soft couch, sat up a little straighter, her eyes no longer vacant, and said with a smile, "Yes, it's definitely not bad, buy more."

"Yes, ma'am!" Danju replied with a smile.

Outside the Duke of Wei's mansion, Sheng Changbai, dressed in a scarlet official robe, stood solemnly beside him, his servant Han Niu carrying a bundle.

Wang Ruofu looked at her with reluctance, "Bai'er, you must take good care of yourself."

"Don't worry, Mother." Sheng Changbai bowed respectfully.

"Take care, Father. Your daughter and mother will be fine at home. When you return, you will see your third brother or sister."

Sheng Yuanhui was dressed in a pinkish-green brocade dress, with delicate pearl flowers in her hair. Born in July of the third year of Hongwu, she was now eleven years old.

She had a pretty face with a touch of childishness, and her eyebrows were quite similar to Hai Chaoyun's. She was gentle and bright, with a pair of almond-shaped eyes that were slightly upturned.

"Don't forget to take good care of the old lady, make her happy, and when you have time, learn from your sixth aunt how she accompanied the old lady at Shou'an Hall."

“The elderly people like Aunt Fang and Aunt Cui all know about this.”

In response to Sheng Changbai's instructions, Sheng Yuanhui smiled and agreed. Of her four aunts, besides Hualan, Minglan was her favorite.

Wang Ruofu pursed her lips, a pang of bitterness rising in her heart.

Hai Chaoyun smiled gently and stroked her prominently pregnant belly. "My lord, please take good care of yourself and don't worry too much about things at home."

Sheng Changbai nodded solemnly, and seeing that the time was approaching, he and Han Niu mounted their horses together.

Inside the main camp on the outskirts of the city, banners fluttered, and armor and spears gleamed coldly. Zhang Fu, Fan Chunren, and other civil and military officials who had accompanied the emperor were all there. Because the emperor had solemnly offered sacrifices to the gods of the six banners of the army with the highest honors the day before, Zhao Han led his army on a grand expedition northward when the auspicious hour arrived.

The news of the emperor's personal expedition had already caused a sensation in the capital. The people in the city were full of anticipation, and many people stood in the streets, looking in the direction the army was heading and praying in their hearts.

A few days later, in the Liao Kingdom, in the capital city of Shangjing, Linhuang Prefecture.

Inside the Xuanzheng Hall, the candlelight flickered, and the atmosphere became somewhat solemn. Several ministers who were highly trusted by Yelü Hongji were all present.

The case of the Crown Prince conspiring with ministers to seize the throne has been settled.

Yelü Hongji personally issued an edict to demote Crown Prince Yelü Jun to a commoner, imprison him in a separate palace, and forbid him from ever stepping out again.

Yelü Sala, Xiao Susa, Xiao Hugu, Yelü Renxian's son Yelü Tabuye, and other implicated ministers were all executed.

However, Yelü Yixin was not satisfied with this. As long as Empress Xiao Tansi and Xiao Wotelan failed to give birth to a prince, the foundation of the harem and the court would remain unstable.

He was then unable to completely put his mind at ease.

To eliminate any future troubles, he had secretly plotted with his confidants to assassinate Yelü Jun, and he had already bribed all the soldiers guarding the separate palace.

"The emperor of the Southern Dynasty is personally leading an expedition, intending to seize the lands of Yan and Yun. Do any of you have a plan to deal with this?" Yelü Hongji was full of worry, and his eyes were slightly bruised.

He was already exhausted by the matter of Yelü Jun. If he could, he would like to quietly worship Buddha for a while and not concern himself with these troublesome matters in the court.

Yelü Yixin’s confidant, Xiao Delit, the military governor of Shunyi Army, stepped forward first and said in a deep voice, “Your Majesty need not worry!”

"Back then, Emperor Shengzong and Empress Dowager Chengtian personally led a large army south, conquering several cities and capturing countless generals."

"They were forced to come and sue for peace, paying tribute every year. That magnificent scene is still praised by the people of our dynasty to this day."

"Although the Southern Dynasty has the advantage of firearms, our cavalry are brave and skilled in battle, and can raid like the wind. We only need to find the right opportunity to flank them and launch a surprise attack, cut off their supplies, and destroy their firearms."

"We can surely throw the Southern Dynasty's army into chaos without a fight, and then crush them in one fell swoop. Why should we worry about the loss of Yan and Yun?"

Yelü Yixin glanced at him with satisfaction, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "You're right. Your Majesty need not worry. There are many fierce generals in the court. We will surely make the Southern Emperor return empty-handed!"

"I second the proposal!"

"I also second the proposal!"

"..."

Xiao Wuna, the Northern Court's Commissioner of Ceremonies, frowned slightly as he listened to their boastful words, then turned and gave them a cold look.

After hesitating for a moment, he stepped forward and said, "The Southern Dynasty has conquered Western Xia in the west and destroyed Jiaozhi in the south, defeating powerful enemies one after another. It is no longer the kind of force that can be easily manipulated as before."

"In my opinion, they should not be underestimated. The fact that they were able to destroy two countries in succession shows that their troop deployment and the strength of their army have improved. Your Majesty must not be blinded by past glories."

"It is prudent to deploy defenses cautiously and devise countermeasures later."

“If necessary, I believe Your Majesty may follow the example of the Southern Dynasty emperors and personally lead an expedition to boost morale!”

A hint of displeasure flashed across Yelü Yixin's eyes. Before Yelü Hongji could speak, he said first, "To diminish our own prestige and boost the morale of others!"

"You describe the Southern Dynasty's rash military expedition as a monstrous flood. In your eyes, are our iron cavalry merely a rabble?"

"As for personally leading the expedition, Your Majesty has been unable to eat or sleep well lately due to the matter of the Crown Prince. If Your Majesty's health is truly harmed..."

"Let alone you, a mere Envoy of the Northern Court, even your entire family is not capable of bearing this responsibility!"

“You…” Xiao Wuna was speechless after hearing his words, and his face turned red.

Xiao Delit looked disdainful, glanced at Xiao Wuna, and said loudly, "The Grand Tutor is right. Lord Xiao Wuna is worrying too much."

"If we shake the morale of the army, that would be a disaster for the country!"

Listening to the arguments of the ministers in the hall, Yelü Hongji raised his hand, frowned, and sighed deeply. Everything was going wrong, and he was really annoyed!
Just as he was about to speak, a palace attendant rushed over with a memorial in his hand, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, the Huanglong Prefecture Military Command has sent an urgent report."

"What?" Yelü Hongji's heart tightened. He eagerly took the memorial, his eyes sweeping over it, his expression growing increasingly solemn.

A moment later, he slammed his hand on the table. Yelü Yixin carefully observed his expression and asked softly, "Your Majesty, what has happened?"

"The Jurchen tribe has gathered its troops, and there is a clear intention to rebel."

The Huanglong Prefecture Commandery was heavily fortified with troops, responsible for monitoring and deterring the various Jurchen tribes. If they could send an urgent report, the scale of the rebellion must be considerable.

From the time of Wanyan Wugunai, the Jurchens harbored the ambition to unify the various Jurchen tribes and establish a stable regime.
During his tenure as minister, he led his people to conquer dozens of tribes, large and small, laying the foundation for the Jurchen tribal alliance.

After his death, his eldest son, Wanyan Helibo, inherited his ambitions and has been pacifying his people while steadily expanding his sphere of influence over the years.

The two younger brothers, Wanyan Polashu and Wanyan Yingge, also assisted them wholeheartedly, and in just a few years, the Jurchen power grew stronger and stronger.

Wanyan Helibo also placed high hopes on his two sons, Wanyan Wuyashu and Wanyan Aguda.

Especially Aguda, although he is only nine years old, he is incredibly strong and his archery skills far surpass those of other children his age, which further strengthens his determination to make the tribe rise.

Although they were only able to mobilize nearly 10,000 members of their tribe for this rebellion.

However, they were all brave and skilled in battle, fearless of death, and harbored deep resentment towards the Liao Kingdom. They were all determined to fight to the death.

"These barbarians are truly audacious!" Yelü Yixin said through gritted teeth.

After a moment, he clasped his hands and said, “Your Majesty, I believe that we should first send 20,000 troops to suppress the rebellion immediately, and the remaining main force should be deployed to defend the passes of Yan and Yun.”

Yelü Hongji silently weighed the options in his mind and finally nodded.

"Let's do as the Grand Tutor says. The Grand Tutor shall draft the regulations for the overall deployment and coordination of the army, and submit them to me for review before implementation."

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Yelü Yixin bowed respectfully.

Meanwhile, in Bianjing, inside the Wenhua Hall.

Prince Zhao Jing of Jin was dressed in a moon-white robe with a plain jade belt around his waist, and his posture was as upright as a pine tree.

He was not yet twenty, but there was not a trace of youthful impetuosity in his brows. He was calm and composed, and even surpassed Sheng Changbai in his prime.

The memorials from various prefectures and counties were neatly stacked on the table. Shen Shiqi, Wang Anshi, Lü Huiqing and other ministers stood in the hall, reporting on the defense of the capital region and the deployment of the northern expedition.

"I have been ordered to oversee the country and govern the state. During the time that my father is away, I hope that all of you will do your best to assist me, perform your duties, and act impartially."

"With war abroad and stability needed at home, we cannot afford to be negligent in the slightest. Whether it is a lapse in defense or a trivial matter concerning people's livelihood, if you find anything, you need not be bound by etiquette and may report it at any time."

"I hope that you will all prioritize the affairs of the state and not betray the trust of the Emperor and me."

Shen Shiqi and the others nodded solemnly, "Your Majesty, we understand!"

(End of this chapter)