Qing Ping Le · Double Songs

It has been eight days since Yang Shan left Annan, counting the time, he should have seen Rong Ling, You Rong Cheng in Rong Che is not worried that the courtiers will make a fuss about this matter, after all, the war is urgent and urgent, these individuals cherish it very much Feather is also afraid of bearing the stigma of harming the country and the people.

The atmosphere in the camp these past few days is not as tense as the previous few days, and today is warm and sunny again. She ordered people to roll up the curtains to let the sunlight in, while she was bathing in it and studying the road between Nanjiang and Nanliang. line of defense.She lightly tapped on a pass between Nanjiang and Nanliang, and it was still the pass of the tiger. She frowned and meditated.

When Wei Changdong came in, he saw her beautiful face with a contemplative expression, her eyes were more calm and less indifferent, her red lips were tightly pursed, and her expression was as usual but a little more determined for no reason. Such an expression was in his eyes. It's really beautiful, if it wasn't for military affairs to report to him, he would never break this quiet beauty.

"Ache." Although he couldn't bear it, the military situation was important. Seeing her raise her head in response, she said, "The news just came back that the front line fought a few stalemate battles with the rebels in the five cities of Liaozhou. Although they won, the front line reported. Said that the rebels seem to have no intention of fighting and trying to get out."

"Do you want to retreat to the southern frontier?"

"I think so too." Wei Changdong stepped forward and took a seat beside her, and pointed to the front line of southern Xinjiang, "The terrain here is steep, and the prince has been stationed here all year round, and I am afraid that he intends to fight us again here."

Rong Che's brows did not relax at all, she said, "I know the landforms of southern Xinjiang as well as he does, and he will not miss this point."

"Then shall we pursue it?"

"If we relax the pursuit right now, I'm afraid he will notice the actual number of people in the battalion and make a comeback. After leaving Liaozhou and passing through two states to reach the southern border defense line, Yang Shan should be back by then."

"I know what to do." Wei Changdong saw how haggard she looked on the march these few days, and said, "You don't have to work so hard these few days, you need to rest more." Seeing that she was silent and just staring at the map, he walked along She looked over, "Hukou Pass? What's so special about this place?"

"Do you remember that at the Spring Banquet, Rong Yeli mentioned that King Jingyuan had gone to Hukou Pass when he visited the East Palace?"

Wei Changdong didn't pay attention to these minutiae at the time. If Rong Che was not careful and quick, no one would have noticed Rong Yeli's casual remark. He said, "Do you think the prince has other arrangements here?"

She pointed to another place, "My men are at Pingsha Pass, although it is not far from Hukou Pass, but it is still difficult to intercept them. I believe that King Jingyuan will pass through Jeju from Liaozhou and go straight to Youheng Mountain to escape back to the frontier. The line of defense, but I forgot that this road can lead to two places, one is Pingsha and the other is Hukou.”

The Youheng Mountain range is in the shape of a "D", long horizontally and short vertically, and the rolling long mountain range lies on the border between the two countries, and the short section just divides the ten states in southern Xinjiang.To the east is Zhizhou, and to the west of the mountain is Huizhou.

After looking at the terrain of the mountains, Wei Changdong said, "If there are two ways to escape, then the one to go to Pingsha Pass is the natural choice. The deserters should try their best to choose the best way to go. Besides, the extremely complicated terrain around Hukou is not a good place to retreat. "

The doubts in Rong Che's heart did not diminish, and he said, "When Rong Yeli mentioned Hukou Pass that day, I only thought that I could take a detour from here to the Huluo Paddock, but these days I have been studying the map and I have become more and more hesitant."

"The 20 army in southern Xinjiang was brought out by the prince to bring out 15. The rest are old, weak, sick and disabled. Even if you add your [-] troops, it may not be effective if you guard the two gates separately."

Rong Che said calmly, "I also have this concern. Judging from the past few battles, he is eager to retreat and does not love to fight. He needs to make preparations as soon as possible."

"In my opinion, wait until Jeju to deal with it."

Before Wei Changdong could finish his words, Dafu hurriedly ran in and said, "Master's conjecture is indeed correct. Last night, the prince withdrew his main force and quickly retreated towards Jeju."

"You fly pigeons to Ruojiang, and let him lead the rest of the soldiers to guard Hukou and Pingsha Passes."

"Yes." After receiving the military order Dafu, he ran out of the tent in a hurry.

Wei Changdong was a little surprised, and said, "You expected the prince to do this?"

"I just thought that if I were a rebel, I would go first overnight, so I asked Dafu to bring a few people with good qinggong to pay close attention to his movements, and I guessed it right by chance."

"It's just that the troops are stationed. I don't know if Ruojiang can hold it?"

Rong Che didn't answer his question, but only ordered, "Order to go down after tonight, the army will go all out to hunt down the rebels, and wipe out the remnants of the rebels in the shortest possible time."

Wei Changdong got up and walked down, clasped his fists and said, "The last general takes orders."

Today, Nanyang City is not as good as the weather in the south. It is shrouded in gloom and is preparing for a heavy rain. The sky and the earth are dark except for the enthusiastic hawkers who are still full of energy, and the faces of passers-by are a little more impatient.Outside the city, Yang Shan would never have thought that there would be Dong Gongxia in plain clothes going back with him. At this time, Princess Anle was seeing His Highness off, and he was riding a horse and waiting quietly.

Rong Cheng held the folder just presented by the Ministry of Rites and smiled at Rong Ling with his starry eyes, "The envoy from the Western Zhou Dynasty came so fast, the Ministry of Rites has listed all the matters and handed them over, it is good for Huang Jie to run away at this time." Hide outside and relax."

Rong Ling raised her eyebrows lightly, "You have long been in contact with the Western Zhou Dynasty, so it is most appropriate for you to come forward to receive the envoys."

"The imperial sister is also messing around. Envoys from all countries are received with the highest courtesy. Your Majesty told the government that the envoys should be summoned by the East Palace. Now that the East Palace is gone, let a relegated princess come forward. If the Western Zhou Dynasty pursues it, I am afraid it will not be dismissed in a few words. .”

"You push me up for now, I'll go back quickly." Rong Ling didn't say any more and flew away with a whip, Rong Cheng only looked at her leaving back with a smile, and heard her say from a distance, "Ah Cheng , thanks to you."

It wasn't until Rong Ling's figure disappeared in the sky that Rong Cheng's originally gentle expression cooled down, she opened her lips and muttered to herself in a voice that only she could hear, "Sister Huang, I hope you don't blame Ah Cheng in the future. "After speaking, he reined in the reins, turned his horse's head and galloped towards the city gate. The envoys of the Western Zhou Dynasty would enter the capital in three days, and Xiao Hai should also come back with him.

Six days later, the news that the envoys from the Western Zhou Dynasty couldn't hold back finally reached Rong Cheng's ears. The envoys came to Xia and were neither summoned by the king nor entertained by the East Palace. Min Wenhao made a big fuss at Honglu Temple. Princess Anle who rushed over after hearing the news first pretended to be surprised, and then stepped forward to appease the envoy of the Western Zhou Dynasty, Min Wenhao.

Rong Cheng saluted, and said, "Master Min, what is this doing? If there is any negligence, just tell the Honglu Temple Minister to listen to it. Why are you so angry?"

"Min Wenhao, the envoy of the Western Zhou Dynasty, came to see Princess Anle of your country." Min Wenhao restrained his anger a little and saluted respectfully, "To tell you the truth, Princess, I am here to question why the Minister of Honglu Temple in your country concealed the envoy's coming. About Xia, if it wasn't so, why didn't the monarch of your country summon him?"

Rong Cheng didn't expect Min Wenhao to preemptively take her into the army, "Where is Master Min, how dare Master Huang conceal such a big event." She turned around and said to the trembling Honglu Temple Secretary, "My princess and Master Min are It's an old acquaintance, Mr. Huang will go to deal with official business first, and the princess is here."

As if he had been pardoned, Mr. Huang quickly saluted and said, "I will take my farewell first."

After seeing the people leave, Rong Cheng said, "Your Majesty has been ill for a long time, and the imperial doctor ordered you not to bother with political affairs. My courtiers really don't dare to damage the dragon's body anymore. Please be considerate, Lord Min."

Min Wenhao tossed his sleeves and looked unhappy, and said, "Even so, why did Her Royal Highness the Princess of the Eastern Palace of your country hang the envoys in the hotel?"

Rong Cheng pretended to be worried and hesitated several times, but when he saw no one around, he said cautiously, "Just now, Master Huang was asked to leave first because he was afraid that Master Min would ask about this matter." She said frankly, "The eldest princess is not here. Nanyang City."

Min Wenhao was very puzzled, "How can Donggong Jianguo leave Beijing at will?"

"Master Min is not a place to talk here. Why don't you go to the residence where the noble envoy stays first and then listen to what the princess has to say." Min Wenhao nodded and agreed to go out of Honglu Temple with her. Jing Yu was waiting outside in a carriage early in the morning. , Dong Ge helped Rong Cheng get into the carriage, followed Min Wenhao and his party back to the hotel.

The person who came to Daxia this time was Xiao Hanqing, the Ninth Prince of the Western Zhou Dynasty. Rong Cheng knew about this person from the correspondence with Mr. Hai. He missed the opportunity and wanted to come to Xia to seek help to regroup. There is no need to be afraid of such a person at the moment.As for Min Wenhao, she was not afraid to tell the truth to Min Wenhao, and it was not because she trusted Min Wenhao's character that she really didn't want to entangle him more.

Mr. Hai couldn't contain his joy when he saw Rong Cheng come to the hotel. Now that he has been appreciated by the Ninth Prince, he came to Xia with him, and the purpose is naturally to break away from the relationship with the Ninth Prince.Xiao Hanqing waited early after hearing the news from outside the door that Princess Anle came to visit, but seeing Rong Cheng's eyes lit up, she saluted, "I don't know if Princess Anle is far away from welcoming you, please forgive me."

"The Ninth Prince's words are serious." Rong Cheng returned the gift, "The Ninth Prince has been negligent when he first arrived here, please forgive me, Ninth Prince Min."

"Where is the princess?" Xiao Hanqing respectfully invited Rong Cheng to take the seat, but Rong Cheng refused, and he said, "But Min Qing did something unreasonable today? If so, I will apologize to the princess on his behalf."

"The Ninth Prince was just joking." Rong Cheng said with a smile, "My princess has a few words to say to Mr. Min alone, and I ask the Ninth Prince for permission."

Xiao Hanqing's eyes dimmed, and she glanced at the silent Min Wenhao, and said, "Naturally, Princess please." After he finished speaking, he turned his back and walked out.

The change in Xiao Hanqing's expression naturally did not escape Rong Cheng's eyes. Xiao Hanqing was too revealing and still needs to be tempered. After everyone had left, Rong Cheng said, "I was talking to Master Min about the fact that the East Palace of this dynasty is not in the capital at Honglu Temple." See Min Wenhao She approached her ear and listened carefully, she said, "The internal turmoil in our country must not be a secret, Donggong went to the front line a few days ago to boost morale, and only said to the outside world that he had a rash and was unable to travel, so he neglected the envoy."

"Although the Eastern Palace's personal conquest is an extraordinary move, but the Eastern Palace is related to the foundation of the country. For Min's blunt words, this move is a bit reckless."

"Master Min, please forgive me."

Min Wenhao thought about it, and then said, "Then we will wait for more time, after all, we should understand the difficulties of the East Palace if the two countries have a good relationship."

After saying goodbye to Min Wenhao, Rong Cheng was about to leave the hotel when he saw Mr. Hai hurrying over from a long distance with a medicine box on his back. When he saw Rong Cheng, he saluted in a similar manner, and then hurriedly said, "Listen It is said that there is an acute rash in the East Palace, and although I am a commoner, I am proficient in medical skills, I wonder if the princess can let the grass people go and show it to His Highness."

Rong Cheng smiled and nodded slightly, she said, "That's fine, then you can go with me." After saying that, she turned and stepped out of the hall, Mr. Hai followed with a happy face.

Mr. Hai got into the carriage and threw away the medicine box and praised himself for his quick wit. He met Rong Cheng the night he entered the city, but he didn't know when he would take off his identity as an envoy from the Western Zhou Dynasty.He said, "You guys have left Xiao Hanqing cold for a long time, although he is gentle, but his impatience can be seen everywhere, he is still immature after all."

"Don't talk about him, do you remember telling me in Xiao Kecheng's attic that you have a medicine that can make people lose their minds and be manipulated by others?"

Mr. Hai looked at her and asked, "What are you going to do?"

"Don't ask too much, just give it to me."

Mr. Hai took out the medicine bottle from the medicine box and handed it to her, and said, "Don't use too much, just a little." Seeing her nodding his head knowingly, he said, "If it's something dangerous, I'll do it for you."

Rong Cheng smiled back and said, "Don't worry, there is no danger."

Back at Rong's mansion, Mr. Hai lived in another yard. Bai Qingtong walked from Wuxiangyuan to Wuhuayuan. Seeing Rong Cheng looking at the sky under the tree, he stepped forward and stood side by side with her, speechless for a long time.

"Ah Cheng." Bai Qingtong called out, "What are you worried about?"

"Qingtong." Rong Cheng said with a smile, "I've always been worried about many things, including my father's safety, Ah Che's safety, and your safety, but no one has ever known that I was worried about these things. This is the third time you have asked me. What are you worried about? In the past, I thought I would hide my worries well, but it turned out not to be the case.”

"It's not that the prince and Princess Qingping can't see Ah Cheng's worries, but that I am different from them. It seems that I have nothing else to pay attention to besides Ah Cheng."

There was a smile in Rong Cheng's starry eyes, "Qingtong is right, Ah Che and I are disturbed by the secular world." She looked sideways at her, and said, "You don't have to worry about me for a few days and you'll be fine. "

Bai Qingtong looked back, revealing a gentle smile, Rong Cheng could only feel the first snowfall and the setting sun in front of him, warming the heart.She thought that the reason why she kept Bai Qingtong by her side might not only be because of her alluring looks, but more because of Bai Qingtong's unstained heart, if she walked in, she would be completely her own.

Once Rong Ling crossed the Dongjiang River, there was a different scene in front of her eyes. The place devastated by the war was scorched and the rebel army used innocent people as human shields to block the pursuit wherever the rebels went. The scene was extremely cruel.Although she did not personally experience the previous war, she was deeply touched by what she witnessed along the way. Her eagerness to see Rong Che was gradually replaced by regret.

It was not until Rongling in Jeju that she saw Rong Che, and the thrills along the way made her less anxious and calm down.Rong Che didn't expect that it was she who brought the soldier talisman in person, so he hurriedly knelt down to greet her, Rong Ling lifted her up from the ground with both hands, looked at her carefully before letting go of her hands.

"Qingping." Rong Ling walked up to the top and slowly uttered her name. Rong Ling knelt down and saluted, "There are countless ruins along the way from this palace, and there are even several cities that are dilapidated and can no longer be lived in. Only then do I know your hard work. Therefore, I bestow upon you the military talismans of the several battalions in the south of the Yangtze River, and I order you to behead the head of the traitor to comfort the Li people who died innocently due to the flames of war."

Rong Che took the talisman with both hands, and said in a strong voice, "I take orders." She stood up and said, "Your Highness must be tired from the long journey, why not go to the tent to rest first."

Rong Ling's bright eyes fixed on Rong Che's face, but she hadn't seen the calmness in Rong Che's eyes in a few months, although the expression in Rong Che's eyes was not diminished, but his expression was much haggard. She nodded and said, "That's fine." Just let her go. Go to rest in the tent that was just prepared.

The night in Jeju is very quiet, the remnants of the rebel army have been wiped out, and the remaining main forces have already withdrawn from Jeju. Rong Ling wakes up faintly and hears the sound of armored swords and halberds outside the tent before remembering where she is. The gap in the curtain left a straight line of light and shadow on the ground, she got up and opened the curtain and walked out.

Three or two sparse stars were struggling to illuminate the earth above her head, and the night wind brought the desolation after the war. She stepped on the moonlight without knowing where she was going, but walked quietly, and gradually came to a hill. She looked at the fertile land that was thousands of miles away but turned into a scarred land. For the first time, she felt the weight of the words "you are the crown prince", pressing down on her heart like a mountain.

"Sister Huang." Rong Che came up from a low place, and put his coat on her body, "Ye Liang, take care of yourself." She followed her gaze to the scorched earth, and said calmly, "This is how war is." .”

"The south of the Dongjiang River is rich in products and the people are hardworking. They often write like this in the papers they submit. If they hadn't witnessed the tragic situation with their own eyes, they would have believed these eight words." She continued, "Perhaps this place was really like that. It’s just not anymore.”

Rong Che said, "It's the blessing of the country that the emperor is worried about the common people."

"Even you want to pay attention to the way these monarchs and ministers speak to me." There was a bitter smile in Rong Ling's bright eyes, "I don't want you to be so estranged with me."

Looking at her expression, Rong Che finally let go, "Sister Huang, even though I am thousands of miles away, I know the current situation in the capital. The future of Daxia belongs to Miss Huang, and everything here will be her responsibility. .”

"I know." Rong Ling smiled again, "If you don't come, you don't know the responsibility, and if you don't come, you don't know the depth of your affection."

Rong Che naturally understood what she meant, but she always didn't know how to continue some words, she just said, "Among the three of us, only my cousin has the kindest heart and cares most about the common people. Seeing this scene, she must have thought in her heart how to lighten her money and recuperate. But I have already underestimated all this after going through many wars."

She paused, then her indifferent eyes moved to Rong Ling, and said, "I was a little annoyed when I found out that Huang Jie came here regardless of the safety of the imperial city in the afternoon, but seeing that Huang Jie was here alone at night, all the annoyance will be included." We're gone, the future imperial sister is the monarch of my Great Xia, and it's good to be able to see the mountains and rivers of my Great Xia with your own eyes, whether it's magnificent or desolate." She held up Rong Ling's hand, "In the future, Great Xia will be What will happen, it's all in the hands of Huang Jie."

Rong Ling held Rong Che's icy fingers with her backhand, "Che'er, I originally wanted you to go back with me, but I know I shouldn't act recklessly." Now the situation is most unfavorable, so she could only yell deeply , "Che'er."

"Sister Huang, I will guard Nanjiang for you, please rest assured, Miss Huang."

Rong Ling closed her eyes and leaned on Rong Che's thin shoulders, she felt so much reluctance in her heart that she would eventually compromise, for the first time Rong Che raised her hands and gently embraced her in his arms, tomorrow's parting will be irreversible room for.

The sky is like a huge curtain covering the whole field. On one side of them are dotted campfires like falling stars, and on the other side is the desolate land burned by war. The night wind blows through their embraced bodies, and also blows the border town The sound of the horn is like a cry from the earth.