The big bandit in the Red Mansion robbed Lin Daiyu at the beginning

As for the second generation of nobles, they were all outside the hall, talking in low voices.

I didn't dare to rush in and interrupt the conversation between two important military figures.

"That's great! I didn't expect that the Duke of Liguo would also be here!"

"Once the old Duke arrives, he will surely strike fear into the hearts of those rebels. Our days of living in fear will be over!"

"Haha! Boy, didn't you just tell me that you were going to be sick tonight and return to Shenjing to recuperate?"

"Who said that? Don't talk nonsense, I didn't!"

"..."

Although Duke Liguo came alone to announce the decree, the morale of the people in Jinling City was instantly boosted by more than double.

Liu Biao entered the living room and sat down. After the servant served tea, he left.

Liu Biao, who originally had a smile on his face, suddenly became angry.

Staring at Wang Ziteng, he asked,

"Sir Wang! As the commander-in-chief of Jinling, you are a strict military commander. How could you have allowed the rebels to take advantage of the opportunity and lose Zhenjiang Prefecture?"

"Do you know how much Zhenjiang Prefecture is involved?"

Wang Ziteng fell to the ground in fear and bowed to Liu Biao,

"Please allow me to report this, Lord! I originally thought that the rebels would resort to violence and force a decisive battle with our army. I never imagined that they would be so bold as to attack the important town of Zhenjiang Prefecture."

"The rebels from Yangzhou have been entrenched in the land, seducing many of the people. Zhenjiang Prefecture has long been completely encircled by them. By the time I became aware of this, the 20,000 imperial guards were already within their grasp."

"It's all my fault for being stupid. Please punish me, Duke!"

Wang Ziteng knew that he could not shirk his responsibility for the failure of Zhenjiang Prefecture.

But he also knows what responsibilities he can take on and what he cannot bear.

Of course, Wang Ziteng was not trying to cover up for himself by saying this.

Qingfengzhai has acted toughly since the rebellion, and in an instant it swept across the entire Yangzhou.

But after all, the foundation is shallow, and as the personnel expands, the combat effectiveness becomes loose.

According to common sense, they would naturally take the opportunity to train their troops instead of attacking the outside world, so as to compete with the imperial army that was suppressing bandits.

To put it bluntly, the imperial court was not prepared to swallow up Qingfeng Village in one fell swoop.

But the imperial court believed that Qingfeng Village was not yet ready to resist the imperial army, and both sides were racing against time.

Duke Liguo Liu Biao naturally knew what Wang Ziteng said.

After thinking for a moment, he slowly closed his squinting eyes, sighed lightly and raised his hand.

"I see. Your Majesty, please stand up."

"You are the emperor's trusted and beloved general. This duke has no right to punish you."

Wang Ziteng hurriedly stood up and bowed.

"Your Excellency the Duke is joking!"

He then hurried forward, picked up the teapot on the table, added water to Duke Li Guo's teacup, and lowered his posture very low.

Pretending to be strong, he asked casually,

"I heard that the Duke was in charge of preparing for war against Japan in Shandong. Why did His Majesty suddenly send you to Nanjing?"

Liu Biao picked up the tea on the table and took a sip, then looked up at Wang Ziteng and smiled.

"What do you think, Lord Wang?"

Wang Ziteng's face twitched slightly, knowing that he had asked a stupid question.

The Duke of Liguo, the Duke of Zhenguo and other famous military nobles had all followed the retired emperor in battle.

Since they were able to come to Jinling, they must have obtained the permission of the Supreme Emperor.

But Wang Ziteng is an official after all, so he acted as if nothing happened.

"Now that the Duke has spoken, I will obey His Excellency's orders."

Seeing Wang Ziteng's correct attitude, Liu Biao no longer wanted to continue playing witty games with him. After all, the current situation was indeed not very good.

Before the imperial army could form a siege, the prison was broken by the rebels.

What is the point of the court going through so much effort, making so many sacrifices, and taking such a big picture into account?

Liu Biao glanced at Wang Ziteng and said,

"After receiving the order, I immediately headed south, all the way to garrison along the Jinling line with you."

"Under the current situation, it would be meaningless for this prince to stay in Jinling."

"How do you consider this?"

Wang Ziteng's expression became serious and he said seriously,

"Zhenjiang Prefecture is a vital route for the Jiangsu and Zhejiang armies heading north, and we absolutely cannot afford to lose it!"

"I intend to dispatch troops to retake Zhenjiang Prefecture and open up the main road between the north and the south!"

Liu Biao nodded and touched his chin.

"That's a good idea!"

Then he said to Wang Ziteng,

"My people have come to report that the large group of people from Qingfeng Village are currently being held back by Huai'an City."

"Speed ​​is the essence of military service! Don't give the rebels any chance to react!"

Wang Ziteng's eyes suddenly lit up when he heard this, and the last trace of worry in his heart disappeared.

"Thank you for your guidance, old Duke!"

Duke Liguo waved his hand.

After discussing the current situation for a while, Liu Biao was about to get up and leave.

Suddenly, a messenger carrying a small flag rushed in quickly.

"Report——!"

Liu Biao and Wang Ziteng's expressions changed and they looked over hurriedly.