The next morning, the army marched east from Changheng County, and when they arrived at the Guangji River in the afternoon, they were about to cross the river, when a cavalry team of more than 100 horsemen caught up with them. The person who came was the messenger of the Qin Cha escorted by the cavalry forbidden army in front of the Beijing Palace, and the Qin Cha was none other than Zhu Zhirong, the governor of Kaifeng Prefecture. Lin Jue and the others were very surprised, how could it not be the turn of Zhu Zhirong, the power of Kaifeng Mansion, to pass the decree to the army.

"Lord Lin Juelin takes the order."

After a few simple greetings, Zhu Zhirong announced loudly in the simple military tent with a smile on his face.

Guo Kun and Guo Mian were a little puzzled, it turned out that this will was only for Lin Jue, but it had nothing to do with the two of them, which was a bit surprising.

"Lin Jue, the criminal officer of Kaifeng Prefecture, was very strategic and made a great contribution in the recent counterinsurgency operation. Not receiving a commendation because of a non-military position is a very unfair move that violates the clear way of distinguishing rewards and punishments. The officers and men in the army jointly named Lin Jue to ask for merit, and I also knew that the officials of the Kaifeng Mansion of the Political Affairs Hall also played in me, explaining the reason for rewarding and punishing, and not abolishing the way of fairness. In addition, I also knew the details of the battle of Yangwu and I also knew that Lin Jue, as a civilian official, charged and turned the tide of the battle, and was the key person in the war. With this special achievement, how can you not praise it? Therefore, I specially recalled Lin Jue to return to Beijing to see me, and I rewarded and comforted me in person, so as to make up for my previous losses, settle the grievances of the soldiers, and reassure the heart of loyalty to the country. Chin this! ”

Zhu Zhirong had finished his decree, and said with a smile to Lin Jue, who was kneeling on the ground in front of him: "Lord Lin, quickly accept the decree." Lord Lin really has a face. It's the first time I, Zhu, have seen the emperor make an order for the reward of a six-rank official. And it was also summoned in person to commend it. Who can match this honor? Lord Lin has earned a lot of light for my Kaifeng Mansion this time. I estimate that after returning to the capital to face the saint this time, Lord Lin is afraid that he will leave Kaifeng Mansion and enter the central yamen to take up an important position. Although Zhu was reluctant to let you leave Kaifeng Mansion, he was still happy for Lord Lin's soaring. Here's a first congratulations to Lord Lin, congratulations to Lord Xilin. ”

Lin Jue frowned and knelt on the ground in a daze, and the whole person fell into deep thought. seemed to be deaf to Zhu Zhirong's words.

"Lin Jue, take the order quickly. Haha, that's fair. After the battle of Yangwu, I will hold grievances for you, and the whole army has also complained for you, it seems that everyone has joined forces to ask for credit for you, and the court has also understood. The father is wise, and he will not chill the hearts of loyal ministers. Guo Mian sighed heartily beside him.

Lin Jue couldn't cry or laugh, Guo Mian was still in the dark about everything, he was in a good mood during this time, and every day he took a group of literati and scholars who came from his own house in the capital to congratulate him, traveled in the mountains and rivers, wrote poems and lyrics, and wrote the poor mountains and bad waters around Changheng County to make people fascinated. It also took two days to take people back to Bolangsha to recall the battle. Those literati wrote a lot of poems in praise of his merits, describing Guo Mian as if Sun Wu was reincarnated.

Guo Mian invited Lin Jue to participate in these boring activities, but Lin Jue naturally refused. Lin Jue and Guo Kun are very busy, how can they have time to mess with them. Guo Mian thought that Lin Jue was dissatisfied with him because of his military exploits. Today, the imperial court has a will to come, Guo Mian is also very happy, he actually hopes that Lin Jue will be rewarded, because he knows that if it weren't for Lin Jue, how could he sit back and relax now.

Lin Jue understood why Zhu Zhirong came to announce the decree to himself, because he was originally from Kaifeng Mansion, and Zhu Zhirong was his own official, so it was indeed appropriate to send him. But all of a sudden, he let himself go back to the capital to face the saint and receive a commendation, and it was Zhu Zhirong who came to announce the decree in person, which seemed too grand. If you really want to make up for it, you only need to send someone to announce the decree and directly commend it, so why do you need to send your own officials to come in person, and just read out a will to return to Beijing. It seems that all this seems extremely unusual, and it seems that he is in a hurry to return to Beijing by himself.

"Lin Jue, what's wrong? Still not satisfied? Zhu Zhirong frowned.

Lin Jue stretched out his hand to take the holy decree and shouted long live thanksgiving. In order to verify his speculation, Lin Jue opened his mouth and asked, "Lord Zhu, but I don't know when I need to return to Beijing?" Xia Guan wants to return to Beijing later, I don't know if it's okay? ”

Zhu Zhirong smiled: "That's not possible. The official came in person to ask you to go back to Beijing with me. The emperor said, rush back to the capital immediately, the emperor is anxious to see you. ”

Lin Jue frowned and said, "But there are still affairs in our army, and we can't get out for the time being." It should be okay to have a grace period of 10 days and half a month. ”

"What are these words? You are not a leading general in the army, and the affairs of the army are governed by His Royal Highness the King of Jin and Du Yu Hou Xiao Wang, what do you have that you can't leave? How? The emperor wants to personally summon you to reward you, but do you want to push back? Don't be ignorant. Zhu Zhirong waved his hand.

Lin Jue continued to ask: "Lord Zhu, the emperor Longen, of course the lower officials don't dare to ignore the promotion. Xia Guan just felt a little surprised, Xia Guan didn't have a great merit, how could he suddenly receive such an honor? ”

Zhu Zhirong smiled and said: "You kid just steal the fun, this time Lu is full of praise for you, the battle of Yangwu has played the majesty of my Great Zhou." Played cleanly. What Lu Xiang said personally was that the strategy of the Battle of Yangwu was a hundred times better than that of the Battle of Yingtianfu, and the results were much higher. Such a man of great strategy must be honored and praised. It was Lu Xiangli who asked the emperor to summon you in person and reward you in person. After returning to Beijing, you have to go and thank Lu Xiangcai. I also borrowed your light and was praised by the emperor. Lu Xiang told me that he must bring you back to the capital to face the saint, and I dare not disobey Lu Xiang's words. ”

Lin Jue's heart instantly brightened, Zhu Zhirong's words were unintentional, and Lin Jue's listeners were intentional. Especially after learning that Lu Zhongtian had gone to Yingtianfu not long ago, Lin Jue immediately figured out the whole thing. It was okay if the reinforcement was refused, and it was ordered to strictly guard the five counties and not to return to Beijing, and now he has been recalled to the capital. The whole thing seems to be doing something in a step-by-step manner.

What is the purpose of letting yourself return to Beijing at this juncture?

This question was answered by Guo Kun, who was standing on the side dumbfounded at the moment, and the answer was obvious. Lin Jue is already Guo Kun's reliance on his actions. Now Guo Kun will discuss all the big and small affairs in the army with Lin Jue, and only after getting Lin Jue's approval will he be willing to do it with confidence. Guo Kun was originally an arrogant person, but Lin Jue's ability made him have to be impressed. After King Liang's drowning of Kang Zizhen, Lin Jue's strategy saved King Liang's mansion, and since then, Guo Kun has recognized the fact that Lin Jue is a hundred times stronger than himself from his heart. That's why he invited Lin Jue to go with him when he went on the expedition, that is, he knew that having Lin Jue by his side would be of great benefit to him.

Although this was a reminder from his father at that time, it was also the true idea of Guo Kun's heart. Otherwise, with Guo Kun's arrogance and arrogance, how could he be willing to admit that he needed Lin Jue's help. Facts have proved how wise it is to let Lin Jue go with him on the expedition, he almost broke a big thing, relying on Lin Jue's resourcefulness and bravery to turn defeat into victory, the big victory in the battle of Yangwu is actually the embodiment of Lin Jue's personal wisdom and ability. Since then, Guo Kun has never dared to be good at military affairs.

And now, Guo Xu's conspiracy to kill people with a knife has been revealed, the Qingjiao bandits are about to gather in the west, and a big war is inevitable, the only reason why Guo Kun can remain calm is because of Lin Jue's support. If Lin Jue was not plotting by his side, Guo Kun didn't know how to deal with the upcoming situation.

This Zhu Zhirong is now running to bring Lin Jue back to the capital? Are you kidding? Isn't this a move to pull out the source of the plug? Lin Jue is gone, how will this battle be fought next? So Guo Kun's face turned green when he listened to it.

Guo Mian smiled unknowingly: "It's a good thing, it's a good thing." Lin Jue, what are you still rubbing about such good things? Your father summoned you back to commend you, and you should go back to Beijing immediately. You don't have to worry about anything in the military. Besides, now that the bandits are almost finished, what else is there to worry about. Hurry up and go with Lord Zhu, this king doesn't want to spoil the scenery and ruin your good deeds. The king has allowed you to return to Beijing immediately. ”

Lin Jue's eyes flew into the sky, this Guo Mian came to add fire at this moment, which was really speechless.

Zhu Zhirong said with a smile: "Look, the King of Jin has said so, what are you still pushing?" I'll pack up and go back to Beijing with me. ”

Guo Kun coughed and couldn't help but speak, Lin Jue saw that his expression was not good, and hurriedly said to Zhu Zhirong: "Lord Zhu has come after a long journey, how can he not rest and rest, and he doesn't have to be in such a hurry to leave." Why don't you rest for the night, let the entourage regain their strength, and it's not too late to leave tomorrow morning. Tonight, I will set up a banquet for Lord Zhu to pick up the wind and wash the dust. Please ask King Jin and the little prince to accompany me, and it should also be to see me off. What do you think? ”

Zhu Zhirong thought for a while and said, "Well, the way is really far away, and we walked quickly for three days and three nights before we arrived." Centaurs do need to rest. That's up to you. But I must leave early tomorrow morning, and I can't delay. The emperor is in a hurry, I can't afford it. ”

Lin Jue smiled: "That's nature. King Jin, little prince, please order someone to arrange a place to stay, so that Lord Zhu and the accompanying brothers can rest. ”

After the soldiers led Zhu Zhirong and them to rest, when only Lin Jue, Guo Kun and Guo Mian were left in the big tent, Guo Kun could finally vent his dissatisfaction loudly.

"They're taking a salary, it's a conspiracy. At this time, if you want to go back to Beijing, it is clear that you want me to lose my right-hand man. No, Lin Jue, you must not go. If you leave, who will help me deal with the rest of the situation? Absolutely not. Guo Kun's face flushed with excitement and shouted loudly.

Lin Jue frowned and said, "Don't be impatient, don't be so excited." ”

"How can I be quiet? As soon as you leave, who will plan the next fierce battle for me? It's going to kill us. This is someone cooperating with Guo Xu's plan to kill people with a knife in the DPRK, how vicious, extremely vicious! Guo Kun roared angrily.

Guo Mian's whole person was blind, he looked at Guo Kun and Lin Jue in surprise, "What are you talking about?" Why didn't I understand a word? What the hell is going on? Guo Kun, isn't that a good thing? Lin Jue was rewarded, isn't this a happy event? Didn't you complain about him before? ”

"What a fart! King Jin, now that I won't play dumb riddles with you. Do you think that after the battle of Yangwu, we have won the battle and sit back and relax? This counterinsurgency has been successfully concluded for you, just waiting for the class master to return to the court to accept the cheers of the people and the commendation of the court? Guo Kun stared at Guo Mian with a blank face and shouted.

Guo Mian blinked and said, "Isn't that so?" Will there still be twists and turns in the Jingbei counterinsurgency? The five counties have all been recovered, isn't it a complete success? ”

"Hmph, you think it's a complete success, otherwise you wouldn't be traveling every day. If the counterinsurgency was successful, why was your request for a triumphant withdrawal rejected by the Privy Council? Do you want to stick to the land of Jingbei? Even your request to go back to Beijing for a few days of rest alone has been denied? Guo Kun sneered.

"That's not ...... Isn't it because the bandits on Jingxi Road have not been exterminated yet, and they need our help? lest they cross the river and flee westward to the northwest? That's Guo Xu's business, it has nothing to do with us, we're just stationed here. I am the commander in chief of the army, so naturally I can't leave without permission, it will affect the morale of the army. Guo Mian frowned and said.

"Hehe, King Jin, what you think is too simple. Half a month has passed since the Battle of Yingtianfu, and Guo Xu has received reinforcements from the imperial court, so it stands to reason that he should sweep away the remnants of the bandits and solve the Qingjiao rebellion, right? But what are the facts? So far, he has only tried to test the edges, and has only recovered a few corner cities. At present, Hai Dongqing, the leader of the bandits, is in Chengwu County, and is gathering the surrounding bandits to gather in Chengwu County. Guo Xu ignored it, he had no intention of sending troops to strangle them, what do you think this is doing? Guo Kun sneered.

"This ...... Perhaps...... Guo Xu wants to catch them all? Or is it ...... I am indeed not very clever in this war, and I can't talk nonsense. You tell me, what is he going to do? Guo Mian frowned and said Ai Ai.

"What to do? He is borrowing a knife to kill people, and he wants your life and mine. You're still in the dark and don't understand anything. Guo Kun sneered.

"Huh? This...... This...... Where to start? This...... How can it be? I didn't understand at all. Guo Mian exclaimed in astonishment.

Guo Kun said: "Where to start? Our Yangwu took away his limelight in the first battle, this time to suppress the rebellion, Guo Xu wants to make war achievements and overpower you, the great prince, how can you let you steal his limelight? So he became angry and ashamed, and after taking Yingtian, he deliberately stood still, forcing the bandits to break through to the west to find us trouble, do you understand this time? ”

Guo Mian is just confused, and he understands it at this moment. Guo Mian is not without people around him, and on this expedition, someone analyzed the situation with him. Tell him that this expedition is related to the competition for the crown prince in the future, and it must not be messed up. Although under the somewhat biased arrangement of the imperial court, it is unlikely that Guo Xu's credit will be overshadowed. Because Guo Xu is the main direction of attack, it will be the first class achievement in the future, there is no need to fight for this, and it is useless to fight. But at the very least, the troops and horses led by Guo Mian must complete the counterinsurgency mission of recovering the five counties in northern Beijing. Modesty is success, as long as you don't fail.

Guo Mian may live a somewhat casual and unruly life, but he is by no means dispensable for the position of the crown prince. It's just that he has always believed that the crown prince belongs to him since he was a child. He was born to the queen and was the eldest son, so the position of prince is what he deserves. It is precisely because of his own advantages that his personality is more outgoing than Guo Xu, indulging in poetry and wine, the good thing is chic and free, and the bad thing is indulgent. In recent years, he himself has clearly felt that his father does not like his character and behavior, but habits have become and habits are difficult to change, so he can only be restrained slightly. But in any case, there is one thing he firmly believes, the rules of the court for appointing princes will not change, and it is the rule of the ancestors to establish a prince, and the father will not change it easily. Guo Xu wants to covet the position of the crown prince, which is a fool's dream.

He was not unaware that this was a competitive expedition. He knew that this was because his father wanted to see who performed better, himself or Guo Xu. Although Guo Mian thinks that this kind of competition is actually not fair, and fighting is his weakness, if he is really fair to compete, why not let himself and Guo Xu try to write articles and make poems? But he naturally did not dare to raise such a question, he only hoped that he would be safe and sound, and if the rebellion was successfully suppressed, the goal would be achieved.

It turned out that he was still lucky, although he was half scared to death in Yangwu, and almost ran away, but Lin Jue strategized, and actually defeated the bandits, made great contributions, and annihilated the invading enemy in one fell swoop, and was rewarded by the court and even his father. How could he not be upset by this? These days sit back and relax, travel the mountains and rivers, and have a lot of fun. In his spare time, he gloated and told the people around him that some people wanted to fight with him for something important, but it turned out that he did not have that virtue at all. People who are truly virtuous don't even have to worry about it much, and God has arranged capable people to share their worries and do important things well. Those who are immoral and unscrupulous who do not measure their own strength, try their best but also end up failing. This is the difference between a blessed person and a person who does not measure himself.

The people around him naturally echoed vigorously, touting Guo Mian not knowing how high. During this time, Guo Mian had to laugh out loud when he slept, and lived a comfortable life. When he heard Guo Kun ruthlessly tell the truth at this moment, like a thunderbolt on a sunny day, shattered his sweet dreams, and realized that great danger was coming, he was naturally shocked and unbelievable.

Guo Xu is really bold, according to what Guo Kun said, he was actually annoyed and angry because he was robbed of the limelight, and he actually wanted to borrow a knife to kill people, and use the hands of Qingjiao bandits to ask for his own life. This younger brother of his own, who usually looks deep and silent, is also humble in front of him, would he really do this? How dare he be?

"No, no, no, you must be mistaken, although Guo Xu is hateful, how dare he do this? This is a brotherly wall, does he Guo Xu want to kill his brother? That's impossible. I don't believe it. Guo Mian shook his head and shouted.