Just when the retrial of the Zhao family's rebellion case was in full swing, the battle report from Northern Xinjiang was finally submitted to the imperial court. The urgent document of 800 miles still carries the chill of winter, and the content in the document is even more impressive.

A worried look——Xihuang gathered 80,000 troops to invade the border.

Xihuang is located in the bitter cold land of the northwest. The people of Xihuang herd cattle and sheep and live in pursuit of water and grass. Therefore, men, women, old and young can mount horses and fight. All the people are soldiers, and they are very fierce. Every autumn and winter, when the food of Xihuang is not enough for the winter, they will come

The Beizhao border was burned, killed, and plundered. In addition to food and other supplies, local people were also plundered.

The land of Xihuang is vast and sparsely populated. In order to multiply the population and increase their military strength, they will raise human slaves. The people who were robbed from Beizhao are the slaves they raise. The male slaves herd cattle and sheep and do hard labor, while the female slaves do other chores.

It was used for the men of Xihuang to satisfy their sexual desires and give birth to children.

The children born by these female slaves will be taken away and raised together until they are six or seven years old. If they are able to kill their mothers, they will be recognized by the Xihuang people and join the Xihuang army. If not, they will be considered to have inherited weakness.

His Beizhao bloodline joined the ranks of male slaves.

This extremely barbaric practice greatly enhanced Xihuang's military strength, and those Xihuang soldiers became even more dedicated in burning, killing, and looting.

This situation gradually improved until King Yong'an took control of the military power in northern Xinjiang and defeated Xihuang several times. Later, Li Fengqi formed the Xuanjia Army and ordered the people to consolidate the city wall, stretching from Xiyuzhou to Weizhou in the north for nearly 5,000 years.

The defense line here was tightly guarded, and the people on the border were rarely invaded by the Western Huang Army.

But this year's cold winter is hard to bear. Not only the people of Beizhao, but also the people of Xihuang can't bear it.

The military newspaper said that Xihuang had assembled 80,000 troops and was preparing to attack Weizhou with all its strength.

Deputy Governor Zhu Wen led the troops to prepare for war, but there was no leader in the army, and the people were affected by the snowstorm, so a lot of manpower and material resources were invested in disaster relief. It was difficult to take care of both internal and external troubles. So he wrote a letter requesting to go to Beijing to support grain and grass supplies, and asked

King Yong'an returned to northern Xinjiang as soon as possible to stabilize the morale of the army.

"King Yong'an is severely poisoned, and his legs are no longer good for walking. How can I bear to ask him to work on the affairs of Northern Xinjiang again? My dear friends, is there anyone willing to go to Northern Xinjiang to support him?"

When the words fell, no one in the palace dared to answer.

The ferocity of Xihuang is known to the whole country. In the past few decades, the two countries have had their own victories and defeats in the wars, and the border has never been peaceful. It was only after King Yongan was born that he defeated the Xihuang army.

Peaceful days these past few years.

Although there is a Xuanjia Army in northern Xinjiang now, who dares to think that he can defeat King Yong'an? This military achievement is great, but you have to live to enjoy it.

Li Zong put his hands behind his hands and looked at the silent military generals below, and said in a cold voice: "This vast Beizhao has so many talents, how can we only rely on King Yong'an to guard the northern border?! Then what do I do to support you?!"

"Your Majesty, calm down." Qi Shao, Minister of the Ministry of War, came out and said: "The most urgent task is to resolve the matter in Northern Xinjiang first. If Xihuang really breaks through the defense line, there will be Yin family rebels inside and Xihuang barbarians outside, which may endanger the party.

Go to Beijing."

Qi Shao's words hit Li Zong's Achilles' heel.

It's not that he isn't worried about Northern Xinjiang, it's just that he selfishly doesn't want Li Fengqi to leave his sight.

If he were really allowed to return to Northern Xinjiang, he would probably be like a dragon entering the water, making it difficult to check and balance. However, the war situation in Northern Xinjiang was really urgent. Li Zong's expression changed for a long time before he rolled his sleeves and said, "That's it. I will discuss it with King Yong'an again."

After going down to court, Li Zong felt panicked. Instead of returning to the harem, he went up to the Star Observation Tower in the north.

The Star Observation Tower stands high among the palaces, and even the wind is particularly strong. Li Zong was facing the north, and his clothes were blown away by the strong wind.

He remembered that Li Fengqi had taken him to this Star Observation Tower when he first came to the throne. The Star Observation Tower is the tallest building in Beijing. Standing on the top floor of the Star Observation Tower and looking north, you can see the majestic and stretching mountains. At that time, Li Fengqi told him

.Climb three high mountains and cross a large river, which is the boundary of the northern territory.

There are the vastest grasslands, the strongest wine, and the most ferocious enemies in Beizhao.

Li Fengqi once told him about the most brutal battles in this star-catching building. At that time, the invincible Xuanjia Army had not yet been formed. They could only guard the pass day after day, and no victorious soldiers could be seen holding on. They

Some young, some old, sometimes mixed with the common people in the city, spontaneously carrying big swords, exchanging the lives of two or three people for one Xihuang soldier.

Day after day, year after year, I barely managed to hold on to the ground beneath my feet.

At that time, Li Fengqi said that one day, he would wipe out Xihuang, so that the people in northern Xinjiang would no longer suffer from war, and the Beizhao border would enjoy peace forever.

He also promised here that he would be a wise king of Beizhao and would not let the people suffer from foreign enemies again.

However, as time passed, he and Li Fengqi were already at odds with each other, and their fate was at stake.

"Cui Xi, do you think I made a mistake from the beginning?"

Li Zong's question was instantly covered up by the howling north wind. Cui Xi behind him made no movement, and he obviously didn't hear it. He didn't repeat it anymore, just looked into the distance and laughed at himself, suddenly remembering that he first learned about Li Fengqi's identity.

time scene.

At that time, Han Chan told him that Li Fengqi was not the son of the old King Yong'an, but the posthumous son of the late Crown Prince Li Xun. It was the late Emperor who told him this before his death, and told him that if Li Fengqi had any disobedience, he should inform him in advance.

Cut off the weeds and root them out, never leave them behind.

At that time, he just felt that the sky was falling.

Li Fengqi, whom he had always regarded as his eldest brother, whom he trusted closely and closely, turned out to be the posthumous son of the former prince. This reminded him of his dead eldest brother again, and of those obscure days when he was bullied by his eldest brother and ignored and suppressed by everyone. He didn't want to

No longer living in the shadow of "Big Brother".

Nor can I tolerate the things I finally possess being taken away from me.

He was scared, horrified, and angry. So he chose to attack the poisoned Li Fengqi.

At that time, he felt that he would never regret it. He hated Li Fengqi's identity and was also afraid of his identity. There was no room for two tigers in one mountain, and one of him and Li Fengqi must leave sadly.

But at this point, he was shaken again.

If he hadn't taken action at the beginning, maybe everything would be different from what it is now.

It's just that it's too late to say anything now.

Li Zong's eyes gradually became firm, and he murmured in a low voice: "It's too late, there's no turning back." And even if he had to do it over again, he would not dare to hand his life and honor into the hands of others.

He turned around and walked down from the Zhaixing Tower, and said in a deep voice: "Send an order to King Yong'an and order him to rush to Northern Xinjiang within three days. I am grateful for his sacrifice and invite the old princess into the palace to support her according to the regulations of a dowager."

Cui Xi's eyes flashed, and he bowed and said "yes".

***

When the emperor's oral instructions reached the Yong'an Palace, Zhu Lie couldn't help but cursed.

Cui Xi seemed to be indifferent, and said with a smile: "The war is urgent. Your Majesty, please make preparations and rush to Northern Xinjiang as soon as possible. The old princess will take good care of your Majesty."

Li Fengqi looked gloomy, clutching the armrests of his wheelchair tightly with both hands, and the veins on the back of his hands were exposed, but he did not have an attack after all: "I understand. We will set off in three days. Mother will always give me a ride, so there is no need to rush to the palace in such a hurry, right?"

"This..." Cui Xi seemed to have doubts, but immediately agreed with a smile: "This is natural, I will report back to Your Majesty."

After saying that, he bowed his hands and left with the others.

"You stupid little emperor. He wants to take the old princess hostage." Zhu Lie scolded her as soon as they left.

Li Fengqi didn't see the anger just now. He ordered someone to close the door. Then he stood up and said: "I have expected it. If you have anything to do, go in and talk about it."

After several days of practice, he was able to leave the wheelchair and walk slowly. Originally, he was planning to hide it for a while, but now that the order to go out has been issued, there are only three days left, so there is no need to bother hiding anymore.

When several people entered the mansion, Zhu Lie couldn't help but said: "Is it true that we really want to keep the old princess in Beijing?"

"Impossible." Li Fengqi glanced at him: "The situation in Shangjing can change at any time, and mother must not stay in Shangjing. The princess and I have already discussed the plan. You and I will go ahead and escort the princess and mother to join us at the fifth watch.

"

Hearing that countermeasures had been taken, Zhu Lie took a breath, but then he became worried again: "Since the little emperor has this intention, he will definitely guard against us."

"Then he must be on guard." Li Fengqi said coldly. He waved to Zhu Lie and sent him away to pack his luggage, leaving only Wu Gen to discuss the follow-up plan.

Three days later, Li Fengqi led his troops to northern Xinjiang.

Li Zong, out of friendship between the emperor and his ministers, personally went ten miles outside the city to see him off. The people in Beijing knew that King Yong'an was injured and wanted to lead his troops on an expedition. Their depressed mood due to the snowstorm also rose, and they all went out of the city to see him off, hoping that he would kill Xihuang.

"I will send you here to King Yong'an for an early triumphal return."

The waiter brought two bowls of wine, and Li Zong picked up one bowl and raised his glass.

Li Fengqi looked at his hypocritical expression, picked up another bowl and drank it all: "I hope your majesty will take good care of my mother and princess for me."

"Of course. King Yongan, just don't worry." Li Zong smiled.

Li Fengqi stopped talking nonsense with him and ordered someone to push him onto the carriage.

After the army departed, Li Zong and his party returned. Ye Yunting accompanied the old princess. After packing the suitcases and luggage, he personally sent them to the hot spring palace outside the city.

Li Zong was originally on guard against Li Fengqi secretly taking the person away, but when he saw that there was no movement in the Yong'an Palace, and the old princess arrived at the palace smoothly without any other movements, he relaxed slightly and told Cui Xi: "Take good care of the person, what are your requirements?

, as long as it’s not too much, I promise her. But if the old princess wants to leave the palace, she must send someone to follow her."

Since the person was sent to the palace on the grounds of "remembering the sacrifice of King Yong'an", naturally he couldn't go too far. Otherwise, the old people in the clan would make trouble again. He just wanted to detain the person in Shangjing, and he didn't mean to do anything to him.

What do people do.

"I'll spare you the trouble." Cui Xi agreed and added: "Master Han has recovered from his illness and today he said he would leave the palace."

"..." Li Zong was silent for a moment and said: "Send someone to clean up the Taifu's mansion. If he wants to leave the palace, just let him go."

"But... I'm afraid it's unreasonable."

"If anyone thinks there is any disagreement, ask them to come to me in person and tell me." Li Zong's expression darkened and he snorted.

Upon seeing this, Cui Xi understood what he meant, quietly retreated, and ordered people to clean up the Taifu's mansion.

Here, after Ye Yunting sent the old princess to the palace, he ordered someone to send a letter to Ye Boyu the next day and went to the Duke's Mansion.

Ye Boru, who hurried back from outside after receiving the letter, had a distorted expression on his face for a moment, then reluctantly suppressed it, and stepped forward like a brother and sister: "Brother, did you find the book I wanted?"

Ye Yunting took out a book and looked at him with a smile: "Well, I found it."

"..." Ye Boru endured the humiliation in his heart, put the book away, and continued to cooperate with him in the show: "Brother, please go to my yard. I still don't understand a few things in this book. I just want you to help me clarify my doubts."

.”

Ye Yunting followed him obediently. He came to look for Ye Boru today precisely for the purpose of secretly leaving the capital.

It has been a custom since ancient times that military commanders and their families are not allowed to leave the capital. Previously, the emperor had no scruples about the old princess being able to go to Rongyang to recuperate. Now that the discord between the two has become apparent, Li Zong made this custom a rule.

, Li Fengqi is no exception. If they resist the order, it means they have a disobedient heart. If Li Zong seizes the handle, he can do it openly, and then they will be inferior.

Therefore, they had no choice but to find another way to leave Beijing secretly. When the time came to go to Northern Xinjiang, far away from the emperor, Li Zong would have no control over it, and they could even accuse Li Zong of not taking good care of him.
Chapter completed!