Wang Tao outside the city, in the midst of the great army.
Seeing the desperate look on Tian Yu, who was over sixty years old, on the other side of the field, Cao Xian couldn't help but swallow his saliva.
"Master Tian," Cao Shuang asked cautiously, "From Wangtao City to Guangwu, it's over a hundred miles. Even if my subordinates can reach Guangwu by the morning, it will take at least three days before the reinforcements can arrive here!"
Tian Yu patted Cao Shuang's shoulder and said, "Zhao Bing, you grew up in Yecheng and Luoyang, and as the son of the great general, do you know how ordinary soldiers can distinguish themselves in the army?"
Cao Shuang shook his head blankly and tentatively asked, "Accumulating merit or leading the advance, charging into the battle?"
"Not at all," said Tian Yu. "If one wants to stand out, the greatest merit is the one that saves the time."
He pointed out that the current situation of the 9,000 troops was by the river and without any defensive advantage. Su Li estimated that Ke Bin Neng led 20,000 cavalry, but based on his assessment, it was entirely possible for Ke Bin Neng to mobilize 30,000 or even 40,000 cavalry.
"Ke Bibing this time is clearly using Su Li's forces as bait to lure the old man out. If the general also loses, then unless the central troops of the court reach here, within a few years, the commandery of You will be unable to resist the raids by the Xianbei!"
"At that time, not only will Ke Bibing turn against us, but even today's loyal forces of Su Li, Xie Guan Ni, Budugen, and the Uyghur people might also directly rebel!"
Tian Yu sighed and said, "I know that the General has sent you here for refinement, but in reality, he still does not want you to get into danger."
"Not because I am unwilling to refine you, but rather, this matter of seeking aid is most suitable for you to handle!"
Cao Shuang bowed one knee and performed a military salute, saying, "Master Tian, please rest assured! My subordinates will definitely go quickly and return quickly!"
Tian Yu nodded, "Go quickly and return quickly! Old man relies on this local 2,000 elite troops to suppress Su Li's department and Wuhuan's loyalty service. If there is a lot of damage to the local troops, the Xianbei and Wuhuan light cavalry may also scatter."
Cao Shuang got up, mounted his horse without saying much, and extended his hands towards the direction of Tian Yu.
Tian Yu took out a warm copper token from his bosom and placed it gently in Cao Shuang's hand.
"Cao Shuang bid farewell!" Cao Shuang did not hesitate, galloping away. When he reached the end of the column, he called up the nine cavalrymen in his detachment and carefully led an extra ten horses for battle.
......
At this time, more than a hundred miles away from the city of Guangwu, Liu Ye and Chen Qiu Jian's moods were quite relaxed.
Since Qian Zhao had gone to Luoyang, the new prefectural governor had not yet taken office. Therefore, the most spacious and luxurious prefectural governor's mansion, which was naturally handed over to Liu Ye and Chen Qiu Jian for use.
Yanmen Prefecture Mansion.
In the Yanmen County Mansion, Guo Fang and Feng Po, the county deputies, were sitting in the hall chatting with Liu and Chen Qiu.
As experts on border counties, it was their legitimate work to understand the local situation. However, as they chatted, the topic started to deviate from its original focus.
Feng Po laughed and said, "Sir Liu, Sir Ma Que, perhaps you are not aware that in the Weishan Mountains located about twenty miles from Guangwu, there is a kind of fox. During the fall and winter, its fur gradually turns into a brownish gray color."
"But now, during the end of summer, the fur of this fox is entirely red, jumping like fire. It is also called 'fire fox'. If there is nothing to do, two angels might as well have a tour guide from this official and go out of town to hunt foxes. It will be a good way to pass time."
"This fire fox is only found in our prefecture, and I have never heard of any other place producing it."
Liu Ye had a neutral expression, while Chen Qiu Jian seemed to be somewhat moved.
"Captain Feng, I have never seen a fox with such fur color. I wonder if it will change color after being hunted?" Chen Qiu Jian asked.
Feng Po smiled and said, "That won't happen. Yanmen is a cold and harsh place, with the north wind howling fiercely in winter. The former prefect of our prefecture, Governor Qian, had a pair of knee pads made from the fur of this fire fox."
Chen Qiu Jian thought for a moment, turned to look at Liu Ye, and said, "Sir Liu, do you remember the soft cushion on the emperor's chair in the Northern Palace Study?"
Liu Ye replied with a smile, "Of course not. The soft cushion on the emperor's chair in the Northern Palace Study, I remember it was first used tiger skin, then rabbit skin, and now it is probably deer skin."
Chen Qiu Jian said, "As fall and winter are approaching, if we can hunt a few fire foxes here and present them to the emperor to make a cushion, it would indeed be a good deed."
Liu Ye raised his eyebrows and looked at Chen Qiu Jian.
The current high-ranking officials in the court know very well that the emperor spends the longest time in his study. If the soft cushion on the emperor's chair is presented by Sir Liu and Sir Chen Qiu Jian, will the emperor not often see this and be reminded of them?
"Captain Zhong Gong has a very clever mind, and his words are very wise!" Liu Ye smiled and looked at Guo Fang and Feng Po, "I am just not sure if hunting such fire foxes will consume too much effort?"
"Liu Sir need not worry!" Feng Po laughed and said, "If local experienced hunters are accompanied, it would take just one or two days for 20 or 30 hunters with 60 to 70 dogs to catch two or three."
Liu Ye nodded and said, "That sounds good! If there is nothing to do today and tomorrow, let's start this afternoon and return before tomorrow night, how does that sound?"
Guo Fang and Feng Po exchanged a glance, both revealing joyful expressions. They were aware of Liu Ye's reputation, and the chance to associate or climb aboard such a high-ranking official was a rare opportunity for them, the small officials in the border commandery.
Who doesn't want to advance?
......
Cao Shuang and his ten knights, with each person having two horses, rode at full speed for three hours when the sky began to darken.
The summer is prone to heavy rain and floods, which have destroyed many roads. As a result, the already dilapidated roads are even harder to traverse.
Moreover, the knights were not familiar with the route, so they could only cover about twenty li in an hour.
As for at night... Riding at full speed on unfamiliar and dilapidated mountain roads at night is no different from seeking death.
After setting up camp in the wild for one night, they set off at dawn the next day. In the early morning, Cao Shuang and his party finally arrived in Guangwu City.
With Tian Yu's token, the guards at the gate did not hesitate to let them in, directly leading them to seek out the county magistrate Guo Fang.
Guo Fang stepped out of the county magistrate's office gate, looking at Cao Shuang and his ten riders with a rather strange expression.
After dismounting, Cao Shuang bowed and performed a formal bow. "I am an envoy of Lord Tian Yu, the commandery of You is under attack by Ke Bibing with 20,000 horsemen, and the border is in crisis."
"Cao Shuang begs your kind favor to introduce me to Qian Zhao. This is the token of Tian Yu, and please, I ask you to verify it."
Guo Fang accepted the token with a complex expression, looked at both sides of it several times carefully, and then threw the token back to Cao Shuang.
Guo Fang sighed and said, "The truth is, Qian Zhao is indeed not in the office at the moment. As for sending troops to aid him, I am powerless to do so."
Cao Shuang was greatly alarmed and immediately asked, "Is Qian Zhao not in Guangwu City? Where should we go to find him?"
Guo Fang silently shook his head.
Cao Shuang moved forward in a few steps, standing within two feet of Guo Fang's face, staring directly into his eyes. "The forces of Tian Yu are in danger and urgently need Qian Zhao to lead troops to aid them! Please tell me where to find Qian Zhao?"
"Ah, what's all this?" Guo Fang pushed Cao Shuang away and explained, "Qian Zhao is not in Guangwu nor in the commandery! Qian Zhao has been called to court by the emperor to take an official post in Luoyang."
"Qian Zhao has already left and the new prefect has not yet taken office. As a county magistrate, I have no authority to send troops to aid you."
Cao Shuang suspiciously stared at Guo Fang for a few moments. The man in front of him was half a head shorter and at least half as fat as him. He just couldn't seem to be a good person.
"Then where is the commander of the Yanmen Commandery? Please guide me to him!" Cao Shuang said, holding back his temper.
"The commander is not in Guangwu either. He and some guests from the imperial court have gone out on a hunting trip together. If they return quickly, maybe they will be back by tonight."
Tonight? If we wait until tomorrow to prepare for the troops, and delay another day, I'm afraid the military situation at Tian Yu's side will be truly dangerous!
Cao Shuang angrily removed his helmet and threw it onto the ground with force, cursing, "What a bunch of dog shit imperial court guests! Why didn't you come earlier or later, but only now when the military situation is critical!"
"Governor Guo, thank you for your efforts. Where is Captain Feng? I'll go find him myself!"
"How dare you speak so impolitely?" Even the good-natured Guo Fang found it hard to bear at this point: "This is an imperial envoy sent by His Majesty to inspect the borders of our commandery. How can you, a lowly military officer, dare to interfere with Sir Liu and Sir Chen Qiu Jian?"
"Furthermore, Captain Feng has no authority to send troops out. At the very least, we need to find the prefect of this commandery, Liang."
The name Guo Fang mentioned made Cao Shuang's heart flutter.
Angel? Sir Liu? Sir Ma Que?
Cao Shuang grabbed Guo Fang's left and right shoulders, shook him a few times, and spoke in a hurry, "Who is the 'Ma Que' you just mentioned among the imperial court guests? Is it Ma Qiu Xing or Ma Qiu Jian?"
Guo Fang furrowed his brow and forcefully pushed Cao Shuang's hand off his shoulder: "What are you doing! If it weren't for the fact that you are an envoy of Tian Yu, I would have had you arrested for your impolite behavior!"
"How did you find out his name? It is indeed Ma Qiu Jian, as you said."
Cao Shuang actually laughed at this moment, glanced at his companions who had come with him, and turned to ask, "Governor Guo, who do you mean by 'Sir Liu'? Is it Liu Fang or Liu Ye?"
"Who are you?" Guo Fang's expression suddenly became serious, and he asked in a serious tone, "How did you know the names of Sir Liu and Sir Chen Qiu Jian?"
"I am a trusted confidant of Tian Yu. It was Tian Yu who told me so." Cao Shuang did not intend to tell the truth: "May I ask Governor Guo, did Sir Liu carry his official seal this time?"
Guo Fang was confused for a moment and nodded.
"Then it's easy!" Cao Shuang laughed boldly: "Tian Yu is in urgent need of aid. If Sir Liu is holding the seal, he can definitely assemble the county troops to march north to rescue them! Governor Guo, please send someone to take me to search for these two imperial court guests!"
"Wait a minute!" Guo Fang furrowed his brow and snatched the token from Cao Shuang's hand, carefully examined it several times again, then turned to say a few words to the clerk beside him.
"May I ask your name, envoy? By your speech, you are indeed extraordinary." Guo Fang asked cautiously.
"I?" Cao Shuang laughed awkwardly: "I'm just a senior officer under Tian Yu, surnamed Cao Shuang."
Cao Shuang? Surnamed Cao?
"Can you still ride a horse after your journey of over a hundred miles?" Guo Fang, who had originally intended to send a county officer to lead them, changed his mind: "I'll take you myself! You've traveled such a distance, can you still ride?"
"How can't we?" Cao Shuang turned to look at the nine knights who had followed him: "Fan He and Hao San, you two have the best horsemanship. Follow me now!"
"Yes!" Fan He and Hao San responded in unison.
Twenty li of mountain road is indeed not close, and can even be called rugged and difficult to travel.
As an official in the border commandery, he often accompanied the previous county magistrate, Qian Zhao, to inspect the various counties. Even though Guo Fang was a civil official and a county magistrate, his horsemanship was still excellent. With his short stature and rotund figure, he appeared rather elegant on horseback.
Within an hour, Guo Fang led Cao Shuang and the two knights to the location of the hunting camp.
It was now afternoon.
After a day of hunting, with a bit of luck, Liu Ye and Ma Qiu Jian had obtained six red foxes in this trip.
Enough to make a long cushion. ???. From a distance of ten zhang, Cao Shuang shouted from horseback, "Zhongkong! Where is Zhongkong?"
Ma Qiu Jian heard a sound that was slightly familiar coming from afar, furrowed his brow slightly, and looked towards the direction of the hoofbeats.
Liu Ye, who was by his side, also heard it. It had been over a month since leaving Luoyang, and no one had addressed him like this.
Guo Fang and Cao Shuang et al. stopped their horses, and Ma Qiu Jian also finally recognized the appearance of the riders on horseback.
Ma Qiu Jian asked in astonishment, "Zhao Bo? How did you end up here?"
Cao Shuang dismounted and walked to Ma Qiu Jian's front, speaking with great emotion, "At last, I've found you! Since Master Tian is not here, it's only you all who can save him!"
Liu Ye recognized something familiar about the expression, and asked, "Zhao Bo? I remember you should be under the command of Lord Tian Yu in Taigu?"
"Met Sir Liu." Cao Shuang bowed and saluted, then went on to recount all the events that Tian Yu's troops had encountered in the past few days.
Liu Ye was older than Ma Qiu Jian's father, and throughout the journey, Ma Qiu Jian followed Liu Ye as the leader.
Liu Ye turned to look at the commander of Yanmen Commandery, FengPo: "Captain FengPo, how many troops are available in Yanmen Commandery?"
This "envoy of Lord Tian" who had suddenly come with Governor Guo was indeed making Captain FengPo, who was in charge of the commandery's troops, suspicious and uncertain.
Captain FengPo looked at his old colleague Governor Guo and said after nodding slightly: "Reporting to Sir Liu, I have six thousand permanent garrisons in Changwu Commandery, of which two thousand are in Taiyuan Commandery and one thousand are in Western River Commandery. These are used to defend against the five tribes of the Xiongnu."
"Another three thousand county troops are all in Yanmen Commandery."
Three thousand available soldiers are enough! Lord Tian Yu's own Han troops only number two thousand!
Cao Shuang excitedly turned to Liu Ye and said, "Lord Liu, things are urgent. Please help me appeal for immediate action to send troops north to rescue Lord Tian!"
Liu Ye nodded slightly and turned to look at Captain FengPo: "Captain FengPo, I, Lord Liu, have been sent by the emperor to hold the seal and inspect the borders. The current border situation is urgent, and Master Tian has already left the commandery."
"Lord Tian Yu is a national general holding the seal and a pillar of the northern border, and he cannot be left to perish! I command you to prepare the available troops in the commandery and join me in rescuing Lord Tian. Do you have any objections?"
"I... " Captain FengPo hesitated for a moment, unsure of whether he should agree or not.
By the usual practice, even if the governor of Yanmen, Qian Zhao, were here, he couldn't just send troops without permission. It was necessary to have the approval of the prefect of Changwu Commandery, Liang Xi.
But now Qian Zhao is not here, and Liang Xi is far away in Jinyang. Could such an important matter really be decided by a commander alone?
As Captain FengPo hesitated, Liu Ye coughed lightly and slowly said, "Captain FengPo, by your surname of 'Po', do you know that in the past, General Lian Po had been stationed in Yanmen for many years and established great military achievements?"
"If you are successful in this rescue, I will certainly recommend you and it may not be out of the question for you to be promoted from two thousand stone to two thousand stone!"
Cao Shuang added from the sidelines, "If we succeed, I will personally recommend you to be an officer in the central army!"
Are you mad? Who are you? How can you recommend me in front of the emperor?
Shifting his gaze to the 'envoy of Lord Tian,' standing in front of Liu Ye and Ma Qiu Jian, Feng Po, a man who had served in the border commandery for over twenty years from the province of Bingzhou, was at a loss for words.
Ma Qiu Jian whispered to Feng Po, "Captain FengPo, where is your seal? Please lend it to me for a moment."
Captain FengPo was stunned for a moment, then took out his seal of Yanmen's commander from his chest and held it up.
Feng Po was quite moved by the words spoken by Liu Ye and this unknown envoy.
Ma Qiu Jian walked forward two steps and gently took the seal from Feng Po's hand, but before his hand could lift up to a height of a foot, he replaced it heavily in his hand.
Ma Qiu Jian said, "Captain FengPo, I have already taken your seal and now I am returning it to you."
"Please mobilize the troops of Yanmen Commandery, as ordered by Lord Liu, who is holding the seal, and it was done by me, Ma Qiu Jian, personally taking your seal by force."
"Captain FengPo, "Ma Qiu Jian stared at Feng Po's eyes: "If this campaign is successful, the promise made by Lord Liu to you will still be fulfilled. If it unfortunately fails, you can report that it was me, Ma Qiu Jian, who took your seal by force."
"Ma Qiu Jian… Sir Liu… " FengPo first looked at the right hand of Ma Qiu Jian, and then looked up at Liu Ye. After stamping his foot, he said, "I will follow the instructions given by Lord Liu and Ma Qiu Jian!"
"Where should we set out from Guangwu to rescue Lord Tian?" Feng Po asked.
Liu Ye pondered for a moment: "Captain Feng, have you brought the atlas with you?"
Feng Po shook his head and then said, "I can draw a rough map for Lord Liu to see."
Having said that, Feng Po found a flat piece of land nearby, broke off a branch, and sketched out several cities and the general location of the Sanggan River on the ground.
Liu Ye watched as Feng Po explained the terrain, and then had Cao Shuang repeat the military situation in detail.
After a few moments of thought, Liu Ye stood up and said, "The isolated city of Yingguan is located in the plain with no advantage of water resources. It cannot be defended! I'm sure Lord Tian Yu will go to Maying!"
"Captain Feng, which route to Maying is the fastest?"
Without hesitation, Feng Po said: "There are two ways to reach Maying from here. One is the way that this envoy of Lord Tian came, from Guangwu through the mountains to Yingguan, then over the Sanggan River to Maying."
"Most of this road is mountainous, and it is very inconvenient for a large army to pass through. Also, it is not suitable for transporting grain and supplies."
"The other route is along the Han Great Wall to Loufan, cross the river to the west bank of the Sanggan River, and then continue north straight to Maying. Although this route is a bit longer, covering about a hundred miles, it is actually flat and easy to travel!"
"Let's take the route to Loufan!" Liu Ye said decisively. "We will quickly return to Guangwu City and set out at dawn tomorrow!"
"Following your command!" Feng Po bowed and replied, followed by ordering his accompanying subordinates and hunters.
With the six captured red foxes, Liu Ye, Ma Qiu Jian, Cao Shuang, Guo Fang, Feng Po, and the others set out first on horseback to Guangwu, preparing for the next day's departure.
Of course, at Feng Po's request, Liu Ye and Ma Qiu Jian wrote a letter together and had Guo Fang send it by someone at night to the prefect of Taiyuan, Liang Xi.
……
The next day, in the city of Luoyang.
In the late morning hour of the fourth watch, nearing the beginning of the fifth watch, Cao Rui slowly woke up in his sleeping chamber.
Turning his side face to the beautiful woman, Jia Cheng, who was sleeping beside him, her eyelashes were fluttering slightly, as if she was between sleep and wakefulness.
Cao Rui coughed lightly, caressing Jia Cheng's cheek: "Wake up? If you're awake, don't pretend to be asleep."
Jia Cheng gently lifted her eyes, smiling at Cao Rui with a face that was shy and blushing: "Your Majesty, I have already woken up for a long time. However, my body is still a little painful, so I haven't changed my clothes yet."
Cao Rui sat up, smiling and nodding: "If your body is not well, it's okay to sleep a little longer."
"Zhao Jie!" Cao Rui called out loud.
Sitting outside the bedroom, Zhao Jie rushed in and bowed: "Your Majesty, your servant is here."
"Prepare everything," Cao Rui ordered. "Today, I will wear plain clothing and leave the palace."
Jia Cheng, who was lying behind Cao Rui, also sat up. After glancing at Zhao Jie, she said, "Your Majesty has already risen; how could I dare to stay in bed and not get up?"
"The servant girl supports me weakly, only newly favored, and your name also has the character 'Cheng,' " Cao Rui smiled and said: "Let's have breakfast together and then go back to your palace."
Jia Cheng obediently agreed.
However, as the emperor turned his head away, Jia Cheng bit her lip slightly, rubbing her aching waist and legs.
Long before entering the palace, Jia Cheng's mother had told her that the most important thing after entering the palace was to quickly become pregnant with the emperor's son or daughter.
Her mother had also invited someone to teach her many ways to conceive.
Last night, after the emperor had fallen asleep, Jia Cheng lay on the bed, lying on her back with her heels curled and pressed down while her buttocks lifted and hung in the air.
She maintained this position for nearly half an hour until she couldn't hold it anymore and finally fell asleep.
Hopefully, she can conceive soon! Jia Cheng thought to herself.
During breakfast, Cao Rui sent for Xin Pi and listened to his daily report.
Since Xin Pi has taken over the duties of the Luoyang Secretariat, it has almost become a routine to report some of the intelligence that concerns the emperor during breakfast.
Finally, Xin Pi added: "Yesterday, the secretariat reported that He Yan and He Pingfu had arrived in Nanyang Yan County."
Cao Rui asked, "Why did He Yan return to his hometown and why go back to Nanyang Yan County?"
Xin Pi bowed and answered, "Your Majesty may not know that He Yan's mother, Yin Yi, was once the daughter-in-law of General He Jing of the Western Han Dynasty."
"When the Ministry of Justice traced He Yan's ancestral home, they used the place of origin of He Jing's place of residence, Nanyang Prefecture, Wan County, rather than Qiao County, where Your Majesty's clan is located."
"According to the Ministry of Justice, this is also to prevent He Yan from gathering with Xiahou Xuan in the same place again."
Cao Rui sighed, "Xiahou Taizhi, I used to look forward to him so much. But after he and He Yan, etc., took the five-stone powder, I feel it's better to discipline him a bit and refine his temperament."
"He's not even twenty yet, and he has a long time to serve as an official. It's good for him to meet some setbacks now."
Xin Pi did not respond and continued: "General Zhuge Dan has been executed, while Yan Kan and Xu Yun are on their way to the capital. The Ministry of Justice has already sent a document to the governor of Youzhou, Wang Hong."
Cao Rui nodded: "Xin Pi, today there is nothing for the emperor to do. Come with the emperor and walk around Luoyang in plain clothing."
Xin Pi crossed his arms and asked with a smile, "It's rare for Your Majesty to take such an interest. Where should we go first today?"
Cao Rui smiled and said, "I heard that the officials in charge of the granaries in various regions will come to Xu Zu's office as the Grand Secretariat today to report on their work."
"Come with me to observe it."
Xin Pi smiled and bowed: "Your servant shall follow the command." (This chapter is completed.)
