Chapter 901: Chapter 901 Dong Xian’s Calculations
Unexpectedly, the Post-house Minister, who had left not long ago, returned once again with an expression on his face carrying obscure and unclear implications.
“Lord Zhang, the Prefecture Governor requests your presence.”
Everyone had been waiting to visit the Prefect, but it was precisely at this moment that the Prefect’s invitation came, causing several thoughts to flash through their minds.
Zhang Peng quickly regained his posure and anxiously inquired, “Lord Post-house Minister, did the Prefect say anything else?”
The Post-house Minister held his head high, carrying an air of condescension as he looked at everyone.
“The Prefect has summoned you, why are you dilly-dallying? Hurry up; don’t delay our Prefect’s rest.”
“You…”
Zhang Peng felt a lump in his chest and took quite a while to respond, “Wait! We’ll get ready and leave.”
To say ‘get ready’ actually meant selecting suitable people to bring along. There were wounded here, and those who had sneaked out of the hostel had yet to return, and with enemies lurking in the shadows, one could not be careless.
“Lord Qi, you stay behind! And Taoist Yuan Jue as well; if that Post-house Minister makes any unexpected moves, Yuan Jue’s martial arts are strong enough to hold his own. It won’t be difficult to guard you and break out.”
Liu Sisi saw things clearly and immediately arranged the manpower, “Brother Zhang, just select some petent soldiers to acpany us.”
Zhang Peng naturally had no objections and quickly chose some skilled individuals to follow the Post-house Minister out of the hostel.
Yuan Jue, however, stubbornly refused to stay behind and insisted on going with them.
“Yuan Jue is here on my master’s orders. Until Yuan Jue’s mission is pleted, I will protect the Princess every step of the way. I implore Your Highness not to take risks!”
Left with no choice, Liu Sisi had to agree to let Yuan Jue acpany them to the City Lord’s Mansion, and she herself disguised as a man to stay close to Zhang Peng’s side.
After exiting the hostel and reaching the streets, it was nearing dusk. The streets, which should have been bustling, were now eerily empty, with pairs of soldiers wielding long spears patrolling back and forth, an air of desolation about them.
Thanks to the Post-house Minister leading the way, they encountered no trouble from these soldiers. However, the air of desolation seemed to grow denser.
Something wasn’t right!
There seemed to be something additional in the air.
Liu Sisi subconsciously turned her head toward the direction the cold wind was blowing from, furrowing her brows, for the strong scent of blood was overwhelming. Could it be that the enemy attacked the city again last night?
That couldn’t be, for they had not heard the sounds of battle or the charging gongs and drums.
Zhang Peng’s face grew more solemn, and his steps forward slowed down increasingly.
Taking advantage of the moment when the haughty Post-house Minister was not paying attention, Liu Sisi leaned close to Zhang Peng and whispered, “Brother Zhang, do you smell it?”
“Hmm, no more than four hours ago, a considerable number of people must have died nearby.”
Zhang Peng spoke in a low voice, his lips barely moving, but his expression remained indifferent.
Liu Sisi gasped in shock! She hurriedly scrutinized the area and indeed spotted faint traces of blood hidden in the shadows. Watching the increasingly dense patrol of soldiers, her heart gradually sank.
They soon arrived at the City Lord’s Mansion. When she saw the Prefecture Governor that night, Liu Sisi had an inexplicable sense of hostility. Now, seeing him again, that hostility was even stronger. She was currently disguised as a man, her face and hands covered with a layer of brownish-yellow mud, and most of her face was hidden under the armor and helmet.
Upon closer observation, she realized that Dong’s hostility wasn’t directed solely at her, but rather at their entire group.
At the moment, Zhang Peng was trying to persuade Dong to dispatch troops to support Di Yelei and Marquis Yongwu, but judging by the other’s expression, it was uncertain how much he was taking in, and further discussions would likely be needed.
“…Marquis Yongwu’s forces have suffered heavy casualties, and the troops led by Marquis Yongping are too few. If the Prefecture Governor helps now, it will not only be a timely aid amidst the snow, but when His Majesty reviews contributions for rewards, the Prefecture Governor’s merit would surely delight the dragon’s heart. Promotion and ennoblement would then be no surprise…”
Zhang Peng spoke fervently, his mouth going dry from talking so much, yet the Prefecture Governor sitting in the main seat was clearly distracted, his mind wandering afar, saying nothing.
Feeling uncertain, Zhang Peng slowly concluded his speech and subconsciously stole a glance at Liu Sisi.
Liu Sisi frowned and remained silent. It seemed convincing Dong to send troops in support would not be so easy!
After the time for two cups of tea had passed, just when everyone was being impatient, a person suddenly entered from outside, swiftly walked up to Dong, whispered a few words in his ear, and then retreated.
“You are probably not aware of the situation outside, are you?”
Dong coughed lightly and finally came back to his senses, “Let’s not beat around the bush, I, Mr. Dong, would like to inquire about something from Lord Zhang.”
Zhang Peng quickly greeted with a fist, “Please speak, Lord Dong.”
“I have received news that Marquis Yongping secretly left the capital with Princess Ruyu to Yingchang, colluding with the rebel Zhao Heng, nearly annihilating half of Marquis Yongwu’s forces. The remaining troops fought while retreating to the west of Yingchang City, taking advantage of the terrain to battle the rebel army. Upon hearing this, His Majesty was so furious that he nearly decreed to punish the Marquis Yongping’s Mansion on the spot, if not for several elder ministers in the court who managed to calm His Majesty down.”
As Dong spoke, he swept his gaze across the group, smiling smugly as he saw the nervousness on everyone’s faces.
Satisfied with himself, he laughed, “Subsequently, Marquis Yongping used the advantage of his elite cavalry to block the rebels. After several close bats, Marquis Yongping decisively defeated the rebels, not only slaying the Guard General and Lieutenant Xia near Zhao Heng at the point of his long spear, but also fighting one against a hundred, obliterating over seven thousand rebel soldiers and seizing more than a thousand warhorses, and that count is still rising.”
So Ye Lei had already won? Liu Sisi felt a great sense of relief in her heart.
Dong obviously understood the expressions of the group and continued nonchalantly.
“Originally, Marquis Yongping pursued Zhao Heng’s army relying on his few but superior cavalry and the advantageous terrain to pete with Zhao Heng’s forces, causing Zhao Heng to be unable to focus on both front and back, naturally leading to consecutive victories. The problem arose with the recent heavy snow, which caused the river to freeze. Due to the thin ice, Zhao Heng’s troops frequently harassed during river crossings, moving freely. But the thin ice could not support the leaping of the horses, creating a constraint for Marquis Yongping’s elite cavalry. The favorable situation quickly changed, indeed proving the saying ‘Thirty years in the East River, thirty years in the West River.'”
Zhang Peng began to feel uneasy, shifting his body instinctively.
“Lord Dong must have a reason beyond casual talk for saying these things, right?”
With a slight smile, Dong picked up his teacup and took a sip, his gaze growing deeper as he looked at the group, “Marquis Yongping initially acpanied Princess Ruyu to meet with Zhao Heng, but after Marquis Yongping went to pursue Zhao Heng, Princess Ruyu disappeared without a trace.”
At those words, everyone’s hearts were suddenly hanging in suspense.
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