The 77th time

  In the first year of Chongde, in October, the five branches of the Khitan slaves in the northern border rebelled, gathering the remaining Tartars on the grasslands. The army's edge pointed directly at the capital's crucial area, and the commander-in-chief of Jiayuguan sent an urgent memorial 800 miles away. The Five Armies Commander's Office then dispatched two large armies to provide reinforcements. In the same year in October, Renzong's fifth son, Prince Jing of Anhui, plotted a rebellion, personally leading the troops from his fiefdom and the soldiers who had joined him in treason, numbering 100,000, marched northward under the banner of "restoring justice".

  "One hundred thousand?!" Li was shocked and turned pale.

  Miss Lin turned her head and said, "Don't worry, Auntie. It must be that all the workers, including the seven aunts and eight aunts, are counted together. If there are 50,000, it's already good." Cao Cao's million-strong army actually had only 200,000 to 300,000 real soldiers.

  Chang Wu stood up from his seat and nodded: "That's right. After inquiring carefully, it turned out that there were only 30,000 troops."

  "...I recall that after Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty pacified the 'Nine Kings Rebellion', he issued a clear and strict edict, stating that from then on, all princes would start as personal attendants to the emperor, with no more than 300 soldiers in their fiefs. Moreover, they were not allowed to have their own territory, subjects, or administrative power. The local authorities had to supervise and inspect the behavior of the princes according to regulations, and report back to the capital on a regular basis. How could it be that suddenly, King Jing has brought out 30,000 soldiers?" Minglan asked in doubt, walking up to Changyu.

  Chang Wu smiled wryly and replied, "Sister doesn't know that although King Jing had offended the previous emperor, he was sent to a distant place to guard the border. However, the previous emperor was kind-hearted and since King Jing's birth mother, Consort Jia, had passed away early, the emperor couldn't bear for his son to suffer outside. So, he tolerated many of King Jing's misdeeds in the outer regions. In recent years, I've often heard that King Jing's power is overwhelming in Anhui, and local officials not only dare not speak out against him but also help and support him."

  Ming Lan raised an eyebrow and asked again, "Does Eldest Brother know about the actions of King Jing in his fiefdom?" Chang Yu was taken aback for a moment: "What...do you mean?" Ming Lan quickly broke down the question: "First, tell me how he commands his soldiers."

  Chang Wu thought for a moment and replied, "The birth mother of King Jing was originally the eldest daughter of Generalissimo during the previous emperor's reign. After King Jing established his fiefdom, Generalissimo sent many capable ministers and generals to serve him. There were several guards in the mansion who were quite capable; however, King Jing seemed to value his own younger brothers-in-law more highly, often bringing them to the capital to demand weapons, silver, and grain."

  Minglan asked again: "How does he treat the people of Anhui?"

  Chang Wu shook his head and said, "The King of Jing wants to support so many attendants and soldiers, but relying solely on the king's salary is not enough. Even if the previous emperor was generous and gave more, it would still be insufficient. The rest can only be made up by the common people, and...many high-ranking families in Anhui have sent their daughters to the King of Jing's palace as concubines, thus binding themselves to the king."

  Ming Lan couldn't help but curve the corners of her mouth, and asked again: "What about King Jing's usual behavior, is it thick or thin?" Chang Yu was dizzy from being asked question after question, and felt that this little sister, although gentle in tone, was asking questions that hit the nail on the head.

  The old lady sitting in the upper seat frowned and said, "Ming Yuer! How can you talk like that? This is a girl's question, isn't it?" Minglan didn't respond, but obediently lowered her head and stood still.

  Everyone in the room was shocked, Li and Wen were stunned, Chang Song's mouth was wide open, Sheng Wei listened intently, and hurriedly waved his hand, saying: "Auntie, don't blame my niece, let's ask her. We're having a discussion here; my niece and Wu Er have been discussing this, and it seems they've figured something out. It's said that King Jing favors relatives over others, exploits the common people, and may not even be on good terms with his generals. Does this mean that King Jing's rebellion won't succeed? Minglan, ask your questions." This was directed at Old Lady Sheng.

  Shu Lan also nodded vigorously: "Yes, yes."

  Old Mrs. Shi looked around the room, and they were all members of the Shi family. She nodded to Minglan, who wanted to know more, so she stepped forward and asked Changyu: "When Second Brother left Beijing, what was the situation with the Imperial Guard Command and the Five Armies Command? Were there enough soldiers? Were the equipment always ready? Have the commanders been transferred?"

  "This is the most clear, immediately replied: 'Since His Majesty ascended to the throne in recent years, only two or three commanders have been transferred, but many of the same rank as the governor-general have been replaced. Many young men from humble families have been promoted, including you. After taking office, we received many orders for rectification, not allowing us to take advantage of our positions, not allowing us to slack off in military training and so on.'"

  Sheng Wei's expression relaxed slightly, and he felt a bit more at ease as he looked into Li Shi's eyes.

  Ming Lan asked again, "What about the rebellion in Beijiang? How many troops were deployed from the capital?" Chang Wu roughly estimated and said, "When we passed through Lu territory, I heard that the Five Armies Commander's Office had dispatched approximately two-thirds of its officers."

  Minglan hesitated for a moment before asking finally: "What about Yu Zhong and Su Xi...?"

  Chang Wu understood Ming Lan's meaning and sighed deeply: "In these ten or so years, the King of Jing has returned to the capital several times a year. On this road... Alas, those few places' garrison troops and imperial princes are all on good terms with him."

  Ming Lan couldn't help but smile: "Does Wu Er still insist on returning to the capital to serve?"

  He slammed his hand on the nearby desk and said regretfully, "What can be done?"

  Wen Chen relied on his eloquence and desk work to accumulate experience, but the best way for military officers to get promoted was through battle. The last 'Shenchen Rebellion' allowed many low-ranking military officers from non-noble families like Zhang Yu to rise to prominence.

  Ming Lan looked at Chang Yu's embarrassed expression and silently thought: This Jing Wang is too despicable, if he wanted to rebel, he should have given some warning signs first. If he had known there was a chance to establish his own power, he wouldn't have come back; but now...

  Mr. Li hurried over to stroke Chang Wu's shoulder, kindly advising: "Wu, there are opportunities for promotion in battle, but now the outside world is chaotic, don't go out, your wife is pregnant, can't have any mishaps."

  Sheng Wei also hoped that his son would be promoted and enfeoffed, but after all, he was heartbroken for his son, and said: "Mother says it's okay, people are the most important thing, let alone... who knows...". Shu Lan quickly added: "Who knows which side will win!"

  Sheng Wei slammed his hand on the table and shouted: "You stupid girl, shut up! What nonsense are you talking about? If you're here, it's not proper!"

  Shu Lan shrank back into her neck and stopped talking.

  Chang Wu's belly was full of bitter water, and he said vaguely: "Father and mother don't know, the military officers say that wealth and honor are sought in danger, and soldiers risk their lives, which is not adventurous! Although the rebellion is fierce and dangerous, compared to the cold and bitter land of Beijiang Xiliang, this battle is already the cheapest."

  Sheng Wei couldn't help but hesitate, in peaceful years, it's mostly the children of officials who can rise through the ranks in the military, a family like Sheng's with no foundation in the military, this is indeed a great opportunity. Moreover, military and civil officials are different, civil officials can still be useful even when they're old and bent, but military officials rely on their physical strength, if by sixty years old one still hasn't become a commander...

  Since learning of King Jing's rebellion a few days ago, Zhang Yu immediately went to Jinling to gather information and found that the Central Plains were already in chaos. Zhang Yu was anxious to return to the capital to offer his services. Sheng Wei and Li Shi were frightened out of their wits, while Zhang Song and Wen Shi also tried to dissuade him, even inviting Old Lady Sheng to intervene. Of course, Shu Lan, Minglan, and Xiao Zhangyu also came to join in the commotion.

  The atmosphere in the Sheng family was relatively warm and harmonious, and the rules were not as strict as those of an official's family. The children could speak freely in front of their parents; there was no Lan pulling back, no Mo Lan speaking cold words, and no Wang guessing. Minglan was even more outspoken in front of Mr. and Mrs. Sheng.

  Li still persuaded, unwilling to let Zhang Yu go; Zhang Yu was entangled by his mother and had no choice but to say: "Mother, you don't know! In the prosperous capital city, anyone who can hold a position in the imperial guard is either a noble or a relative of a high-ranking official. It's all about connections. I only managed to get a job thanks to my uncle's influence. Later, during the 'Shen Chen Rebellion', I was lucky enough to make some small contributions and was promoted to battalion commander. Even then, it took me years to become a deputy commander in a local garrison. Mother, do you know how hard it is to really make a name for oneself on the border? It takes at least ten or eight years of bitter struggle!"

  Li was tongue-tied and looked at his family members with difficulty. Finally, he shouted loudly to Sheng Wei: "Dad, say something!"

  Sheng Wei wasn't unwilling to speak, but rather didn't know what to say. His gaze swept across the faces of his family members: Li Shi, Chang Song, Wen Shi, and Shu Lan... Their expressions were either puzzled or embarrassed. Sheng Wei's gaze shifted, and he looked at the head of the table where Old Lady Sheng was sitting, with Minglan and Xiao Changzhong by her side.

  Mrs. Sheng Wei made a bow with her hands, and respectfully said: "Auntie has seen much and knows widely, eating salt more than we eat rice, nephew asks auntie to instruct." Mrs. Sheng looked at Chang Yu with hesitation in her heart, waved her hand, and slowly said: "As a woman who manages the household, how can I know about military affairs; if brothers He and Bo were here, perhaps they could say something about it."

  Sheng Wei couldn't help but glance at Minglan, then turned his head to look at Chang Yu again. Chang Yu understood his father's meaning and since his father couldn't speak, he naturally spoke up instead, saying: "Ming sister, are you aware?"

  Minglan stood beside Old Madame Sheng with her head bowed, and replied very humbly: "Such a big matter, it's up to Eldest Uncle and the brothers to decide. With Grandmother, Uncle, and Aunt above, how would a small woman like me know?"

  "Come on, niece," said Sheng Weiwen, "tell us; we sisters used to study with Bo'er when we were young. Mr. Zhuang's learning is quite good, let's talk about it."

  Sheng Wei has been engaged in business for over 20 years and is quite familiar with the ways of officialdom and commerce. He can also talk about the factions within the official circles and the connections between aristocratic families, but when it comes to this major military matter, he truly doesn't know where to start. If it weren't for Minglan's series of clear and incisive questions just now, he might not have understood the severity of the situation outside.

  It's not his fault, this era doesn't have compulsory history classes in junior and senior high school, let alone ubiquitous online historical and military popularization posts. With limited access to information, how would a businessman and several housewives know about these things?

  Minglan saw Old Lady Shen nod slightly towards her, took a few steps forward, thought for a moment, and then said: "I understand what Second Brother wants. He's afraid of missing this opportunity to make a name for himself. But think about it, Second Brother, on the way to Beijing, you'll inevitably pass through Anhui, Jiangsu, Henan, Shandong, and Shanxi. These places are probably in chaos now, and those bandits and mountain thieves won't just sit idly by. Who knows when they'll take advantage of the situation and come out to plunder? You don't have many men with you right now, at most you can bring some household servants and local militiamen, but that may not be enough."

  Li listened and nodded repeatedly, saying: "Ming sister said it's good! Wu brother, mother is just afraid of this!"

  "If we dress in plain clothes and take a small path among the common people, won't we avoid trouble?"

  Miss Ming nodded and said, "This is also possible." Mrs. Li's face suddenly changed, and she had a few points of joy, but unexpectedly Miss Ming's next sentence was: "But how did Second Brother know that he could definitely repay the kindness?"

  The long wu does not untie.

  Minglan walked closer to the large bronze stove in the middle of the hall, warming herself up, and smiled: "First, the northern border was in chaos, then King Jing raised a counter-revolutionary flag. I don't know if it was King Jing seizing the opportunity or adapting to circumstances. However, now that the rebel army is heading north, speed is everything. As long as Anhui, Jiangsu, Henan, Shandong, and Shanxi are not heavily obstructed, if we can take advantage of the emptiness of the capital, and capture the Imperial City, this matter will be half settled."

  The emperor had long been displeased with this arrogant fifth brother, and had repeatedly stripped the King of Jing of several privileges. He was no longer allowed to open coal mines, mint coins, and his annual stipend was reduced, and his troops were downsized; The king of Jing had long harbored rebellious intentions.

  To say it's even darker, more conspiratorial, and more unbelievable, the Northern Border turmoil might be an emperor's self-made trap. However, Minglan thinks she has read too many absurd military histories, and there are hardly any emperors in this world who dare to use their army for sinister plots.

  Li's lips turned white and he said in alarm: "Can... can King Jing succeed?"

  Minglan tilted her head, recalling: "In the past, Mr. Zhuang told us that since ancient times, princes or vassals who rebelled all used the excuse of 'clearing the emperor's side'; but now this Prince Jing is different, directly pointing at the Emperor. However, the current Emperor was clearly appointed as the Crown Prince by the previous Emperor and only ascended to the throne after reporting to Heaven, Earth, and the Ancestral Temple. Just this one point makes Prince Jing's actions unjustifiable."

  Ordinary peasant uprisings would not directly attack the emperor, who was considered a bad egg. For example, Zhang Jue's famous slogan "The blue sky has died, and the yellow sky should be established". If it were a vassal state, even if it were as powerful as An Lushan, who interrupted the prosperous Tang Dynasty, he would not dare say that everything was Li Longji's fault. He could only say that the old Yang family was good or bad, and that the lychee was old and expensive, but still eaten desperately by the laboring masses. Let's go beat up the treacherous officials! And thus began the An Shi Rebellion.

  "Moreover, the words that Wu Er Gege just said also show that Jing Wang has many weaknesses." Minglan added, "Besides, the Emperor's reorganization of the capital's military defenses is very effective, and the city walls are high and thick, so it's not necessarily possible to capture the city. As long as we can drag things out for a few more days, the loyalist troops from all directions will arrive, and Jing Wang won't have any tricks left up his sleeve."

  Chang Wu was delighted and exclaimed loudly: "Sister said it's right, that's why I want to hurry back!"

  Minglan poured another basin of cold water: "That's not necessarily true, in the past, the nine kings' army had supplies and manpower several times that of Emperor Taizong Wu, who would have thought that in just a few years, Emperor Wu would be able to wipe them out."

  "What's the point of all this?! You're just going around in circles talking nonsense!"

  Sheng Wei stared at her daughter, also looking puzzled at Minglan. She saw that Minglan was also smiling bitterly, with both hands spread out in a helpless gesture, saying: "I don't know either! Who can explain this kind of thing clearly?" It's like shaking a divination tool, no one knows what will come out until the lid is opened. @ Endless good articles, all at Jinjiang Literature City

  Chang Yu's face turned black and he stopped talking. Ming Lan stood up in front of Sheng Wei and said, "My niece means that the variables in the capital are too great, it's uncertain whether we can get to the capital or not, and even if we do, the situation is unpredictable; but Second Brother Chang can't just sit around doing nothing, so... why don't we go to Jinling instead? Go to the Jinling Garrison to offer our services."

  Chang Wu said strangely: "Sister is wrong, King Jing's army has gone north, there is no war in the south."

  Minglan shook her head: "There is no war, but there are refugees, bandits, and even fishy soldiers who take advantage of the situation."

  Chang Yu took a light breath, sank into thought, and said in a clear voice: "Mr. Zhuang once said that where there are soldiers, there are refugees. Jinling is prosperous and rich, and it's close to Anhui Province. This time, Brother Wu went to investigate, didn't he say that the military preparations were lax and the officers were absent? In any case, protecting one's home and city, and ensuring the safety of the people, can't be wrong."

  Li was finally delighted, with a hint of blush on his face: "Right, right, Jinling is only a short distance from here by horse and carriage, and there are also people at home to take care of things!" Youyang is south of Jinling, which is safer.

  Sheng Wei also thought it was feasible, and turned to Chang Yu: "The Jinling Metropolitan Procuratorate knows many people, take the Zhongwei Guard's waist card and documents to write a letter to Liu Jingli, the commander of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, for me." With Sheng Hou's uncle, a professional informer, around, it was unlikely that the Jinling Metropolitan Procuratorate would dare to be greedy with Chang Yu.

  As soon as he spoke, the Sheng family let out a collective sigh of relief and each turned to persuade Chang Yu to go to Jinling. Chang Yu was dizzy from being persuaded and hesitated towards Minglan, "Will there really be refugees?" Just a few days ago when he went, Jinling looked very peaceful.

  Minglan counted on her fingers: "This... let's wait and see."

  Chang Wu stared at his little sister, Ming Lan looked back very innocently - the Dog Head Military Advisor was indeed a good profession, only responsible for making suggestions, whether to adopt or not was someone else's business, if it was good, there would be a share of labor, if not, that was because the boss had no judgment, why listen casually; what the military advisor said, he listened, did he ask him to jump off the building?

  After everyone dispersed, Old Lady Sheng grasped Minglan and pulled her forward, saying in a low voice: "What you said earlier, was it all your own idea?"

  Minglan nodded and thought back to what was just said, it should not have exceeded the social norms of the time. Those things that Sheng Hua and Chang Bai, or any official with insight, could say.

  The old lady's expression was complex, her eyes swept back and forth over Minglan twice, then she asked lightly: "Is it true that there will be refugees in Jinling? How certain is it?"

  Minglan leaned over and whispered in her ear: "I'm completely unsure."

  The old lady was shocked.

  Minglan whispered in the old lady's ear, "Actually, I agree with Eldest Matron, life is more important than promotion, but Wu Er will not give up easily, so let's find something for him to do."

  The old lady was stunned for a moment and asked in surprise: "Is that all nonsense?"

  "What's going on?!" Minglan lowered her voice, "The first half is true; only the last few sentences were fabricated. Jinling is after all a secondary capital, with high and thick city walls, how could refugees easily get in?"

  The old lady puckered her mouth and hummed, "This little girl is quite clever." Then she sighed towards the sky and worriedly said, "I don't know how Father and Bo Ge and them are doing? Hopefully they're safe and sound."

  Ming Lan thought for a moment, then said seriously: "Miss just thought of something. In fact, the rebels are now closer to us than to Father and his men. If King Jing is blocked on his way north, the scattered soldiers will rush back to attack Jinling, which is slightly weaker, either to plunder and replenish their military expenses or to capture the city as a nest. So for now... let's worry about ourselves first, and wait until King Jing has won a few battles before worrying about Father and his men."

  Ming Lan paused for a moment and added another sentence with good intentions: "This sentence is not exaggerated."

  The old lady had just let out a sigh and was about to leave, but she came back, staring at Minglan for a long time, her chest heaving with emotion, and suddenly felt that she would live a very long life.