Do you know: I have a different surname: Wang, uncle Minglan.

Chapter 297 Zhang Guifen holds a banquet at the teahouse, Zhao Paner has some thoughts

Whether it was Lin Zhaoyuan and Chen Daniu, or other generals in Daizhou, they all had an almost fanatical trust in Wei Yuan.

It seems that there is nothing in this world that can stump Wei Yuan.

But now, Lin and Chen were deeply anxious and frightened because of Wei Yuan's uneasiness.

Are there opponents in this world that make it difficult for Big Brother?

"Brother, are you praising him too much?" Chen Daniu asked.

Wei Yuan slowly stood up, took a deep breath, and said, "Maybe."

Chen and Lin were both silent.

Wei Yuan turned around, looked at them, and said seriously: "To use troops, nothing is better than the right time, right place, and right people."

"When the emperor is seriously ill, this is the time of heaven; when the north is in turmoil, this is the advantage of the terrain; when the teacher is assassinated, this is the harmony of people."

"Yelü Renxian has the advantage of time, place and people, and no one can defeat him."

Hearing this, Chen Daniu frowned and said, "If what you said is true, then Yelu Renxian is invincible in the world, right?"

Wei Yuan shook his head and said, "Yelu Renxian wants to fight a battle with all his might. If this momentum is lost, he will be defeated."

After a pause, he reminded Lin Zhaoyuan, "I will send you my petition letter once a day."

The latter nodded and said, "Please rest assured, brother, everything has been arranged."

Wei Yuan could more or less understand the thoughts of the imperial court or the government.

But he had to pretend not to understand and still send in the letter of enlistment. This was a good time to show his loyalty.

Having said that, it’s not Zhao Zhen’s fault for making such an arrangement. He just wanted Zhao Xi to stand up at the most dangerous moment and make Zhao Xi the savior in the eyes of the people.

Zhao Zhen was very confident in the foundation he had accumulated during his forty years as emperor.

He believed that even if such a critical moment really came, the Zhou Dynasty would never collapse.

"By the way, I have to write a letter to Qin Zhen to inform him that he should fight with Yelu Xin first. Remember not to take it lightly. This person has a calm temperament. If you attack with force, it may backfire."

Wei Yuan added another sentence to Lin Zhaoyuan.

In his opinion, Qin Zhen was no match for Yelu Xinxian.

But with the support of an absolute advantage in military strength, even a fool can't be defeated, right?

As long as Qin Zhen can ensure that the losses of the elite main force are not too great, the Great Zhou will never experience the Jingkang Shame like the Song Dynasty.

Even if there really was a Jingkang Shame, at most the Liao army fought to the outskirts of Bianjing and then retreated due to the difficulty.

It would be impossible to abduct both Zhao Zhen and Zhao Xi.

In late March of the eighth year of Jiayou, the main forces of Qin Zhen and Yelu Xinxian had gathered in Daming Prefecture.

At this moment, in Damingfu City.

Qin Zhen was inspecting the city defenses when the person sent by Lin Zhaoyuan to deliver the letter had just left.

The former said somewhat dissatisfiedly: "It seems that our Lord Wei is not able to lead the troops into battle and is in a rather depressed mood."

A deputy general was puzzled and asked, "What does Commander Qin mean by this?"

Although Wei Yuan had been dismissed from his post, his prestige in the army had not diminished in the slightest, and he was even showing signs of being on par with Zhang Fu.

It was only because of Wei Yuan's military reform in Yanbian that some generals who had been leading troops for many years saw the dawn of hope in the military of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

"If the Duke of Wei was not upset because he could not lead the troops into battle, why would he still ask about the war in the front from far away in the south of the Yangtze River?"

When everyone heard Qin Zhen's question, they suddenly understood.

It turned out that the young master was dissatisfied with the Marquis of Wei's excessive meddling.

But, apart from being a young master, what contributions have you made to the Great Zhou?
No matter how useless Lord Wei is, he is still a hero guarding the border. He has fought the Liao army with real swords and guns, and he knows the strength of the Liao army very well.

"The defenses of Damingfu are impregnable. In this battle, Yelu Xinxian will definitely lose! What the Marquis of Wei said is a bit groundless!"

When Qin Zhen said this, he paused for a moment, then said seriously:
"Now, Daming Prefecture has gathered 300,000 elite troops from our Great Zhou, and Yelu Xinxian's foundation is unstable. I have decided to launch a surprise attack on the Liao army in three days!"

"Who among you agrees and who opposes?"

A surprise attack on the Liao army?

Three days later?
One of the soldiers frowned and said, "Commander Qin, this may not be appropriate. Although Yelu Xinxian has come from a long way and has not yet established a firm foothold, he has built fortifications along the mountain, which clearly shows that he intends to fight a protracted war with our army. A rash attack would be very dangerous."

Is there anything wrong?

Qin Zhen snorted.

At this time, several generals spoke up one after another:

"General Qin, there are still 200,000 troops from various places that have not arrived yet. Now is not the best time to fight the Liao army."

"Commander Qin, why don't we wait until my army arrives before discussing this matter?"

"I think what the Marquis of Wei said makes sense. Yelu Xinxian is a steady person and must have taken precautions."

"."

Some of the generals had been promoted by Duke Yingguo Zhang Fu, and they admired Zhang Fu and even Wei Yuan very much.

Without hesitation, if Wei Yuan came to Daming Prefecture at this moment.

Then, most of the troops under Qin Zhen’s command would choose to follow Wei Yuan.

This is the importance of prestige in the military.

Qin Zhen certainly felt bad when he heard that most of the generals were against his decision.

"enough!"

"Even if there are still 200,000 troops that have not arrived, can I, with my 300,000 elite troops, still be afraid of the mere 200,000 Liao troops?"

After this was said, some people still wanted to say something.

But he was interrupted by Qin Zhen, "I am the commander-in-chief. I am the commander-in-chief of the march ordered by the regent. You have no right to refute! Those who disobey orders will be punished by military law!"

After hearing these words, the generals did not dare to say anything more.

Afterwards, one of Qin Zhen's confidants asked in confusion, "Young Master, even if it is as they said, it is not too late to wait for the 200,000 troops to arrive before fighting the Liao army. Why are you so anxious?"

Qin Zhen said helplessly: "You don't understand. If 300,000 fight against 200,000, if they win, it will be a great victory. It also means that it is not just those young generals in Wei Yuan's party who know how to use troops."

Wei Yuan's party? Aren't you one of them?

The confidant complained in his heart, and then asked curiously: "Hasn't your relationship with Marquis Wei always been very good?"

"Very good." Qin Zhen stood on the top of the city wall, looking towards the place where the Liao army set up camp, and said in a deep voice:
"That's why I don't want to live under his shadow in everything. I want the world to know that I, Qin Zhen, the eldest son of the Fuguo Mansion, can also lead troops!"

At this point, he felt lost and murmured, "Brother Wei, don't blame me for not listening to you."

"I just didn't want to give up this opportunity."

First of all, if an army of 300,000 can defeat an army of 200,000 Liao, the significance would definitely be different from an army of 500,000 defeating an army of Liao.

Secondly, Qin Zhen finally had a chance to lead troops and naturally did not want to miss it.

This is related to whether he can soar into the sky after the new emperor ascends the throne in the future.

After all, he is the eldest son of the Duke of Fuguo's Mansion. Compared with Wei Yuan, his family background is not inferior!

He also wants to be the best among his peers! ——
at the same time.

Bianjing.

Many powerful and wealthy children gathered in Zhao Paner's teahouse, most of them were from wealthy families.

According to the old rules of Bianjing, around the end of the year, the children of these aristocratic families who were close to each other would pick a day to get together, which was also a way to increase their affection for each other.

However, during the New Year period, according to rumors, the government had almost lost its vitality. In addition, it was wartime, so people did not dare to act too high-profile.

Things are different now. Although it is wartime, people in the palace say that Zhao Zhen's health is gradually getting better.

Therefore, they planned to have a small gathering. The candidates for the annual gathering were selected from the sons of military meritorious officials of each family, regardless of gender.

Interestingly, the person who organized the gathering this year was Zhang Guifen.

In the past, she would never participate in such gatherings, let alone take the initiative to organize one.

But this year is different.

This year is the quietest year for the Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery’s Mansion.

What Wei Yuan did in Jiangnan attracted many reports from the Imperial Censors.

Apart from a few dukes, the people who spoke for Wei Yuan were a few military generals who had a good relationship with Wei Yuan.

Zhang Guifen sometimes wondered, if she could maintain good relations with the sons of military meritorious servicemen, would there be one or two more people in the court who would speak for Wei Yuan?

Even though the possibility is very small, for Wei Yuan and the Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery Mansion, she is willing to try.

at this time.

In the teahouse.

Rong Feiyan and other women arrived early.

Zhang Guifen invited only female guests.

However, due to the custom of intermarriage between noble families, there were also several male guests who came with their wives.

But what is curious is that Young Master Qi Heng is also among them.

Before Zhang Guifen arrived, everyone started to laugh and say to Qi Heng:
"The young master is here too? Sister Zhang also invited you?"

"Young Master, why did you come here suddenly? Did you fall in love with a girl?"

"With your talent and looks, if you like a girl, why would you come to meet her secretly? It would be better to go directly to her house to propose marriage. Can you expect her to be rejected?"

"."

Qi Heng was not angry when he heard these slightly teasing remarks.

The man who just said which girl he liked, after he finished speaking, took a special look at Rong Feiyan.

The family of Earl Fuchang had been looking for a marriage partner for her for a long time, but they had never found a candidate that really satisfied Earl Fuchang.

Coupled with factors such as the sudden outbreak of war and the serious illness of the emperor, the matter was delayed for the time being.

However, according to rumors, Fuchang Earl Rong Xian did meet some satisfactory families, but Rong Feiyan was not satisfied.

Another rumor spread that Rong Feiyan's heart belonged to the young master Qi Heng.

When everyone was teasing Qi Heng, he didn't say anything, but Rong Feiyan stood up and spoke.

"Okay, everyone, stop talking. I'm sure Sister Zhang will be here soon."

When everyone heard this, they just smiled and stopped teasing Qi Heng.

Instead, he turned around and talked about some interesting and romantic stories with some people he had a good relationship with.

For example, which scholar climbed a high place to recite poetry, which scholar-official published a collection of essays, and what stories about talented men and beautiful women were there.

No one mentioned the current war, as if they didn't care.

Today the entire teahouse is serving them.

First floor.

Zhao Pan'er called a servant over and asked, "What are those people talking about? I can hear them laughing from here."

The servant just came from the second floor. "Boss, I don't know either. I just heard vaguely that someone and someone else got married again."

"That's it?" Zhao Pan'er frowned slightly.

At the side, her close friend Sun Sanniang came over and asked curiously, "What else can the children of those powerful families say?"

Zhao Pan'er stood in front of the counter with her hands on her cheeks, and said gloomily: "Now even ordinary people like us are always paying attention to the war, but the children of these big shots are indifferent."

Sun Sanniang shook her head and said, "Just make your tea well. No one who comes out to do business is like you, always pretending to be concerned about the country and the people."

"How can I say I am worried about the country and the people?" Zhao Pan'er said seriously, "I just feel that we can have what we have today thanks to the care of Lord Wei and Madam Wei."

"And Lord Wei is a great hero who guards the border. If there is a war, a great man like Lord Wei will be very worried. Tell me, if our benefactor is worried, how can we remain indifferent?"

What is this all about?
After hearing this, Sun Sanniang couldn't help but complain in her heart that this reason was too far-fetched.
"You."

Sun Sanniang looked at Zhao Pan'er with a smile.

The latter secretly pinched his waist and asked, "What are you laughing at?"

Sun Sanniang twisted her body to avoid him and said sternly, "Pan'er, we are of low status, so you should never think of those nonsense."

Zhao Paner nodded impatiently, still holding her chin with both hands, "I know, I know."

Sun Sanniang shook her head and said nothing.

at this time.

Zhang Guifen, dressed in gorgeous clothes, walked into the teahouse.

Following behind her were Minglan, Hai Chaoyun and several maids.

Originally, Sheng Changbai and Hai Chaoyun were going to get married.

However, due to Zhao Zhen's serious illness, and for the sake of their political future, the Sheng and Hai families unanimously decided to postpone the wedding date.

"Mrs. Zhang, you are here."

Zhao Pan'er hurried forward to greet him with a smile.

Zhang Guifen nodded slightly.

Minglan blinked at Zhao Paner.

Now, the relationship between the two of them is that of close friends.

Zhang Guifen asked, "How many people are here?"

Zhao Pan'er responded respectfully, "Madam, there are more than 30 people here, and the entire second floor is full."

Zhang Guifen nodded, then went upstairs, followed by Minglan, Zhao Paner and others.

Coincidentally, at this time, some men were discussing the war.

But what they discussed was not the number of casualties in the war, nor the victory or defeat, but the fact that Wei Yuan failed to lead the army.

"It seems that the emperor really doesn't want to use the loyal and brave marquis anymore. He doesn't even allow him to participate in such a big battle."

"No matter what, if it weren't for the prestige of the Duke of Ying's Mansion, I'm afraid there would be countless people in the court who would want to report the Marquis of Wei."

"When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter. It has always been like this. After all, the foundation of the Loyal and Brave Marquisate is too shallow. And Wei Yuan is too overbearing."

"Okay, stop talking. Watch out for the only daughter of the Duke of England coming up here. When we were kids, who hasn't been beaten by her?"

"She is also domineering. These two really make a good match."

"You chose to invite us to have tea at this time. Aren't you afraid that the emperor will find out and suspect that the Marquis' Mansion is forming a clique?"

"Why didn't she invite us to the Marquis' Mansion? Why did she have to come to this teahouse?"

"I do not know."

"."

Some sounds fell into Zhang Guifen's ears accurately.

Minglan was immediately furious, "Aunt."

Zhang Guifen's face was gloomy at first, and she even stopped walking because of this. However, when she heard Minglan's voice, Zhang Guifen's face changed and she smiled:
"It doesn't matter. They have their own mouths. Let them talk."

(End of this chapter)