Ask the mountains and rivers

Chapter 193 Fight
"Qinghe, do you think the Emperor will send troops to fight, or will he cower and stay put?"

The Northern Expeditionary Army was advancing with overwhelming force, and the news spread like wildfire to the Pei family's army. With the stability of the North and the fate of the nation at stake, Mao Hongling's brow was furrowed with worry.

Pei Qinghe said calmly, "That depends on how General Zhang plans to fight this battle."

"The Beiping army has less than 10,000 troops, while the Bohai army has 60,000 troops on the surface. The Zhang family has been operating in Jizhou for decades and has deep roots. Even if the Meng brothers and Prime Minister Pang join forces, they can only barely get a word in front of General Zhang. When it comes to the crucial moment, the Emperor will definitely listen to General Zhang."

When Emperor Jian'an was the Prince of Zhangwu, he was already indecisive and gentle. After experiencing many hardships and escaping the capital, he became even more timid.

Furthermore, General Zhang is a veteran general who has led troops for many years and has genuine abilities. Meng Liulang is young, impulsive, and hot-blooded, unlike General Zhang who is steady and reliable.

Between the two, Emperor Jian'an would definitely choose General Zhang.

Mao Hongling sighed softly, "I wonder how long this great battle will last. The people of the North are going to suffer."

Pei Qinghe also sighed softly: "With the changing of dynasties and the chaos of the world, the people suffer the most. We don't have that much power, we can only protect Yan County and let the people here have some peaceful days."

"What we need to do now is continue training our troops."

……

News about the Northern Expeditionary Army kept coming in.

The invincible general led an army of 100,000, plundering and killing along the way. Most of the garrison troops in the north were loyal to Emperor Jian'an. One garrison, enraged, sent out troops, and several thousand of them fought against the northern expeditionary army, like an egg hitting a rock.

After a fierce battle, the commander was beheaded, and his head was hung on the banner of the invincible general. The soldiers either died or fled, and even their banners were destroyed.

This battle greatly boosted the morale of the rebel army and terrified the garrisons in the north. After that, no garrison dared to stop them again. They even took the initiative to keep their distance.

Tao Wudi's arrogance grew even stronger, and he continued to lead his massive army toward Jizhou.

Meng Liulang once again volunteered to lead the attack. This time, without General Zhang having to speak, Emperor Jian'an said, "The rebel army is numerous and powerful. I cannot let our soldiers die in vain. Bohai County has the advantage of city walls. Defending the city walls and repelling the enemy is the best strategy."

Even Prime Minister Pang said, "General Meng, please calm down. When the rebel army arrives at the city gates, we will still need you to guard the city gates."

General Zhang remained unmoved, while Zhang Yun glanced at him with disdain.

Meng Liulang was furious, but there was nothing he could do.

After the court session, Emperor Jian'an specially kept Meng Liulang behind and comforted him with kind words.

Meng Liulang, seething with anger, returned to the Meng residence and said to Meng Dalang, "Brother, the Emperor is weak-willed and content with a corner of the country, hiding in the palace. He has no ambition or spirit to reclaim the lost territories. Our father and brothers died fighting for such a person; it was truly a shameful death."

Meng Dalang was also furious, and he put on a stern face: "Yes, yes, yes, you, Meng Liulang, are the only hero in the world, with a broad mind and great spirit."

“You, Meng Liulang, are upright and never bow to the Zhang family. Now you don’t even respect the Emperor and speak with no respect. You might as well not stay here. Take your men back to the Beiping military camp and establish yourself as king like the Liaoxi army.”

It was rare for Meng Dalang to lose his temper, and Meng Liulang was stunned, his arrogance immediately diminished by half: "We, the Meng family, are loyal subjects, and I will not be a traitor."

Meng Dalang said coldly, "If you want to be a loyal minister and a good general, you must fulfill your duties as a subject. If you dare to criticize or disrespect the emperor in private again, I, as your elder brother, will not forgive you."

Meng Liulang dared not utter another word, and lowered his head to admit his mistake: "Brother, don't be angry, I was wrong."

Meng Dalang sighed deeply and rubbed his forehead. "Trouble comes from the mouth. You must be careful with your words. Before, when we were far from the capital, no one cared what we said or did in the military camp. Now that we're both in the imperial court, everyone's watching our every word and action. The Zhang family is eyeing us covetously; if you're careless with your words, you'll give them easy ammunition." Meng Dalang was deeply worried about his troublesome sixth brother. In just over two years, a few gray hairs had appeared on his head.

Inside the Zhang residence, the Zhang father and son were also having a secret discussion in their study.

“This Meng Liulang is arrogant and unruly; he doesn’t take us, father and son, seriously at all.” Zhang Yun’s eyes flashed with anger.

General Zhang said calmly, "To deal with him, we father and son don't need to lift a finger. He keeps talking about going to war, but when the rebel army arrives, we'll send the Beiping army to defend the city. Let him experience the power of the rebel army firsthand."

"Wait until most of the Beiping troops are dead before sending out the Bohai Navy to defend the city."

A cold glint flashed in Zhang Yun's eyes: "Father is right. Meng Liulang has a foul mouth and is annoying, but he is indeed quite capable in battle. We can use the rebel army to get rid of him."

He sneered again: "That old fox, Prime Minister Pang, still wants to form a marriage alliance with the Meng family and compete with our Zhang family. After the Meng brothers die on the battlefield, I'll see what Prime Minister Pang can rely on to fight us."

"His Majesty is young and inexperienced, and he relies on his father and me for everything. Next February, when Jingwan becomes Empress, we should wait until she gives birth to an heir. Then..."

"Don't talk nonsense!" General Zhang glanced over and interrupted Zhang Yun.

Knowing that his father was not angry, Zhang Yun boldly continued, "It's just the two of us here, so nothing we say will get out."

“I’m just not happy and resentful. Our Zhang family risked our lives for the Crown Prince, rescued him, and helped him become Emperor. Yet he’s always on guard, promoting Prime Minister Pang and heavily relying on the Meng brothers. This is just too disheartening.”

General Zhang frowned and said in a deep voice, "As an emperor, how can one not have the cunning and means to control his subjects? The Emperor knows that our Zhang family is loyal and devoted."

“Keep these words to yourself. If you dare to gossip again, I’ll personally enforce the family rules.”

Zhang Yun then stopped talking.

General Zhang solemnly ordered: "From today onwards, give the Beiping army all the grain, weapons, and warhorses they need, without any hesitation."

"Yes."

……

"I've heard that the rebel army has 100,000 elite troops. They've already fought their way here."

Inside the Pei family mansion, a worried sigh came from Madam Fang: "I don't know if the Beiping Army and the Bohai Army can stop the rebel army."

The elderly Mrs. Li has recently been experiencing blurred vision and hearing loss. Even when Mrs. Fang spoke at a high voice, Mrs. Li still couldn't hear her clearly. She raised her dim old eyes and asked, "What did you say?"

Fang had no choice but to patiently call out again.

Only then did Li hear clearly, and she slowly said, "It would be best if we could win. If we can't, and Bohai County falls, we old bones can't run anymore, so there's no need for us to run. We can just die for our country together."

Madam Lu chimed in with fervor: "Auntie is right. In our Pei family, the women are just as loyal and valiant."

Fang couldn't help but mutter, "I don't want to die a martyr; I just want to live a good life."

(End of this chapter)