The Red Mansions

Chapter 1369: The Duke of Wei comes in person, he can defeat ten thousand brave soldiers! (3 more ch



Chapter 1369: The Duke of Wei comes in person, he can defeat ten thousand brave soldiers! (3 more ch

Chapter 1369 The Duke of Wei came in person... He can defeat a hundred thousand soldiers! (Three more chapters, please give me your monthly votes!)

Korea

On the other side, Jia Heng came to the port under the escort of the Jinyifu guards. It was the middle of winter. In the high latitude area, the north wind was as sharp as a knife. Bare branches of sycamore trees could be seen standing alone and shivering in the cold wind.

Gu Ruoqing's clear eyes swept across the white snow on the land, stared into the distance, and asked softly: "Is this North Korea?"

Jia Heng looked at the beauty beside him, smiled and said, "Is Ruoqing here for the first time too?"

Gu Ruoqing's expression paused slightly. Listening to the young man's first time, a bit of shyness was revealed in her heart.

He whispered, "It's my first time here, but it's no different from the big guy."

Jia Heng said: "We have the same cultural roots, so there is nothing much to say."

Gu Ruoqing stared at the young man in the python robe with her beautiful eyebrows, and asked, "What are your plans next?"

"People are coming." Jia Heng didn't say anything, just looked into the distance and said in a low voice.

At this moment, the local Korean officials, accompanied by a group of followers, came quickly and looked at the young man in the python robe who was accompanied by a group of Jinyifu guards.

"Your humble servant greets the Duke of Weiguo of the Han Dynasty." At this time, several Korean officials, leading a group of followers, came quickly and said with a bow.

Jia Heng said, "Everyone, please stand up."

The official in the lead was called Xi Shouan, the governor of Qingzhou. He was actually forty years old and slightly fat. He clasped his hands and said, "Duke Weiguo, I will send a fast horse to the governor right away."

Jia Heng said in a gentle voice: "I have already sent the Jinyifu Guards to inform your country."

Xi Shouan said in a deep voice: "Duke Weiguo, please come to the city to talk."

Jia Heng nodded and said, "Everyone, lead the way."

The North Korean official then led a group of followers and led the way in front.

Then, the Han army entered the city in a mighty force.

Under Gu Ruoqing's slender and bright eyebrows, her cold eyes looked around.

Jia Heng looked at the old minister and said, "Lord Xi, can you tell me about the current situation in North Korea?"

Xi Shouan said, "To be honest with you, Duke Wei, the rebels of the Pseudo-Dynasty are relying on the support of the Jurchens and are now in Hancheng Prefecture, hoping to confront our coalition forces for a long time."

Jia Heng asked, "Did you fight before?"

"The Council of State sent out troops and fought several times with the troops in Hancheng Prefecture." Xi Shouan paused, shook his head, and said in a hoarse voice, "But the situation was not good. We did not see the slightest advantage. The main reason was that the Jurchens were too fierce and they were too aggressive."

Jia Heng said: "The Jurchen troops are easy to deal with. Our Han Dynasty has defeated the Jurchen elite several times before. Haizhou and Gaizhou have been recovered. This time, our troops can fight to the death with them.

Xi Shouan was excited and said with emotion: "The royal army has arrived. Our Joseon is saved."

As time passed, news of the Han army's victories in Gaizhou and Haizhou gradually spread to Korea, greatly boosting the confidence of the Korean military, civilians and officials.

Jia Heng said: "Korea is a vassal state of the Han Dynasty. The two countries have sworn an eternal friendship. It is the responsibility and obligation of our suzerain state to save Korea from danger."

Xi Shouan smiled, as if he was flattering her, and said, "I have prepared a small banquet. Please move over, Duke Weiguo and Mr. Jin. We can eat and talk at the same time."

Jia Heng followed Xi Shouan and slowly came to the back house. Jia Heng slowly sat down, a thoughtful look appearing on his resolute face.

Gu Ruoqing had a beautiful face and said sarcastically, "The Korean soldiers are so incapable of fighting. One hundred thousand soldiers can't resist ten thousand Jurchens. They hesitate and dare not look north."

"Small countries' soldiers are like this. Besides, the fighting power of the elite Eight Banners of the Jurchens is indeed first-class in the world." Jia Heng chuckled and said, "In the past, the nine frontier armies also retreated when facing the fierce Jurchen army."

He is really using Lao Li's words. When he came to the New 1st Regiment, there were only a few people and few guns.

Gu Ruoqing frowned and said, "It seems to have happened only in the past few years."

To be precise, after this man took over the military affairs of the entire Han Dynasty, everything became completely different. He almost single-handedly turned the tide.

As for river management, salt inspection, and sea opening, almost every one of them was done by one person to help the Han people prolong their lives.

Anyone with insight can clearly feel this tremendous change from a shaky country to a thriving one.

As one of the White Lotus Saints, Gu Ruoqing could naturally sense this change.

People's lives began to improve.

Jia Heng said gently: "Let's not talk about this anymore."

Saying this sounds like showing off.

Gu Ruoqing's beautiful eyes gazed intently at the young man in the python robe from under her curved eyebrows, and her eyes gradually became a little infatuated.

……

……

The next day, in the morning, rays of warm sunlight shone on the snowy ground, and the branches of a tree could be seen reflected in the snow.

The bone-chilling cold wind blew the snow on the eaves, and fine snow powder could be seen floating in the air. The carved hollow windows reflected bright and clear shadows.

In the hall, Jia Heng had just finished his breakfast and was reading a book when suddenly a Jinyifu guard came in with a quick step and reported, "Commander-in-chief, Li, the deputy commander, is back."

Jia Heng asked, "Where is he now?"

The Jinyifu guard said, "Report to the governor, it's outside the county government office."

Jia Heng waved his hand and said, "I will be there soon after I change my clothes."

At this time, Gu Ruoqing walked out from the inner room, wearing a beautifully embroidered flying fish dress, and said, "Has the Korean envoy arrived?"

Jia Heng said in a gentle voice: "We're here. I'll go take a look."

"I'll go with you." Gu Ruoqing's cold and beautiful face had a gloomy expression.

Jia Heng nodded without refusing, and then, without saying much, he walked quickly towards the hall.

At this moment, Jin Di sat on a pearwood chair in the hall. On the tea table beside him, steam was rising from the teacup, emitting bursts of fresh and fragrant aroma.

At this moment, the Jinyifu guards clasped their hands and shouted, "The Duke of Wei is here!"

Jin Di, who was sitting, adjusted his face and stood up, looking at the young man in the python robe.

At first glance, I felt that the young man in the python robe had an imposing manner and his eyes were so clear that I didn't dare to look directly at him.

Jin Yu bowed his hands and said in a gentle voice: "I, Jin Yu, greet the Duke of Wei. The king is young and it is inconvenient for me to come. I hope the Duke of Wei will forgive me."

In fact, this was a little trick played by Jin Yu, which was to let Jia Heng go to meet the King of Korea. At least, it would be much cheaper than the state gift.

Jia Heng raised his eyes to look at the old man with gray hair. Although his face looked a bit old, he was still energetic. He extended his hands to support him twice and said in a clear voice, "No need to be polite, Mr. Jin. Please stand up."

In fact, he was also a famous minister during the reign of King Hyojong of Joseon.

Then, the two of them sat down as host and guest and began to chat.

Jin Yu smiled and said, "May I ask how many heavenly soldiers did the Duke of Wei bring with him this time?"

Jia Heng said gently, "I only brought 10,000 naval forces."

Jin Yu was very good at speaking. He was slightly surprised, then he flattered, "The Duke of Wei is personally leading the troops here, which is equivalent to a hundred thousand strong soldiers!"

Jia Heng paused for a moment, and said in a loud voice: "The most difficult thing to deal with is Aobai's 10,000 troops. He has a team of elite soldiers under his command. Besides, I heard that 20,000 troops have just been sent from Japan. In this way, they also have an advantage in terms of military strength."

Jin Yu's old face showed a thoughtful expression. He nodded and said, "They arrived in Jeolla Province the day before yesterday. They should send troops here during this period."

Thirty thousand soldiers and a Duke of Wei who is feared by all nations are indeed enough to help Korea restore its country.

Jia Heng said softly, "After a day of rest, we will go to Chungju to meet the son of the King of Joseon tomorrow."

The King of Korea is not considered a king until he is enthroned.

Jin Di was naturally sensitive to what the young man said, and his old eyes flickered, with an inexplicable mood.

At this moment, Xi Shouan said in a low voice: "Master Jin, I have prepared a light banquet. Please come to the side hall to enjoy it."

Jia Heng said in a clear voice: "Let's eat first. Lord Jin, please introduce the current situation in North Korea to me."

Jin Di nodded, and without saying anything more, he quickly walked to the side hall.

The two men sat down, and Jia Heng, as a noble of the Celestial Empire, naturally sat in the main seat.

Jia Heng nodded and said, "Just now I mentioned to Lord Xi that the pseudo-dynasty entrenched in Wangjing now has 100,000 soldiers and horses, relying on the Jurchens. Previously, the Korean army fought many battles and was defeated by them. I don't know why."

Jin Yu's face was solemn, and he said, "Previously, the Jurchens had not 10,000 soldiers, but tens of thousands. When Aobai, who led the army, defeated the three coalition forces, there were probably tens of thousands of soldiers. The three coalition forces were defeated and suffered a rout. After that, the troops that were reorganized were not as elite as the first time. The Jurchens have even recruited a lot of soldiers in Hancheng Prefecture, all of whom are fellow soldiers from Hamgyong Province, Pyeongan Province, and Hwanghae Province."

There are eight provinces in Korea, namely Hamgyong Province, Pyeongan Province, Hwanghae Province, Gyeonggi Province, Chungcheong Province, Gyeongsang Province, and Jeolla Province.

Jia Heng said loudly: "So, now the two sides are in a standoff, can they fight?"

"We haven't fought each other during this period." Jin Yu shook his head and said in a hoarse voice, "Your Majesty's intention is to restore the country from the south to the north. Please help us, Duke Weiguo and the Han army. We, Korea, will always be a vassal state of the Han Dynasty and will never betray."

Jia Heng said loudly: "After defeating Oboi, I hope Korea will send troops from the north to support us and advance together to drive out the Jurchen troops."

Jin Yu's old face was covered with a smile, and he said in a clear voice: "Don't worry, Duke Weiguo. We, Korea, will do our utmost to serve the Han Dynasty."

Jia Heng nodded and said in a gentle voice: "Although the mountains and rivers are different, the sun and moon are the same. Han and Korea are allies. Helping each other is the friendship between allies."

Jin Di nodded and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Afterwards, everyone chatted briefly and started to eat. Jia Heng asked Jin Di to rest first and agreed that the army would set out tomorrow and head straight for Zhongzhou.

……

……

Time flies, and before I knew it, two days have passed.

Jia Heng led nearly 10,000 naval troops from the south of the Yangtze River, and under the leadership of Jin Yu, they marched towards Chungju where the King of Korea was stationed.

Outside Chungju City——

At this moment, Li Yuan of Korea had led a group of civil and military officials of the Korean temporary court to welcome the general out of the city.

At this moment, under a light yellow silk umbrella, Li Yuan's fair and tender little face seemed to be frozen red, while his uncle Zhang Xin, who was not far away, followed closely beside him, with a hint of fear in his eyes.

The civil and military officials of North Korea were also waiting anxiously, but none of them dared to say a word.

"People are coming."

Just then, a square-faced guard came quickly over, his voice full of joy.

Everyone present looked in the direction of the sound, and saw a large number of Han soldiers in fiery red uniforms approaching on the official road in the distance, like a ball of burning fire.

Among the leaders, one can see two fine horses riding side by side. Next to the old figure of Jin Di is a young man in a python robe, holding a rein in his hand. Looking from afar, he has a heroic look in his brows and a cold look in his eyes that looks down on the world.

Of course, this is more of the imagination of the North Korean monarch and his ministers.

That person was none other than Jia Heng, Duke of Wei.

As the salutes sounded, the sound of "bang bang" was heard continuously, and a group of Korean civil and military officials came forward one after another.

Lin Ji, the Korean councilor standing by, stared at the soldiers in neat uniforms, a look of surprise appeared on his face.

The Han army's appearance is so majestic?

The officials not far away were also discussing the matter, saying in amazement: "The king's army is so neat and majestic, worthy of being the heavenly army."

"This army is an elite force, no less powerful than the Jurchens."

"We just defeated the troops of the Eight Banners of the Jurchens not long ago."

Afterwards, one could hear the endless discussions among the Korean king and his ministers.

As the Han army approached, the Korean king and his ministers also saw the Han army up close.

At this moment, Jin Yu got off his horse first, took a few quick steps, and said, "Your Majesty, the Duke of Wei from the Han court has arrived."

Li Yuan nodded and said, "Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Jin."

At this moment, Jia Heng, surrounded by the Jinyi Guards, came closer and got off his horse.

Accompanied by Jin Yu, Li Yuan came quickly and said, "King Li Yuan of Korea greets the envoy of the Han Dynasty, Duke Weiguo."

Jia Heng raised his eyes to look at the young king, and said loudly: "No need to be polite, Crown Prince of Korea."

There was no sign of abnormality on Li Yuan's handsome and fair face. He bowed and accepted the request.

Jia Heng said: "My country is following the order of the Emperor of the Han Dynasty to lead the army to help your country."

After the greetings, Jia Heng led the Jiangnan navy into the city in a mighty force.

……

……

Let’s put aside Jia Heng’s leading troops to aid Korea for now, and talk about Korea, Wang Jing——

At this moment, in the side hall of the palace, there were crowds of people, all talking.

Oboi had already learned that the Han army had sent troops to support the Lee Korean clan, and was summoning all his officers to discuss the matter.

The officers mainly included Abai's second brother Zhuobutai, fourth brother Baha, sixth brother Murima and uncle Tulai, in addition to young officers such as Yabulan who had just emerged.

These generals and officers were all Oboi's core followers, and were also his brothers in life and death who had accompanied him throughout his life.

Aobai had a majestic face and a beard like a steel needle under his chin. He said in a loud voice: "According to the spies, the Han people have gathered in Chungcheong Province. It is obvious that they want to gather troops and defeat us. Let's discuss how to deal with it."

Aobai's second brother Zhuobutai paused for a moment and said in a loud voice: "In my opinion, Korea cannot be defended. Now is the time to use troops in our country. We haven't even finished our own affairs, but we want to interfere in Korea's affairs. It is really incomprehensible."

Aobai pondered for a moment and said loudly: "This is the direction that Prince Ying and I have decided. Besides, Prince Ying is in the past."

Zhuobutai paused for a moment and said in a low voice: "But it is not the beginning yet. The Han army has already reached Haizhou and Gaizhou, and is heading straight for Shengjing."

Under his thick eyebrows, Aobai's eyes were piercing and sharp. He whispered, "Let's not talk about the withdrawal of troops first. How to withdraw troops?"

Zhuobutai pondered for a moment and said, "The best option now is to withdraw our troops."

Oboi was so speechless that he simply ignored Zhuomutai.

At this time, Baha's resolute face showed a thoughtful look, and he said: "Brother, how many reinforcements does the Han army have this time, who is the commander? Is it easy to deal with?"

Under Aobai's thick eyebrows, his eyes were shining fiercely, and he said loudly: "The scouts have not had time to investigate the enemy situation, but judging from the ships on the sea, there don't seem to be many. As for the commander-in-chief, he hasn't had time to report yet."

Aobai's sixth brother Murima was more shrewd. After thinking for a while, he said in a gentle voice: "I think these Han people are coming with great force. I am afraid it will be difficult to deal with them. Besides, the troops in Gaizhou and Haizhouwei were defeated before. This place is not a place for us to stay for long."

Baha also frowned and shook his head, saying, "Yes, the domestic military strength is stretched to the limit, and my army should send troops to help."

Oboi rejected all the arguments and said, "There are not enough troops at home. We should hold on to the capital of Korea to relieve the pressure at home. If we withdraw, the Han court will send troops from Shanhaiguan, and then from Haizhou and Gaizhou in Liaodong, and then from Korea. The three sides will attack us, and the situation will not be good."

Below, the general Yabulan, who was promoted and cultivated by Oboi, was brave and courageous. He said in a deep voice: "I think what the commander-in-chief said is very true. Not only do we have nearly 10,000 soldiers and horses here, but there are also 100,000 soldiers from Korea, which is enough to cause great resistance to the Han court."

Aobai said loudly: "Well said."

Just as everyone was discussing this, a horseman eight feet tall suddenly came from outside and said with a bow, "General, here is the latest military report from the scouts."

Aobai's expression paused slightly, and surprise gradually appeared in his tiger eyes. He said in a muffled voice: "Speak!"

"The Han Dynasty navy that came to help Korea only has 10,000 men," the groom said with a bow.

Scouts are sharp-eyed and experienced soldiers who can roughly estimate the number of troops based on the number of flags, formations, and even ships.

"The commander-in-chief is right." Yabulan said loudly.

Aobai said in a deep voice: "The Han court has only 100,000 soldiers, and they have to resist tens of thousands of soldiers from the Qing Dynasty in Haizhou and Gaizhou. How can they have the spare strength to transfer more soldiers here?"

At this moment, Aobai's second brother Zhuobutai opened his mouth but said nothing in the end.

Baha said: "If there are only 10,000 Han troops, then what is there for the Qing Dynasty to fear? We will annihilate this Han army and avenge Ebilun and his men."

However, the horseman's next words made Oboi silent for a long time.

"General, the commander-in-chief this time may be Duke of Wei, Jia Heng."

As soon as these words were spoken, it was as if a bone-chilling cold wind blew into the hall, leaving the Oboi brothers silent.

This is the importance of Jia Heng. Even just his name is enough to make the high-ranking officers of the Jurchens feel like they are facing a formidable enemy.

Zhuobutai's majestic and resolute face was already gloomy as iron, and his shining tiger eyes were full of solemnity. He said softly: "I didn't expect it to be the Duke of Weiguo. Is there some conspiracy?"

Baha also frowned and said, "Yes, this Duke of Wei only brought 10,000 soldiers."

Aobai sneered and said, "What conspiracy could there be? What can Jia Heng do? Since he has few soldiers, we can kill him and the danger of the Qing Dynasty will be resolved."

(End of this chapter)


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