turmoil

Honglu came here this time under the emperor's order, in addition to rewarding the labor force, she also visited Dingbianhou.Hearing what Zhuo Jiusi said, he hurriedly said: "I heard that there was an epidemic in the Northwest camp, and even Yang Shuai fell ill. The emperor was so anxious that he ordered our family to rush to the northwest! Our family When I was in Baoji, I heard that the epidemic has been brought under control, how come the commander-in-chief hasn’t recovered yet?”

Zhuo Jiusi sighed: "Elder-in-law didn't know something, originally it was a good idea, but when the Beile army came to attack, the commander dragged his sick body to deploy and plan, and failed to recuperate properly, which made his illness worse. It’s still being raised in the tent.”

Zhuo Jiusi didn't know the reason for Honglu's visit, but he understood that the little eunuch's smiling Maitreya eyes were actually the suspicion and suspicion of Emperor Xinglong.

What's more terrible is that Yang Fan went deep into the grassland this time, but he sent troops under coercion - he didn't even greet the court in advance.If it's a big victory, it's fine. If it's a defeat, the gang of benevolence, righteousness and morality in the court will be the first to let Marquis Dingbian go.

After much deliberation, Zhuo Jiu decided to keep the matter a secret for the time being. Fortunately, they learned the news that the Xuanfu Mission had arrived at the Northwest Camp two days in advance, and they still had time to arrange everything.After a while, Zhuo Jiusi "but not" Honglu's repeated request, led him to the isolation area, and said earnestly: "This disease will be fatal, father-in-law just take a look at the door, don't go there." go inside."

Honglu agreed repeatedly, and stretched her neck while pawing at the door, only to see that the room was dark and dark, with a person curled up on the camp bed, revealing half of her sallow face, who was indeed a Marquis of Dingbian by description, but compared to Jingzhong At that time, he lost a lot of weight, almost lost his shape.

Honglu smelled a strong smell of medicinal soup, she didn't dare to go in, and said repeatedly: "What's the matter? It's all right, how did the commander become so sick?"

He looked around, covered his nose, and showed a disgusted expression: "This place is very simple, how can you recover from illness? General Zhuo, the commander is a first-rank military marquis in my dynasty. You treat him so harshly, how can you treat him like that? Confess!"

Zhuo Jiusi repeatedly called Qu: "Elder-in-law, forgive me, how dare the last general! It's just that the military camp has limited conditions, lack of food and medicine, and I really can't take care of it... As early as two months ago, the commander had already handed over the booklet to Beijing, but The food and medicinal materials have not arrived for a long time, and there is nothing the general can do."

Honglu heard about the disturbance of Hou Zuoshu of Dingbian, and knew that it violated the taboo of the emperor, so she touched her nose and said: "By the way, our family has brought an imperial physician on this trip, and it is a special trip to treat the emperor. Handsome doctor... Since you are in the northwest, why don't you let them go in and take a look?"

Zhuo Jiusi's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained calm: "This... the epidemic has broken out so badly that many good doctors in the army have fallen ill, and the bosses of the Tai Hospital are old. What if something happens? , how can the general feel sorry for it?"

Before Honglu came, she was ordered by Liu Yanzhao to find out the authenticity of Dingbian Hou's illness. Hearing this, she said without hesitation: "The general's words are wrong. Doctors' parents' heart is to cure diseases and save people, let alone those who are sick inside. It's the Marquis of Dingbian! If you can really cure the Marquis, that would be a great merit."

Zhuo Jiusi was disdainful in his heart, but he wanted to show a grateful smile on his face: "Holy Majesty Ende, the last general thanked the emperor Long En on behalf of the general. It's just that the disease is very severe, so you must drink a bowl of medicinal soup before entering. , and then cover your mouth and nose with a cloth towel, and you must not get sick."

All the imperial physicians came from Jinxiu Township in the capital city, cherishing their wealth and life, of course they dared not disobey Zhuo Jiusi's orders.After entering the room, Zhuo Jiusi did not allow them to touch Dingbianhou directly, and put a square handkerchief on his wrist, and then asked the imperial physician to diagnose the pulse.

When the imperial physicians just entered the camp, they had already bumped into many sick soldiers, judging from their expressions, they were indeed infected with the disease.At this moment, seeing that Marquis Dingbian's complexion was the same as that of a sick soldier, he believed in three or four points in his heart, and when he took another pulse, his face showed shock: "The pulse of Lord Hou...is clearly caused by cold miasma, There is a slight tense pulse in the string, and there is stagnation in food and drink, and the string is slow and cold, so it should be treated with the method of warming down!"

He rambled on a long piece of medical theory, Zhuo Jiusi half understood, only knew that this test was over, and he let out a sigh of relief.

The main purpose of Honglu's coming here was to find out about Yang Fan's condition. Now that she saw the rightful owner and heard the imperial physician personally confirm Yang Fan's condition, she finally let go of her heart.But on the surface, he still pretended to be anxious, expressing his worry to the fullest: "Lu Yuanjuan, you are the leader of the imperial hospital, and your medical skills are second to none! The status of the commander is precious, and it has something to do with our dynasty, the emperor. If you entrust this person to you, you must never disappoint the Holy Majesty's expectations!"

Imperial Physician Lu knew how powerful he was, and bowed hurriedly: "Your Majesty understands, I will do my best!"

Zhuo Jiusi wasn't worried about being spotted by the imperial physician—the Dingbianhou lying in the room was of course not real, but Zhang Jingche chose a man with the same shape as Yang Fan from among the sick soldiers, and changed his appearance and changed his appearance It looks like Yang Fan.Hong Lu and the imperial physician may have met Marquis Dingbian, but they will never have the opportunity to talk with him in detail, and they probably won't be able to see any flaws just by taking a few glances.

The face is fake, but the condition is real. Although it has improved, it has not recovered.Doctor Lv was judged by the imperial hospital, and he could tell the truth from the false ones. He was afraid of being overwhelmed by illness, so he prescribes prescriptions and boiled medicine under the pretext of avoiding it, and retreated out of fear.

Honglu breathed a sigh of relief, Zhuo Jiusi also unloaded a big rock, and immediately ordered people to set up a simple banquet to welcome the military mission.It is said to be a "banquet", but the dishes are actually very crude. In addition to noodle cakes and milk tea, they are common cattle and sheep in the Northwest.

For the generals in the army, this is already the best meal, but Honglu came from the palace, so she is used to delicacies, so how can she take such simple food in her eyes?Immediately frowned: "General Zhuo... do you usually eat these?"

Zhuo Jiusi sneered, only showing guilt on his face: "Forgive me, father-in-law, it is bitterly cold in the northwest, and there are really no rich dishes. Just these few cattle and sheep, I heard that the mission came from afar, so I bought them from the people nearby. Father-in-law and Taste it, and it will be as if we did our best."

Looking at the table full of rough tea and light food, Hong Lu really couldn't whet her appetite, and said wearily, "Forget it, our road is not acclimatized, and I vomited several times, so I really can't eat meat...Since beef and mutton are rare, I will leave it for the sick. Make up for the soldiers."

The tents for the hospitality missions have been packed, and leather mattresses are spread inside, which is regarded as preferential treatment for the eunuchs in the palace.Hong Lu just glanced at it, and immediately frowned, only to see that the edge of the leather mattress was black, and there was an unspeakable foul smell, in the eyes of the pampered eunuch, it was impossible to cover up.

He hastily retracted his neck and waved his hands: "Don't be too busy, our family has brought wood and craftsmen on this trip, and let them build a wooden house later - but we have to ask General Zhuo to send some people to help."

Zhuo Jiusi couldn't understand the behavior of the eunuchs in the palace, and he didn't bother to talk to him, so he had to retreat out of sight: "Since that's the case, the general will make arrangements now."

Hong Lu seemed to think of something, and suddenly called him: "General Zhuo wait a minute, our family has something to ask."

Zhuo Jiusi stopped in his footsteps, and the moment he turned his head, he retracted his eyes impatience: "What can I teach you, Father-in-law?"

With her hands behind her back, Hong Lu prolonged her voice with her accent: "When our family was in the middle of Beijing, we heard that the military rations of the Northwest Camp were exchanged by that bastard Chao Xing—this kid is also bold and reckless, and has been thrown into prison by the Holy Majesty. Your Majesty I wanted to transfer grain from Zhili, but there was a disaster in every place last year, and I had to tighten my belt everywhere, so I really couldn't do anything... It is said that a civil righteous man raised grain with righteousness, and this solved the urgent need of the Northwest Camp , I wonder if this righteous man is in the army? If it is convenient, can you please come out and meet him?"

Zhuo Jiusi put one hand behind his back, silently clenched his fingers tightly.

"It's true," Zhuo Jiusi lowered his eyes, "This man was met by the commander-in-chief when he went on tour in his humble clothes. Although he was young, he was quite resourceful. He walked on the Silk Road all year round and started a huge business... Without his generous help, the Northwest Army may not be able to defend Yumen Pass, and the Beile army may have already driven straight in."

Hong Lu made an expression of appreciation: "That really understands the righteousness... Our family must have a letter of divorce, and I will go to Your Majesty to ask for credit for this righteous man! Dare I ask the general, who is this person's name, and where is he now? "

The back of Zhuo Jiusi's neck began to break out in cold sweat. At this moment, he suddenly understood the true purpose of the Xuanfu mission here.

"It's for Mr. Zhang," he thought. "Rewarding the labor force...even visiting the commander-in-chief is all a superficial cover. The Xuanfu Mission is here for Mr. Zhang!"

In an instant, Zhuo Jiusi had countless thoughts in his mind - why is Emperor Xinglong interested in Zhang Jingche?Is he purely wanting to know who is this merchant who is capable of supplying [-] military rations, or... through some means, he learned of Zhang Jingche's true identity?

If it was the former, things would be easier to handle. Zhuo Jiusi just insisted that all the transfer of money and food was carried out between Dingbianhou and Zhang Jingche, and he didn't know the identity of this person.Even if Honglu didn't believe it, he didn't have any real reasons to expose the lie, so he could only believe Zhuo Jiusi's words.

But if it's the latter...it means that Emperor Xinglong has set up eyes and ears in the northwest camp, and these eyes are watching them all the time, knowing their every move.What's more terrible is that Zhang Jingche escaped by feigning death back then. To be honest, he, as well as Marquis Dingbian who assisted him in escaping, had committed the crime of deceiving the emperor.

In recent years, the new emperor has treated the harem coldly, and his relationship with the queen mother has gone from bad to worse. There are rumors that it is all because of this "self-imposed" former commander of Jinyiwei.How furious would Liu Yanzhao be if he knew that Zhang Jingche was not only alive, but had played tricks on him for so many years?

At that time, the already precarious relationship between Marquis Dingbian and Emperor Xinglong might be even worse.

These thoughts whizzed and slid through Zhuo Jiusi's mind. He raised his head and found that Hong Lu was staring at him for a moment, and immediately suppressed all the strange things: "I have only seen this person two or three times. The commander-in-chief said his surname was Zhang, but as for who his surname is and where he is now, the general doesn't know, I'm afraid he will disappoint his father-in-law."

Hong Lu's eyes were flickering, as if she was judging the authenticity of this statement, Zhuo Jiusi did not avoid it, and looked at him leisurely.The two looked at each other for a moment, Hong Lu smiled hypocritically and said, "That's the wrong time for our family to come... Sigh, it's our family's unlucky not being able to see this young righteous man."

Zhuo Jiusi had a few perfunctory words with him, and exited the camp as if nothing had happened.With unhurried steps, he went back to his tent, walked around the screen, and saw Zhang Jingche sitting in front of the short table, skillfully making a pot of milk tea.

Zhuo Jiusi opened his mouth to speak, but Zhang Jingche gestured to him. Lieutenant Zhuo immediately shut his mouth tightly and pricked up his ears while holding his breath.After about half a stick of incense, Zhang Jingche breathed a sigh of relief and poured milk tea into the porcelain bowl: "Okay, general, please tell me something."

Zhuo Jiusi rushed forward in three steps at a time, showing a little of the panic he had endured for a long time: "Just now...is there someone outside?"

Zhang Jingche nodded: "The man here is so skilled that ordinary soldiers can't easily notice it... But he didn't seem to have any malicious intentions, so he stayed for a while and left."

Zhuo Jiusi didn't know whether to rejoice or be afraid: "Young master guessed right, the Imperial Propaganda Mission is indeed here for you."

Without surprise or anger, Zhang Jingche pushed the tea bowl in front of Zhuo Jiusi: "It seems that the Northwest Camp does have the emperor's eyeliner."

Zhuo Jiu was thinking about something else: "Honglu has already become suspicious, so I can't stay here for long... so, after nightfall tonight, I will arrange someone to send you off, so as not to have long nights and dreams."

Zhang Jingche glanced at him: "Does the general think that now that he has become suspicious, Honglu, a powerless eunuch, will be allowed to enter the northwest camp alone?"

Zhuo Jiusi couldn't help being taken aback, pondered it carefully for a moment, then froze in horror: "My lord means..."

"If I'm not mistaken, Honglu must be accompanied by You Yunwei on this trip, and these people are not the ones I left behind, but they are only loyal to the emperor," Zhang Jingche said calmly, "Honglu tempted you, It's just a trick to ask for directions, if you have ghosts in your heart and rush to send me out of the Northwest camp, you will fall right into their hands!"

Zhuo Jiusi suddenly realized.

Emperor Xinglong might have learned that Zhang Jingche was still alive through some means, but the distance between Beijing and the Northwest is far away, and Honglu was delayed for more than half a month on the way. Even if Zhang Jingche had indeed been to the Northwest Camp before, no one would It is not known if and when he left.

So Honglu deliberately tested Zhuo Jiusi's reaction, General Zhuo's answer was not important, what was important was what he would do after he knew "Honglu came for Zhang Jingche".

"Honglu must be accompanied by You Yunwei on this trip, but I didn't see You Yunwei when I greeted the Xuanfu mission just now," Zhuo Jiusi recalled what he saw and heard a moment ago, and gradually connected the clues. "They won't be too far away. It is very likely that they are ambushing near the Northwest camp. If I believe it and rush to send the young master out of the camp, I will fall into the trap they set up in advance."

Zhang Jingche cut off the newly roasted leg of lamb with a knife, and said slowly: "At that time, I will naturally not be able to hide my identity as a prisoner. General Zhuo...even Yuan Zhou will not be able to escape the charge of deceiving the emperor."

Zhuo Jiusi was not stupid to ask himself, but he never used this thought to guard against his own people.Now that he has figured out the key point, he only feels cold sweat, and a little unspeakably disheartened: "The commander is fighting to the death on the front line, but the emperor is so suspicious of us... Sometimes when I think about it, this battle is really useless." tasteless."

Zhang Jingche pushed the cut mutton to Zhuo Jiusi, and smiled slightly: "The general is not fighting for the imperial court, but to protect the people of the Central Plains from the raging flames of war. I don't appreciate your kindness today, but after a hundred generations, it will definitely be in history." Having a fortune from the general—does it make you feel better if you think about it this way?"

Zhuo Jiusi smiled wryly: "I hope...as the young master said."