Chapter 490: Urgent News from 8 Miles Away
Chapter 490: Urgent News from 8 Miles Away
Before Minister of War Tang Bingqian finished speaking, others already understood what he meant.
Prince Rui said woodenly, "Don't mention it. My brother has already made up his mind to live and die with the Imperial City."
Han Qi turned to look at Tang Bingqian: "Could it be that even Grand Tutor Wan, with his strong city, can't stop Zhao Zheng?"
Tang Bingqian was the Minister of War. He was a military man all his life and had experienced countless wars. He had a very accurate grasp of the situation on the battlefield.
"People's hearts are scattered, and we can't hold it back for long."
"Have the other border troops and government troops not responded?"
"Hehe, we're not stupid. We're just waiting and watching, not taking any real action."
"Humph, these fence-sitters will never achieve anything great."
In fact, everyone in the hall understood the current situation clearly and just wanted some words of comfort.
But Tang Bingqian is straightforward and speaks the truth, which disappoints others.
"Even if the armies from various prefectures rush over, I'm afraid they won't be able to stop Zhao Zheng at all. Only the Zhenxi Qingshui Army might be able to fight."
Tang Bingqian said thoughtfully.
Han Qi nodded: "If I had known this earlier, I should have listened to King Rui's advice, promoted him, and let Lin Feng come to Kyoto earlier. Perhaps..."
King Rui sighed, "Alas, where is the medicine for regret?"
After saying that, he waved his hand and said, "Go back. There's no point staying here. My brother is still drunk. Wait for me to be summoned."
The three old ministers were heartbroken and knew that the situation was hopeless. If they still insisted on the emperor's legitimacy, they would be slaughtered by King Fu on the day the city was captured.
However, they are veterans of three dynasties and have been upright all their lives. How could they bring shame to their family reputation?
Even if you die, you must leave a good reputation behind.
The three of them stood up tremblingly and walked out of the hall one after another.
Prince Rui sat still, looking coldly at the desolate backs of several old ministers, feeling somewhat sad and angry.
He knew very well that although Prince Fu Zhao Zheng was the eldest son, he was born out of wedlock and his mother was originally a palace maid.
So the late emperor passed the throne to Zhao Zhen.
This angered Zhao Zheng, who had a hot temper.
Prince Rui Zhao Xun and Zhao Zheng were also very at odds with each other, and the two brothers had long since fallen out.
Once Zhao seizes the throne, he will not leave his body intact.
When Zhao Xun thought of this, he couldn't help feeling sad. This great dynasty might be about to change its owner.
However, he still felt a little relieved.
After all, his son Zhao Shuo is with Lin Feng, and he has always treated Lin Feng well. Shuo'er will always have a good future if he follows Lin Feng.
I watched as the three old ministers staggered out of the threshold of the hall.
Suddenly, a young eunuch ran in hurriedly, holding a letter in his hand and holding it high above his head.
"Your Majesty, your urgent report from eight hundred miles away."
Prince Rui was shocked, wondering what bad news there might be.
Although Kyoto was besieged by King Fu, the city covered a vast area, and even with more than 200,000 troops, it was still impossible to completely seal off the surroundings.
Finally, the flow of news continued inside and outside Kyoto.
He took the letter from the young eunuch and opened it casually.
Prince Rui looked at the letter and a smile gradually appeared on his face.
When he looked up, he found that the three important officials of the court were standing not far away and looking at him without blinking.
Upon hearing the urgent news, the three old ministers turned back.
Whether it's good or bad, they have to hear it before they can feel at ease.
Even though I know in my heart that nothing good can happen.
Prince Rui waved the letter in his hand to the three of them.
"Lin Feng has returned to Zhenxi and will begin his southern campaign against the rebels today."
The three old ministers were stunned for a moment, and after a while, Han Qi finally reacted.
"Your Highness...you are not...joking, are you?"
"It's already this late, and you still have the time to think about this."
Lin Cangshi asked hurriedly: "Your Majesty, when will Lin Feng arrive in Kyoto?"
Tang Bingqian narrowed his eyes and calculated: "Based on the combat effectiveness of his Qingshui Army, they will be able to reach the capital in less than half a month."
King Rui shook his head: "You forgot King Fu's reaction. Can you not mobilize troops to stop him?"
Han Qi shook his head. "Lin Feng is an expert at fighting the Tartars, but I wonder what results he'll achieve against Prince Fu's rebels."
"It's definitely invincible."
"Come on, let's discuss his route to Beijing."
"Where's the map? Hurry and bring it over."
A few old guys became excited and began to gather in front of the emperor's dragon desk, spread out the map, and started arguing with their fingers.
No matter how they had belittled Lin Feng in the past, they had to admit that Lin Feng had become the life-saving straw in their hearts.
Prince Rui stood aside in a good mood, looking around at the luxurious hall with carved beams and painted rafters.
Let out a soft breath.
"Lin Feng, please don't betray my trust."
Grand Tutor Wan Quan was nearly sixty years old, and his youngest daughter married Emperor Zhao Zhen as a concubine.
He is also the emperor's father-in-law.
His previous official positions were as the prince's teacher and the commander-in-chief of the imperial guards, the most senior general of the dynasty.
Wan Quan has many generals who have been famous for many years under his command and hold a vital position in the army.
The rebel army led by Prince Fu Zhao Zheng reached Lindu, and no one in the army could resist.
Zhao Zhen was at a loss, and with the advice of King Derui, he asked Grand Tutor Wan Quan to come out of seclusion to quell the rebellion and fight against the rebels led by King Fu Zhao Zheng.
Unexpectedly, the always invincible Master Wan suffered a huge blow since he joined the army.
Repeated defeat.
The most elite troops of the Dazong army, which were invincible and the most proud imperial guards of the emperor, were beaten by the rebels without any chance to fight back.
Trapped in Lindu for several months, the Black Scarf Society collapsed from within.
Wan Quan had no choice but to abandon Lindu and retreat to the Kyoto Acropolis.
At this time, Grand Tutor Wan was sitting in the Kuncheng Command Center, facing a group of generals, silent.
The current situation is very serious.
Most of the troops that could be used were already distributed in the eight citadels of Kyoto, totaling less than 100,000 men.
With no reinforcements outside and no fighting power inside, we are already at the point of death.
The generals also bowed their heads in silence, each with their own thoughts.
They were also Grand Marshal Wan's long-time subordinates, loyal and devoted, and even at this point, they had not given up following the old marshal.
Those who could sit in front of the Grand Tutor were all high-ranking generals in the former Dazong Army.
Sitting in the first seat on the left was General Zhao Wenqi, 51 years old, with a slightly dark complexion and a majestic air without even being angry.
His subordinate was General Jiao Sanqiang, who was thirty-eight years old, tall and strong, and very powerful.
Sitting opposite was General Wei Ming, a forty-year-old general with three long strands of beard, looking very elegant.
General Ju Chaoyue, thirty years old, is a young man with a high position. He comes from a military family and is calm, steady and upright.
Next to Grand Tutor Wan stood his chief bodyguard, Tu Renjie, who was in his twenties, tall and strong, with a slender waist and a sharp gaze.
Military Advisor Luan Shui, currently serving as Assistant Military Officer, is about fifty years old and has a serious look in his eyes.
He was the only Grand Tutor's staff member who held an official position.
These people formed the core force to fight against the Fu Wang rebels.
The atmosphere in the entire command center was depressing, and everyone frowned, racking their brains for a good strategy to repel the enemy.
Grand Tutor Wan held a battle report in his hand, which was the news sent by King Rui.
"Everyone, Prince Rui has received a letter stating that Lin Feng, commander of the Qingshui Army in Zhenxi, has been ordered to lead his troops into the capital to quell the rebellion."
Zhao Wenqi's eyes lit up: "Grand Master, I wonder how many troops Lin Feng brought with him?"
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