diymy Chapter 28 A Report of Victory
Chapter 28 A Report of Victory
"A great victory! A great victory in Hexi! The Western Expeditionary Army has decisively defeated the main force of the Oirat Mongols eighty miles north of Yumen Pass, killing 50,000 in battle, and the defenders of Yangguan have captured the Oirat Khan, Gushi Khan!"
"A great victory!..."
Outside the capital city, the messenger rode ahead of everyone else, loudly announcing the victory as he traveled.
"What? Did that messenger just say the imperial court has won the battle?"
An old farmer was driving an oxcart and hiding by the roadside. Looking in the direction the messenger had left, his cloudy eyes immediately lit up with surprise. He pulled a passerby next to him and asked.
"That's right, the imperial court achieved a great victory in its western expedition, and even captured the Oirat Khan alive!"
The passerby, dressed in Confucian robes, was also staring blankly in the direction of the capital, lost in thought.
As the messenger reported victories along the way, the places he passed were filled with jubilation.
The capital city of Luoyang was once a place ravaged by the Oirat people. Although decades have passed, how could that deep-seated hatred be erased by such a short time?
"Grandpa! Did you see that? The imperial court has won! The Oirat people have been defeated!"
After receiving confirmation from passersby, the old farmer couldn't help but tear up and whisper to the sky.
"Long live the Emperor! May the Great Zhou Dynasty triumph!"
"Long live the Emperor! May the Great Zhou Dynasty triumph!"
A moment later, all the cheers merged into one. At this moment, the people of the Great Zhou, regardless of gender, age, wealth, or social status, all praised the emperor's wisdom and the soldiers' bravery.
Back then, Emperor Taizong launched six northern expeditions to completely defeat the Southern Mongolians, but now, he only needed one western expedition to capture the Khan of the Oirat Mongols alive.
The common people did not know that the Tumed were the strongest of the three Mongol tribes, and that at that time the north was still a barren wasteland, making it many times more difficult for the Zhou army to supply supplies than it is now.
However, they knew that with the complete defeat of the Oirat Mongols, the imperial court would not launch large-scale military campaigns for a while, allowing them to take a good rest.
In the Imperial Palace, Emperor Anping had just finished discussing with the Cabinet and the Five Military Commands the issue of transporting provisions for the Western Expeditionary Army in the winter. Braving the falling snow, he was inspecting the training of the Crown Princes at the drill ground.
As the weather grew colder, his heart grew heavier.
The cold winter was too unfavorable for the Great Zhou, which lived in the Central Plains. If the Western Expeditionary Army had not yet achieved a decisive victory, then they would have to temporarily halt the offensive and wait until next year to resume the war.
However, not to mention whether the Oirat Mongols would make the Great Zhou wait until next year, even the national treasury is uncertain how long it can last.
"Sigh!" Emperor Anping's eyes were unfocused at the moment, his mind had wandered off somewhere else, and he did not notice that the Crown Prince and the others had already walked over.
"Greetings, Father Emperor!"
"Greetings, Your Majesty!"
"Oh?" Emperor Anping only came to his senses when he heard the Crown Prince and the others bow.
"No need for that!" Emperor Anping waved his hand, then patted the Crown Prince's shoulder encouragingly, "Well done!"
"Come on, let's talk to Father!"
He then waved to the prince's attendants, saying, "That's enough for today. You can all go back now."
Upon hearing Emperor Anping's words, Jia She and the other young boys cheered, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
In this freezing weather, who would want to stand here in the cold? Is it because the warm bed at home isn't cozy enough? Or is the wine at Piaoxiang Tower not good anymore?
Watching his companions dash off, the Crown Prince shook his head with a wry smile, then immediately begged for forgiveness: "Father, please forgive me..."
"Alright, I didn't blame them!"
As the laughter faded into the distance, a hint of reminiscence flashed in Emperor Anping's eyes.
"Father, were you troubled by something just now?"
The Crown Prince had just noticed that Emperor Anping's mind wasn't on the training ground, so he asked curiously.
Looking at his eldest son, who was growing up day by day, Emperor Anping was filled with joy.
This crown prince is both benevolent and filial, yet decisive; refined yet valiant—truly an ideal successor.
"Winter is already here, and there's still no definite news from the Duke of Rong. I'm really at a loss!"
Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince smiled gently and then reassured him, "Father, there is no need to worry. The Duke of Rong is experienced and steady in leading troops and fighting battles. There should be no major mishaps."
"Even if we don't completely defeat him this time, he can still bring his army back safely. We can always fight again in the future."
"Father, please do not be anxious about this, lest it harm your health."
"Besides, didn't Duke Rong already send people to cut off the Oirat army's supply lines? At this point, it should be the Oirat people who are anxious."
"Ha ha……"
Hearing the Crown Prince's analysis, Emperor Anping, though not completely reassured, felt much more relaxed and couldn't help but laugh: "It seems you trust the Duke of Rong even more than I do?"
"Your subject wouldn't dare, your subject only..."
The crown prince immediately bowed respectfully to apologize, but before he could finish speaking, a commotion suddenly broke out in the palace.
Emperor Anping, supporting the Crown Prince's arm and about to help him up, frowned upon hearing the commotion. His displeasure evident as he said to Dai Quan, who was serving nearby, "Go and see what's going on. What kind of behavior is this, making such a racket?"
"yes!"
Dai Quan was also feeling uneasy. With the palace losing its decorum, he, as the Grand Chancellor, might also be implicated.
"I hope there really is some great good news!"
"Alright, there's no need for us, father and son, to stand on ceremony. This position will be handed over to you sooner or later."
"If I still harbor any fear of you, wouldn't I truly be all alone?"
After Dai Quan left, Emperor Anping patted the Crown Prince's arm and said gently.
"Father..."
Upon hearing Emperor Anping's words, the Crown Prince looked at Emperor Anping with emotion, his eyes slightly reddening.
He was already twenty years old this year, while Emperor Anping was only in his thirties, a time when he was full of ambition.
He knew all too well how difficult it was to be a crown prince who was not much younger than his father.
Of the two crown princes of the Ming Dynasty, one died before the emperor. Although his son eventually inherited the throne, he still ended up with no heir.
If the other one hadn't endured countless hardships to outlive his father, his final fate probably wouldn't have been much better.
Even so, wasn't he eventually expelled from the Imperial Ancestral Temple by the Jiajing Emperor?
Why should I study literature and politics while also practicing martial arts? It's because I'm afraid I won't outlive my father and end up with no heir.
Not only that, but they also had to be very careful on a daily basis, for fear of arousing their father's suspicion.
Although the Great Zhou Dynasty adheres to the system of primogeniture, the emperor's heart is ultimately unpredictable!
Emperor Anping was unaware that his beloved son had so many thoughts on his mind. He simply chatted casually with him about everyday matters and occasionally offered him a few pointers.
"Great joy! Your Majesty, great joy!"
Just as the two were enjoying a loving father-son moment, Dai Quan, who had gone to inquire about the situation, rushed over in a panic.
"The Western Expeditionary Army has sent back a report of victory! The Great Zhou has decisively defeated the main force of the Oirat Mongols at Yumen Pass, and General Liu, the commander of Yumen Pass, has captured Gushi Khan alive!"
"Your Majesty, the Great Zhou has won!"
Dai Quan knelt down in front of Emperor Anping and shouted excitedly.
"This servant congratulates Your Majesty and the Great Zhou! Long live Your Majesty! May the Great Zhou triumph forever!"
Seeing the excited Dai Quan, Emperor Anping was momentarily stunned. He stared blankly at Dai Quan, who was lying on the ground, and asked in a daze, "Duke Rongguo won? Gushi Khan was captured? The Oirat are finished?"
Dai Quan raised his head, his face covered in mud and what looked like a mixture of sweat and tears, his eyes red with excitement as he shouted, "Your Majesty, the Great Zhou has won! The Oirat are finished! We've captured Gushi Khan!"
"Your subject congratulates Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!"
The Crown Prince immediately knelt down to pay his respects. This was the perfect time for Emperor Anping to consolidate his authority, so no ceremony was too grand.
"Your Majesty, we respectfully wish you a long life! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
As the Crown Prince led the way in offering his congratulations, all the imperial guards, palace maids, and eunuchs around him knelt down and offered their congratulations in unison.
"Haha, hahaha..."
After Emperor Anping regained his senses, he looked at the eunuchs and soldiers around him and couldn't help but laugh loudly. As he laughed, the sand and dust blinded him.
"Father, did you see that? We have truly lived up to your expectations! The Oirat Mongols have been annihilated by our Great Zhou!"
"Guards, bring the messenger here immediately. I want to see with my own eyes how the Duke of Rong and his men defeated the Oirats."
"Dai Quan, immediately notify all ministers of the cabinet and military officers in Beijing to come for a meeting."
"This servant obeys the decree!"
Dai Quan didn't bother to clean the grime off his body and immediately got up and left.
"Ha, this old codger..."
How could Dai Quan's little schemes possibly escape Emperor Anping's notice?
It doesn't matter, as long as he is loyal to me, that's enough. He's just a powerless servant anyway.
"Rise!"
After Dai Quan left, Emperor Anping noticed that a large group of people were still kneeling around him. He then spoke solemnly, though his tone was full of joy.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"Congratulations, Father! The western expedition has achieved a great victory. The Oirat Mongols will be destroyed soon. This is all thanks to Father's ability to recognize and appoint capable people and his skillful command."
"Haha, don't flatter me. The world will judge for itself how this victory was achieved."
Although his words were full of reproach, Emperor Anping could not hide the smile on his face.
"Father, these words come from the bottom of my heart. Rong Guorong was personally appointed by you, and the Lantian Camp was also established by you."
"General Liu Hu, who cut off the Oirat's supply lines and captured Gushi Khan alive, was promoted by the Emperor from humble beginnings and given important responsibilities in his prime. Otherwise, how could we have achieved such a great victory in this western expedition?"
"Haha, it's all thanks to the soldiers' bravery and the ministers' concerted efforts. Although I have made some contributions, it's only a tiny bit, a tiny bit."
Emperor Anping was in a good mood at the moment, and there was no longer the estrangement between him and the Crown Prince. He was just like an ordinary father showing off to his son.
When news of the great victory of the Western Expeditionary Army spread, the entire capital was in an uproar.
"Granny Lai, is it really true that people outside are saying the master won?"
Madam Jia had already received the message from the servant outside, and she sat in Rongxi Hall, pulling Granny Lai aside and asking her questions incessantly.
"Madam, the master did indeed win a great victory in the west. I heard that he even captured the Oirat Khan alive."
"Now that you're back, sir, it seems you, the Lady of Rongguo, will soon become the Princess Consort of a Prince."
"Thank God, may our ancestors and Buddha protect us! The master is finally safe and sound!"
Having received confirmation from Granny Lai, he hurriedly put his hands together and said with a devout expression.
She then glared at Granny Lai, a hint of annoyance in her voice, and said, "Such talk is rampant outside. How can we women presume to comment on such important matters as imperial rewards?"
"If your words get out, who knows what kind of trouble they'll bring to the Rongguo Mansion!"
"This servant deserves to die! It was my foul mouth!" Upon hearing Jia Shi's words, Granny Lai hurriedly knelt down and slapped herself several times.
Although she was a maidservant who came with Jia Shi as part of her dowry, she was deeply trusted by her.
But at this time she was not yet the matriarch of the Lai family who would later become so powerful; the fate of her entire family was at the mercy of a single word from Jia Shishi.
After Jia Daishan died, the Lai family had eaten their fill and made their fortune, so this kind of thing was just something to laugh about and let bygones be bygones.
"By the way, I heard that Brother Liu also made a great contribution this time?"
Seeing that Granny Lai was like this, Madam Jia couldn't bear to punish her any further. After all, she was an old servant of hers, and she didn't want to embarrass her, so she changed the subject.
"Yes, people outside say that this time, Brother Liu not only cut off the Oirat people's supply lines, but also personally captured that Khan."
"Madam Liu is a blessed woman. Once the imperial court bestows her honors, she will become the Grand Madam of the entire household." Granny Lai said with envy towards Madam Liu.
A royal title—what an honor! What woman wouldn't want that?
"Don't be envious of the eldest sister of the Liu family. She has earned her wealth and status by risking her life."
Seeing that Granny Lai's expression was not right, Madam Jia quickly gave her a nudge.
Things are different now. Back then, Liu's son was just a peasant boy who made a living at the mansion.
Back then, who would have thought he would become so successful, earning his family immense wealth?
Jia Shi was not one of those foolish women who would only stay in the backyard; with a little thought, she realized that the Liu family had already risen to prominence.
The two families still had some familial ties, but she didn't want Granny Lai to destroy those ties.
"This servant has no ill will; I'm just marveling at Madam Liu's good fortune in having such a fine son!"
Granny Lai hurriedly waved her hand and explained.
Although she was just a maid and didn't have much experience, she had been in the Shi and Jia families for decades. How could she not know that the gap between her family and the Liu family was too big?
If you make others uncomfortable, how uncomfortable will you be living?
"It's a pity that we were born into the Jia family, otherwise, if my husband could curry favor with Liu, my eldest son could at least become a steward in the Liu household."
While feeling envious, Granny Lai also felt a little annoyed: "What a great opportunity, it's a pity we can only watch."
Their entire family's indentures are held by the Jia family. Let alone going to the Liu family, even if her son wanted to go out and find a way to make a living, he would have to see if the Jia family would agree.
Fortunately, Granny Lai could only speculate wildly. If her son Lai Da had really gone to the Liu family, let's see if Liu Hu would dare to kill someone.
"By the way, the imperial court's rewards will have to wait until the army returns. Send someone to the Liu family's elder sister's house to ask if there's anything else they need help with, and have your husband do his best to fulfill their requests, all through official channels."
At that moment, Madam Jia realized that this was the perfect opportunity to forge a closer relationship with the Liu family. She hurriedly instructed Granny Lai.
"This servant understands!" Granny Lai nodded obediently, keeping the matter in mind.
At the same time, she was also wondering, "Should I add some for my own family too?"
If the Liu family becomes successful in the future, they won't even be able to get close enough to them to establish connections.