Red Mansion: Bastards rule the roost

"Get out of the way!" Jia Cong's eyes fixed and he shouted.

The personal soldiers hurriedly pulled the carriage and protected him and Lan Wei to the side.

"Master..." Lan Wei called out worriedly when she saw Jia Cong's serious expression.

Jia Cong said, "Wei'er, I'll send someone to take you back first. Something happened at the border, and the emperor will definitely summon you. I'll go to the government office first to ask."

"Don't worry, Master. I will go back by myself. You should not work too hard and take care of yourself." Lan Wei reminded.

"Don't worry." Jia Cong nodded and rode towards the commander's office.

As soon as he arrived at the yamen, he heard Lei Tai coming to report: "Sir, an urgent report from the border has just been delivered, saying that there has been a change in the war in the Western Regions. The barbarians are gaining strength, and the government troops are retreating step by step. They have lost all of southern Xinjiang, and important places such as Dihua, Turpan, and Korla have also fallen into the hands of the enemy." After that, he presented the detailed intelligence.

When Jia Cong heard about the war situation in the Western Regions, he felt slightly relieved. As long as a few major vassal kings did not join forces to rebel, it would be easier to deal with foreign enemies.

Yin carefully looked at the map and said, "Just now I saw an urgent report from the border crossing 800 miles away on the street. Could it be this?"

"That's right. However, the Ili General's Mansion is afraid of being punished by the emperor, so the memorials they submitted are full of whitewashing and concealing words. The information we have obtained is more reliable." Lei Tai said.

"Well, it's common in official circles." Jia Cong once again carefully deduced the battle situation according to the intelligence on the sand table.

During the deduction, Fang Ji, Wen Zhen, Zhou Wei and other senior officials from the North and South Departments all rushed to ask for a meeting after receiving the letter.

"Get up, come and take a look." Jia Cong stared at the sand table intently and waved his hands casually.

Everyone gathered around the tabletop-sized sand table and observed it carefully.

Looking at the vivid and delicate sand table in front of him, the junior high school geography knowledge that had been lurking deep in Jia Cong's mind for a long time gradually emerged.

Although the proportions of the sand table may not be accurate, the general terrain of the Western Regions ("three mountains and two basins") is at least correct. Many cities have red and blue flags, red representing officials and blue representing bandits.

Looking up at this moment, all you can see is dazzling indigo. The government troops were compressed in the ancient city and Hami areas in the northeast corner, and were almost driven back to Gansu.

"You all know that the Western Regions fell?" Jia Cong asked.

"Your Excellency, I have just found out."

"I've heard that the war in the Western Region has been stalemate in recent years, so the court has always allocated sufficient military funds. How come it suddenly collapsed?" Jia Cong frowned and looked at Wen Zhen.

Wen Zhen was a walking archiver, and hurriedly said, "My Lord, according to the spies from the Western Regions, three forces have been mixed together recently, causing the government army to be defeated and the Western Regions to fall."

"Three forces?"

"Yes, the reason we sent troops to the Western Regions two years ago was because there were hundreds of tribes in the area and there were many disputes. Each barbarian tribe ruled its own country and refused to obey the king.

However, the imperial court had limited manpower and money invested in the Western Regions, making it difficult to fully control the area. In order to prevent conflicts from escalating, it had always adopted a policy of control and appeasement.

As a result, many barbarian nobles and chieftains thought that the imperial court was weak, and they rebelled and declared themselves kings. This is the first wave. "Wen Zhen said in a deep voice.

Jia Cong nodded slowly: "Does it mean that the chieftains in the Western Regions are rebelling?"

Wen Zhen said: “Your Excellency is right, but compared with the Tusi in the southwest, the disaster caused by the barbarians in the western regions is more serious.

Because the chieftains in the southwest are located in the heart of my heartland, we are numerous and they are few, and many of them admire the clothing of our Celestial Empire. Moreover, they know that it is difficult for them to compete with the imperial court. At most, they can rule the world in the deep mountains and old forests, but it is difficult for them to become a powerful force.

The barbarians in the Western Regions are different. Although they are within our territory, they are thousands of miles away. Their customs, culture, human nature, language, and physical appearance are very different from ours. On the contrary, they are similar to the barbarians further west. Moreover, there are very few Han people in the Western Regions, while the barbarians are very many. It is difficult to rule the many with a few."

Jia Cong said: "Precisely because it is difficult, we should face it head-on, otherwise the foundation laid by our ancestors will be handed over to others.

Since the imperial court had established nine frontiers, why didn't they set up another frontier to coordinate all affairs in the Western Regions? After a hundred years of management, how could it have become so corrupt in one day? "

Wen Zhen said: "My Lord, when Taizu founded the country, the country was in ruins and needed to be rebuilt. The court did its best to establish nine frontiers to resist foreign enemies and protect the fertile land of the Central Plains. It is not possible to set up another town thousands of miles away. We can only give priority to protecting the land that has been preserved for generations.

As for the Western Regions, of course we would take them if we can, but if we cannot, we would control and win them over.

"Throughout the four generations of Taizu, Taizong, Taishanghuang, and the current emperor, the imperial power of the country has spread far and wide, and the tribes in the Western Regions have always been subservient. In addition, due to the tight treasury, the officials of the court thought that there was not much money in the Western Regions, so why waste a lot of money and food to guard them, and simply let them do what they wanted, which led to this disaster."

Bang! Jia Cong slammed the table and shouted, "Bullshit!"

"Yes." Everyone was shocked and hurriedly agreed.

"It is true that meat eaters are vulgar. Do you know how big the Western Regions are?" Jia Cong smiled coldly and drew a circle on the sand table.

Fang Ji clasped his hands and said, "From the map, it looks like the area of ​​several provinces in the imperial court."

Jia Cong stared at everyone, tapped his fingers on the table, and said word by word: "This place is more than two million square kilometers!"

Everyone was stunned, looked at each other, and asked in doubt: "What do you mean by square kilometers? I am not talented enough, please explain it to me."

Jia Cong shook his head and smiled bitterly, waving his hands and saying: "In short, it is very big, more than one-sixth of the size of the country's.

More importantly, perhaps in one or two hundred years, this place will truly blossom with its own glory. If we lose it now, we will all become sinners for eternity."

"Yes, sir, you have a far-sighted vision and we sincerely respect you." Everyone bowed hurriedly.

"That's off topic. Old Wen, please continue."

"Yes." Wen Zhen thought for a moment and continued, "The second force is the remnants of the White Army that rebelled in Shaanxi and Gansu last year. They fled to the Western Regions to recruit soldiers and collude with local nobles to occupy the area.

At that time, you were suppressing the rebellion in Jiangnan, and the White Army was defeated by the government troops before it could break through Shaanxi and Gansu, so its impact was not great. Unexpectedly, after it entered the Western Regions, it became more and more serious. "

Jia Cong vaguely remembered that this was the case, but when he returned to Beijing from Jiangnan, he started fighting with the old party and was almost beheaded. He did not have time to pay attention to a group of local bandits, or it could be said that no one in the entire court paid attention to this group of remnants of bandits.

"Go on."

"Yes. The third force is particularly difficult to deal with. It is the great thief Abulai who has been active in the Western Regions for many years. He calls himself a prince. Because of his cruelty and bloodthirsty nature, he enjoys torturing and torturing people every day. Everyone who sees him is terrified. He is called 'bloodthirsty Abulai'.

He committed so many evil deeds that he was chased and intercepted in the Khanates of Kazakhstan, Siva, Bukhara, and Kokand. He finally could not resist the enemy and simply led his people into the territory of the imperial court, ravaging the Western Regions, and the people wailed day and night. "Wen Zhen said.

Jia Cong showed a sinister smile and said, "Okay. Old Zhou, when we catch this man, use our punishments on him one by one. Don't let him die. I want him to live well and live a long life, living in torture every day."

"I obey your command." Zhou Wei bowed hurriedly.

Jia Cong thought for a moment and said, "The Western Regions are extremely important. Not only are they vast and rich in resources, but they are also a must-go place on the ancient Silk Road. If we lose this place, it will be like our country is being blocked at home. The imperial court will definitely take it back, so we should prepare early."

"We are waiting for your instructions, sir!" everyone bowed generously.

"From today on, the Jinyiwei Western Region Thousand Households will be upgraded to the Western Region Guard, and it will be under the command of capable officers. Zhou Wei, you have made great contributions, are experienced, and are steady. You should be the first governor. I will approve the amount of money, food, and troops you need!

There is only one thing, find out the enemy's situation, the people's situation, the military situation, and the barbarian situation, so that the court can firmly control this place! If there is any mistake, bring your head to see me!" Jia Cong shouted.

Zhou Wei's heart trembled. He had no time to be happy. He bowed and said, "I obey your command! Don't worry, sir. I swear to live and die with the Western Regions!"

Jia Cong nodded and said, "The Western Region is vast, you may not be able to take care of it alone, I will send someone to help you.

Send a quick order to Jiangnan, ordering Jinling Supervisor Sha Doufu to lead a group of elite officers to rush to the Western Regions to serve as the Western Region Supervisor, assist the Western Regions in public affairs, and supervise the local areas. Fan Ming, provide sufficient money and food. "

"Yes."

"Old Zhou, come over here and listen. I will send some more Jurchen heroes to you. Immediately set up eagle messaging stations along the way. If there is any military intelligence or war news, please report it to me immediately." Jia Cong pondered for a moment and said softly.

Eagle Messenger is his secret weapon and is currently kept highly confidential.

Zhou Wei hurriedly said, "Don't worry, sir. I will definitely fulfill my mission."

Just as Jia Cong was about to speak, he heard the captain outside the door report: "Sir, an angel has descended from the palace to convey His Majesty's order. Please come to the palace to see him immediately."

"Got it." Jia Cong waved his hand and said, "You can go on your own." Then he stood up and went into the palace.

"Farewell, sir." Everyone saw him off and then congratulated Zhou Wei.

Zhou Wei bowed his hands and smiled bitterly, "Brothers, please don't joke with me. The Western Regions are a bitter and cold place. Your Excellency's order is more important than Mount Tai. The situation is very critical. I have made up my mind to bury my bones in the desert. I hope you will take good care of me in the future."

"sure."

Everyone exchanged a few words of greeting and left.

Wen Zhen fell behind and pulled Zhou Wei to whisper, "Brother, you must not be careless on this trip. Although the Lord ordered you to pacify the people, he also sent Tiger Shark.

He was a tough guy who was in charge of pacification, so he obviously wanted to select you. If you don't do your job well, he will replace you. If you don't get any benefit from it, you will lose a lot."

Zhou Wei said in a deep voice: "I know what you said, brother. It's good for Tiger Shark to go. Let him see the methods of our Southern Division's people."

Wen Zhen smiled and said, "My dear brother, you are very capable and experienced, otherwise the Lord would not have entrusted you with such an important task. I understand that if the Western Regions are conquered in the future, you will be the guardian of the pacification. That is a huge position. Please take care of yourself."

"Don't worry, brother. I will not bring shame to our Nansi, and I will not dare to disgrace your kindness in raising me." Zhou Wei knew that he was giving him a warning, so he bowed quickly.

In the main hall of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, behind Emperor Xifeng sat at the imperial desk, people were standing in groups below him.

On the left are the six major ministers, the ministers and vice ministers of various ministries, and the left and right censors-in-chief of the Censorate.

The right row was composed of meritorious military generals. Because of his title as Grand Protector, Jia Cong stood at the first place, side by side with Duan Zhun. Behind him were the Grand Commander Li Meng, the four great princes, the Right Commander Wang Ning, and other important military generals in the capital.

There was another row of princes next to them, arranged in order of age. Now they were all observing government affairs in various ministries and departments, and were also qualified to hear about such important military affairs.

Of course, I can only listen and have no right to speak.

Firstly, he had little experience and held no position in the court.

Secondly, it was to avoid suspicion and prevent misunderstanding among the civil and military officials, who might think that it was Emperor Xifeng who spoke through his son's mouth.

Emperor Xifeng's face was as gloomy as water. The joy of defeating the Liao vassal the day before had disappeared. He looked at the steps calmly and said, "Today, urgent military information came from the Western Regions 800 miles away. It said that the bandit army was powerful. The government troops were defeated repeatedly but could not defeat them. They have retreated to Gucheng and Hami to rest and look for an opportunity to attack. What good plans do you have, ministers?"

After saying this, he ordered the eunuch to read the memorial sent from the Western Regions.

Ding Xian, the left assistant minister of the Ministry of War, said: "I think that General Yili and General Dihua have wasted a huge amount of money and food in the past few years, but their troops and armor are not well prepared, their cities are not strong, and they underestimated the enemy and advanced rashly, resulting in a great defeat. They should be escorted back to the capital and severely punished, and then good generals should be sent to take them."

Feng Yuan said indignantly: "I second the proposal. First we should kill these two defeated generals who lost their troops and territory, and then try to subdue them.

Damn it, he spent tens of millions of taels of silver from the national treasury, and the Western Regions disappeared just like that? He really deserves to be killed! Please put him in prison."

Seeing the censor in the palace glaring at him, he quickly bowed and said, "I am deeply saddened and have lost my manners in front of you, Your Majesty. Please forgive me."

Emperor Xifeng said "hmm", waved his hand to order him to leave, and looked at everyone again.

Seeing Feng Yuan's furious look, Jia Cong knew that he was not really concerned about the country's soldiers, but was actually concerned about the money. He didn't know how much money would be spent on this war.

Yin bowed and said, "I think the defeated generals should be severely punished, but now is the time to use people, and they are well aware of the situation in the Western Regions, so they can be dismissed and temporarily retained in their original positions to make meritorious contributions."

Emperor Xifeng nodded and said, "Yes. How should we deal with it now?"

Jia Cong said decisively: "I think we should quickly send a general to organize the army to fight the bandits and recover the Western Regions. Then we should imitate the Nine Frontiers System and set up a general office to govern the area, suppress the local forces and prevent rebellion."

When Wang Ziteng, Niu Jizon, Liu Fang and others saw him express his opinion, they hurried out and said, "What Jia Shaobao said is absolutely right. We second the proposal." Anyway, as long as there is a war, it is good news for the military.

Generals such as Wang Ning, who came from humble backgrounds, were even more enthusiastic and said, "I second the proposal! Please send a general to pacify the Western Regions and enhance our country's prestige!"

Seeing this, Li Meng was unwilling to fall behind, and hurriedly bowed and said: "I ask you to send troops to wipe out the bandits and recover the Western Regions."

Many civil servants also spoke up, demanding that troops be sent to recover the lost territory.

Jia Cong breathed a sigh of relief. Before he came, he was afraid that the civil officials would be afraid of fighting and would weakly ask for peace. If they interfered, things would be troublesome.

No matter how brave the general is or how fierce the soldiers are, without food, fodder and weapons, it is all in vain.

It seems that the civil servants of this era still have quite a bit of backbone.

Emperor Xifeng looked at the university scholars and the four great princes and said, "What do you think, my dear ministers?"

Prince Beijing said in a loud voice: "I think what you gentlemen said is absolutely right. The Western Regions are the ancestral land of the Celestial Empire. It is occupied by bandits. We should attack them!"

"We second the motion." said King Nannan, King Xining and others.

The military ministers also nodded in agreement. This was a matter of right and wrong and there was no room for discussion. Whoever dared to oppose would probably become a traitor and a traitor to the country who would be talked about in the streets and after dinner tomorrow.

Only a weak voice sounded among the passionate voices of the war envoys, which seemed a little harsh.

“Your Majesty, the Western Regions is such a large territory, and it is rich in fine horses, beauties, fruits, and wine. It should be taken back, but if it costs a ton of silver, I cannot afford it.

In my humble opinion, it is best to spend less money to achieve great things. "Feng Yuan looked at everyone with a sly look, like a miser. (End of this chapter)