xymnovel Chapter 493 Grand Tutor Zhang Jing!
Chapter 493 Grand Tutor Zhang Jing!
After Zhu Yuanzhang finished speaking, his gaze swept across everyone in the tent, finally settling on Zhu Sheng.
Meanwhile, Zhu Sheng, who was Zhu Yuanzhang's top strategist, also narrowed his eyes.
After Zhu Yuanzhang mentioned the Yellow Turban Army in the north, he knew what Zhu Yuanzhang was about to say.
He had considered this issue before.
However, the problem is that there are quite a few highly respected people in the Yellow Turban Army in the north, especially Meng Zhang, the "Dragon Soaring Commander-in-Chief," and Zhang Liang, one of whom was the nominal commander-in-chief of the Yellow Turban Army and the other of whom was the Yellow Turban Army's general.
Given their prestige, if they were to march south, it's uncertain whether Zhu Yuanzhang would still be in control of the Yellow Turban Rebellion.
After all, Zhu Yuanzhang was still nominally a member of the Yellow Turban Army, and many of his soldiers still identified themselves as members of the Taiping Rebellion and the Yellow Turban Army.
If Meng Zhang and Zhang Liang were to really raise their voices, they could actually attract quite a few people.
"I understand your intentions, my lord."
"The Yellow Turban Army in the north is indeed a force that can be utilized. However, this matter must be handled with caution and should not be taken lightly."
Zhu Sheng slowly stepped forward, his tone calm and his demeanor composed.
"Among the Yellow Turban Army in the north, there are quite a few highly respected people, especially Meng Zhang, the 'Commander-in-Chief of the Dragon Cavalry,' and Zhang Liang, among others."
Given their prestige, if they were to truly march south, the allegiance of the Yellow Turban Army would likely become a matter that our lord must consider.
He paused slightly, then continued.
Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang frowned slightly, clearly also pondering this question.
Zhu Sheng's words were true; if the Yellow Turban army in the north were to move south in full force, it could indeed pose a threat to his position.
However, if he could persuade a portion of the Yellow Turban army to march south, it would undoubtedly greatly enhance his strength and give him more confidence in confronting the Great Xuan army.
"Yun Sheng is absolutely right."
"The Yellow Turban Army in the north is indeed a double-edged sword. If used properly, it can help me resist the Great Xuan; if used improperly, it may bring disaster upon myself."
Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke.
"My lord, I have a plan that may be feasible."
"We can send envoys to the Yellow Turban Army in the north to probe their intentions first. If they are willing to move south, we can then discuss the specifics further."
"At the same time, we can secretly contact some of these leaders, offer them great rewards, and persuade them to lead their troops south to join us."
"In this way, we can avoid the risk of the entire Yellow Turban army in the north moving south, and we can also strengthen our forces."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Sheng knew that Zhu Yuanzhang had understood his meaning and the implications of the matter, so he continued to offer advice.
"Yun Sheng's plan is excellent," Zhu Yuanzhang praised. "Let's follow Sheng's plan and send envoys to the Yellow Turban Army in the north. At the same time, secretly contact some of their generals, offer them great rewards, and persuade them to come south and join us. This matter will be handled jointly by Sheng and Yun Sheng. Make sure it is done perfectly."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Sheng remained expressionless, only bowing slightly: "I accept your command and will certainly not fail in my lord's trust."
...
In the northern lands, the cold wind howls and the snow is thick.
At this moment, outside Minglong Pass, the Daqian army stood firm like an iron wall, launching a fierce attack on the Night King's army at Minglong Pass.
However, at this critical juncture, a piece of bad news swept in like a cold wind, shaking the morale of the army.
Grand Tutor Gu Changqing of the Great Qian Dynasty, clad in a silver-white battle robe, stood beneath the gate tower, gazing at the distant battlefield.
"Grand Tutor, urgent report!"
A scout in light armor, carrying a letter sealed with wax, hurried up the city wall. He knelt on one knee, presenting the letter with both hands.
Gu Changqing slowly turned around, took the letter that seemed to carry a thousand pounds of weight, and gently traced the wax seal on the cover with his fingertips, already vaguely guessing some of its contents.
He opened the envelope, unfolded the letter, and every word that came into view struck his heart like a heavy hammer.
The letter stated that the Emperor of the Great Qian Dynasty personally led an expedition, but met with misfortune on the battlefield and died, shocking the entire country.
Gu Changqing's hands trembled slightly, and her eyes reddened, but she forced herself not to let the tears fall.
These words struck Gu Changqing's heart like a heavy hammer, making him feel dizzy and disoriented.
At this time when the Great Qian Dynasty is in turmoil, Si Xiaofei's sudden death is an even greater blow to the Great Qian.
This was not merely the passing of a monarch, but a turning point in the fate of the entire dynasty.
"Issue the order: the entire army shall immediately withdraw, abandon the outer defenses, retreat into the city, rely on the city walls to support each other, and hold out for reinforcements."
Gu Changqing's voice was deep and powerful, each word exuding an unquestionable authority.
He turned and looked into the distance, his eyes filled with sorrow. "The Night King has rebelled, and His Majesty has suffered this misfortune. The Great Qian Dynasty is in a time of great turmoil. We must proceed with extreme caution and cannot afford to make any further mistakes."
Upon hearing this, the adjutant beside him looked grave and immediately went to relay the military order.
Gu Changqing remained alone below the city wall, watching the army gradually retreat, his heart filled with mixed emotions.
He suppressed his grief and quickly calmed down.
He looked around and saw that the army outside the pass was still in full battle array, but their eyes revealed a hint of unease and confusion.
"Pass down my order: immediately withdraw the army outside Minglong Pass!"
Gu Changqing's voice was firm and powerful, as if it could penetrate the cold wind and reach the heart of every soldier.
The soldiers, though puzzled, dared not disobey the Grand Tutor's orders.
"Relying on the several cities near Minglong Pass in Qianzhou to form a defensive perimeter, we will focus all our efforts on turtling and defending."
"Qiu Longteng and Yin Yuanxun, listen to my command! You two will immediately take command of the army and focus solely on defense. Under no circumstances should you launch an attack!"
Gu Changqing then gave further instructions.
Upon hearing this, Qiu Longteng and Yin Yuanxun immediately stepped forward to accept the order.
After arranging everything, Gu Changqing turned and looked towards the direction of Qiandu.
"Grand Tutor, what are you doing...?"
Upon seeing this, one of the lieutenants couldn't help but ask.
"My mind is made up. I will immediately lead an elite army back to Qiandu under the cover of night!"
Gu Changqing's voice was resolute and left no room for doubt.
The lieutenant was shocked upon hearing this, but dared not say anything more.
At this time, Qiandu was already in chaos due to the emperor's death.
The court officials were filled with fear and unease, the people were discussing the matter extensively, and the entire dynasty seemed to be in a precarious state.
When Gu Changqing arrived in Qiandu, the first rays of dawn were breaking on the horizon. The faint light of the morning sun shone on the ancient and solemn city walls, draping this capital city, which had witnessed many vicissitudes, in a thin veil of gold.
However, the atmosphere inside the city was completely out of step with the tranquil morning light; a sense of oppression and unease permeated the air, making even breathing feel heavy.
Gu Changqing did not linger for a moment and headed straight for the imperial city.