Chapter 76 Returning to Beijing to Reward Chang Mao
"You led the troops deep into the country, boosted the prestige of the country, captured the chieftain in the west of Qujing, defeated the Wuman in the north of Kedu, swept through the Jinma and Biji, and pacified the Jinsha. As for Jinchi, they surrendered without a fight. You issued an edict to pacify the barbarians and brought your power to the eight translations. You generals have done a great job. I want to reward you with wine, but it is far from enough. I am here to encourage you on behalf of my father, and I am here to encourage you with my heart!"
When Commander He Fu arrived in Puding, Yunnan with the Crown Prince's decree, all of Yunnan except Dali had surrendered.
Fu Youde was stationed in Puding and led the generals to express gratitude.
With this commendation, everyone felt warm in their hearts and it was worth the months of fighting.
Then comes the real business.
Zhu Biao, in his capacity as regent, issued an order to establish the Yunnan Military Commissioner and the Provincial Administration Commissioner, and ordered Mei Sizu, Marquis of Runan, and Pan Yuanming, Minister of State, to temporarily act as the Yunnan Provincial Administration Commissioner. He also ordered the generals to attack Dali and conquer it in one fell swoop, thus saving further military effort.
During this period, Fu Youde, Lan Yu, and Mu Ying were granted special permission to "act upon your request."
Then he rewarded the Five Immortals Sect with a large sum of money and property as a reward, and then recalled the Jinyiwei, escorted Deng Yu and Zhao Wumian, and escorted Bazawalmi and his 318 family members to the capital.
"Finally, I can go back to Beijing."
In the big tent, Zhao Wumian casually placed a piece of paper on the table: "I feel annoyed when I see those two people's cold faces every day!"
"..."
Deng Yu followed suit, not knowing whether to laugh or cry, "How can there be 'every day'? I just went back to Puding for the next two days to discuss matters. Before that, I was stationed in Qujing. I was not happy with you even though you were six hundred miles away!"
Zhao Wumian first turned the tide and saved 100,000 vanguard troops, and then defeated the remaining 130,000 Yuan troops in one fell swoop. His contribution was so enormous that Deng Yu could no longer be hostile to him, no matter what the reason or emotion was.
In addition to the injuries they had recovered from some time ago and the time they had been recuperating together, the two of them became more and more familiar with each other and their relationship became closer.
Everyone likes to be with smart people, especially smart people who have no ulterior motives.
This type of people can understand the elegant meaning of music by listening to it. What they say and do is refreshing and impeccable.
Deng Yu had to admit that as long as he didn't provoke Zhao Wumian, he wasn't that aggressive, unlike Zhao Yong and Zheng Yuchun, where he wanted to choke them to death with words!
It was obvious that Zhao Wumian was talking about those two people.
Now, only Zhao Yong and Zheng Yuchun disliked him.
Zhao Wumian said in annoyance, "It doesn't matter how far they are. What matters is that they are still determined to do evil! Zheng Yuchun is still okay. He is wary. But Zhao Yong must have a backup plan. The way he looked at me, he wanted to eat me alive! Did he forget that he was the one who let that woman destroy my physique in the first place?"
"Ugh."
Deng Yu sighed. The key to hatred is not whether it is reasonable or not.
If people could let go of grudges against unreasonable people, there wouldn't be so many grudges in this world.
Deng Yu said, "Forget it. They still have to march into Dali and won't be able to return in the short term. Just turn a blind eye. Have you packed your things? Okay, let's set off. The sooner the better!"
Zhao Wumian was surprised: "So urgent? I want to see General Mu again. He should be back soon."
"Can't wait any longer."
Deng Yu said seriously, "When we attacked Kunming, Ba Zawalmi and others fled to Luozuo Mountain, but Liu Mingrui of the White Lotus Sect disappeared without a trace, and Su Rige and the five Thirteen Wings were also missing... When we went up the stage to offer sacrifices to the heaven, there were a hundred thousand commanders guarding the altar. I believe in their loyalty, but they can also read minds... If others really want to know who is the master of the Eight Formations and who offers sacrifices to the heaven, it is not difficult. For you, Yunnan has become a dangerous place. The sooner you leave, the safer you will be!"
Especially for Su Rige and others, Zhao Wumian, who can use the Eight Diagrams Formation, can be regarded as a great enemy of the country and they must find ways to get rid of him as soon as possible!
"Ok."
Zhao Wumian agreed and shouted outside the tent, "Lao Bao, Xuan Li, pack up and prepare to return to Beijing!"
at the same time.
Zhao Yong’s tent.
"Keep your head up."
Zhao Yong had a cold expression on his face. He sat at the head of the table, looking at his personal guards who were half-kneeling below.
The man was wearing soldier's armor, had a square face and thick lips, and looked ordinary, the kind of person you couldn't find in a crowd of people. Upon hearing what was said, he slowly raised his head and looked directly at Zhao Yong.
Zhao Yong's lips curled slightly: "Very good, very similar. Restored to its original appearance."
The facial features of the guard changed. Her skin gradually became fairer, her nose became high, her lips became red, and her teeth became white, just like delicate porcelain. She was elegant and refined without any makeup, and her slightly upturned mouth corners revealed a hint of tenderness and kindness.
Zhao Yong walked down from his seat and came in front of her, looking down at her from above, raised his hand to hold up her chin, and said: "Reeds are lush and green, white dew turns to frost, the so-called sweetheart is on the other side of the water... You live up to your name, I really pity you, I am a little reluctant to let you go."
The woman said softly, "Godfather."
"Humph."
Zhao Yong sneered: "Are you reminding me?"
The woman remained silent.
Zhao Yong let go and stood up, pacing slowly: "Do you know who I want you to deal with this time?"
The woman said, "The captain of the Pacification Division, Zhao Wumian."
Zhao Yong asked, "Are you sure?"
The woman said, "I will follow my foster father's orders and do my best."
Zhao Yong was very satisfied with her attitude and said, "In terms of martial arts, you can't kill him. Even if you can master the "Actor's Treasure Mirror", compared with his talent, I'm afraid you are still far inferior... Even I have to admit that his talent is rare in the world... Your only chance is to use the disguise technique to poison him."
He took out a purple porcelain bottle from his sleeve: "I have prepared poison for you, the Beiyuan Wushen Cult's highly toxic [Tarsal Bone Powder]. After taking it, your tendons will break and your bones will rot, and your foundation will be completely destroyed! The most painful thing in a person's life is not death, but a life worse than death. This is the only way to vent my hatred!"
The woman nodded: "I accept your order."
Zhao Yong threw the poison at her: "How to disguise yourself and who to disguise yourself as is up to you. Within three months, I want him to become a cripple! Come to Yunnan to find me when you're done, and I'll give you what you want."
"Yes."
Lou Yiren stood up and walked out of the tent, transforming into a soldier again in the process.
……
The next day.
Fu Youde dispatched 5,000 cavalrymen and 300 experts from the Pacification Office to escort Bazawalmi and others back to the capital. Deng Yu and Zhao Wumian were also among them. The two of them were in a large sedan chair, resting as they walked.
The sedan chair ordered by the Duke was even wider than the one used to send Lu Chang before. It was spacious enough even to fit four tables in it.
Deng Yu also wanted to provide nearby protection. Even if he was injured, he was at the peak of the fourth realm, and a lean camel was bigger than a horse.
However, unexpectedly, the army set out on May 3rd and arrived at Yingtian Prefecture on May 19th. No one disturbed them during the entire journey, including Liu Mingrui of the White Lotus Sect and the Thirteen Wings of the Northern Yuan Dynasty.
Zhao Wumian felt a little strange, but he didn't think about it any further. It was best to avoid trouble.
For more than half a month, apart from practicing as usual, he used the Hanyue Blade to dig out an ice jade bead.
This bead was found by Xu Huizu in the Prince of Liang's mansion. Hearing that Zhao Wumian was looking for this kind of bead for the ice silkworm to settle down, he picked up a bead of appropriate size and asked a skilled craftsman to make it into a necklace, which is very unique.
After Zhao Wumian finished digging, he put the ice silkworm in, hung it around his neck to try it out, and was very satisfied.
Suddenly, the sedan stopped.
A long horn sounded not far away.
Deng Yu was resting with his eyes closed. He was a little surprised when he heard the sound. He asked, "A triumphal horn? Are there other troops returning to the capital?"
"Let me see."
Zhao Wumian lifted the carriage curtain and looked outside. They had returned to Yingtian Prefecture, not far from the capital. On the official road ahead leading to Jiangdong Gate, a large army was slowly entering the city ahead of them.
Zhao Wumian called Bao Buyi and asked, "What's going on over there?"
Bao Buyi took a look and was not sure: "It seems that there are also prisoners entering the city like us, like the Xifan?" "Yes, the Xifan."
A familiar voice sounded from behind.
Zhao Wumian turned around unexpectedly and saw Yun Qi and a group of shadow guards rushing over from behind.
Zhao Wumian was stunned: "No wonder Liu Mingrui, Su Rige and the others didn't take action... Could it be that Eunuch Yun went to Yunnan with Commander He who delivered the imperial edict, and came back with him?"
"Of course we have to pay attention to the safety of you and the Duke."
Yun Qi smiled and said, "In order to prevent any accidents, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince ordered me to bring shadow guards to protect us secretly. There are indeed several groups of people on the road who are ready to take action. They are self-aware. Otherwise, there should be some unexpected gains..."
Deng Yu nodded suddenly: "No wonder I felt a familiar smell on the road, thank you for your help, eunuch."
Yun Qi bowed and saluted: "Duke Weiguo, please don't do this. It is an honor for our family to escort the meritorious officials back to the capital."
Zhao Wumian thought that this was a really good treatment. The chief eunuch personally escorted him back to the capital. Needless to say, he was really touched.
But thinking carefully, Yun Qi should have another purpose... to hand over the Eight Formation Diagram to Mu Ying...
Yun Qi looked at the army in front and asked Zhao Wumian: "Do you remember Jiang Xiahou?"
Jiang Xiahou?
Zhao Wumian's mind raced as he remembered that it was Zhou Dexing who had been ordered to go to Sichuan to pacify the Wuxi barbarians at the beginning of the year!
His son Zhou Ji and Fei Ju's son Fei Ling poisoned him and eventually put him under house arrest. Zhou Dexing volunteered to suppress the rebellion, so Fei Ju led his troops to Yunnan...
"It turned out to be him."
Zhao Wumian understood: "So, he also returned triumphantly?"
Yun Qi nodded. "Marquis Jiang Xia is still as skilled as ever. Before he arrived, the barbarians of Wuxi fled in all directions upon hearing the news. Marquis Jiang Xia led his troops in pursuit, first winning in Tumen Gorge, then attacking Taozhou, capturing eighteen tribes of the Western Fan, and building a city in Donglong Mountain. He captured their leader, the three deputy envoys, Ying Cunzi, and others, pacified the seven stations of Doganar, expanded the territory by thousands of miles, captured 20,000 men and women, and 200,000 heads of various livestock... Although the Western Fan are not as strong as Yunnan, it was still a great victory, and it also shocked the Tibetan tribes. Now, the chiefs of various tribes who had previously refused to obey the rules are now taking the initiative to come to Beijing to accept their posts."
Zhao Wumian nodded: "It's really amazing."
Yun Qi said, "The Ming army is strong and powerful, which is a blessing for our country. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has specially prepared a banquet in Wuying Palace tonight to reward all the heroes and congratulate them on their victory. Let's go. His Royal Highness is waiting for us at Fengtian Gate. Don't keep him waiting for too long."
Deng Yu immediately ordered: "Quick!"
The army followed into the city.
The Jinyiwei took the captives and settled them temporarily. Deng Yu, Zhao Wumian, Yun Qi and others went directly to Fengtian Gate. Zhu Biao was waiting there as expected. Zhou Dexing and his party, who arrived earlier, had already entered the Wuying Palace.
Everyone stepped forward and saluted: "Greetings to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
"Get up quickly."
Zhu Biao took two steps forward and helped Deng Yu up: "Duke Weiguo went to the battlefield despite being ill. You must have worked hard."
Deng Yu smiled bitterly: "I was injured and sick, and I almost caused a disaster without checking it. I am ashamed."
"You don't have to do this, Duke."
Zhu Biao comforted him, "If you hadn't been in charge of Puding, General Zhengnan and his men wouldn't have been able to free their hands and feet to quell the rebellion. Moreover, the enemy is cunning and hard to guard against. Duke, please don't blame yourself and take good care of your injuries. Zhu Danxi, the genius doctor of Baihua Valley, has made new research on the poison of the "Soul-breaking Bone-crushing Hand". I have invited him to the capital, and perhaps he can help the Duke get rid of his illness."
Deng Yu thanked him quickly.
Zhu Biao waved his hand and looked at Zhao Wumian, his smile becoming more intense and casual: "Captain Zhao has shown great power this time. When the news reached the capital, even I, as a minister, could not believe it."
Zhao Wumian smiled and said, "Your Highness, I am too kind. It was just a fluke."
Zhu Biao saw that he was neither humble nor arrogant, as always, and patted his shoulder with satisfaction: "The other day, the emperor came out of seclusion temporarily, and drafted an imperial edict specifically for you, determining the title and reward. Come, pass on the edict!"
A eunuch behind him came forward and unfolded the imperial edict.
Zhao Wumian obeyed the order.
All he could hear was the eunuch reading in a shrill voice: "The Emperor, in accordance with the Will of Heaven, proclaims: In the past, meritorious service was bestowed upon those who expanded frontiers. Zhao Wumian, a centurion of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, followed the General Zhengnan in the expedition to Yunnan, and his merits were particularly outstanding. He should be rewarded with the title of Earl of Jingyuan, and his descendants shall inherit the title and receive a salary of 1,000 dan!"
"..."
Zhao Wumian was stunned for a moment.
Is this a knighthood?
This thing is useless, it's better to replace it with natural treasures...
Zhao Wumian was secretly complaining in his heart, but he said respectfully: "I accept your command and thank you!"
He took the imperial edict with both hands.
The surrounding expedition personnel had different expressions at the same time, some were envious, some were jealous.
The eighteen-year-old Earl!
A hereditary earl!
If he wasn't so young, he would be eligible for the title of marquis!
You should know that the first two people to be conferred the title of Earl were Liu Bowen, Earl of Sincerity, and Wang Guangyang, Earl of Loyalty and Diligence.
The "sincerity" in Liu Bowen's name is probably Zhu Yuanzhang's sarcasm. Although Liu Bowen made great contributions, just like he left the map and retired, he had no interest in these things, nor was he keen on Zhu Yuanzhang. Zhu Yuanzhang specially gave this insincere person a "sincerity" name to sarcasm him, but Liu Bowen didn't care.
As for Bo Zhongqin, it is easier to understand, it just means hard work.
Not only were these two earls not well-known and had low salaries, but Earl Zhongqin was only a temporary title that only lasted for one generation.
In comparison, Zhao Wumian's title of "Marquis of Jingyuan" far surpassed the other two in both title and salary.
The favor is beyond words!
This is preferential treatment for one's own family (the emperor's personal army).
However, more favors are yet to come.
Zhu Biao saw that he was not very happy, and thought that he was dissatisfied, so he explained: "Your achievements are enough to make you a marquis, but you are too young and have served for a short time. If you make me a marquis directly, the court and the people may not accept it... According to the usual practice, the lowest rank for a military official is a marquis. If you can't make me a marquis directly, you can temporarily make me a hereditary commander of the third rank, but you..."
Speaking of this, Zhu Biao couldn't help laughing.
He was also helpless. It was still a question of qualifications. He couldn't be directly conferred the title of marquis, and he couldn't be conferred the title of marquis for the time being. It wasn't possible to confer the title of hereditary third-rank commander either. The command of the Zhenfu Division was extraordinary and required matching strength. Zhao Wumian's realm was really a bit low.
Since both roads are blocked, I can only give my courtesy as a token of my appreciation.
Zhao Wumian hurriedly said: "Your Highness has misunderstood. I am not dissatisfied, I just feel that..."
Yun Qi said leisurely: "It is not as good as natural treasures."
Zhao Wumian simply nodded: "Yes!"
"Hahaha……"
Everyone couldn't help but laugh.
Zhu Biao also smiled: "Don't worry, there will be nothing missing! Let's go, the banquet will begin in Wuying Palace!"
Wuying Hall is where the emperor works on a daily basis and also where he rewards his generals.
Zhu Biao was acting as regent on behalf of the emperor, so naturally he had the right to host the banquet.
At this moment, in front of the Wuying Palace, red silk was spread on the ground, drums and music were playing, and flowers were in clusters, creating a prosperous scene.
Zhou Dexing and his party, who had arrived earlier, had already been seated under the guidance of the eunuchs in the inner court. When Zhu Biao brought Deng Yu and others into the hall, they all stood up to greet them.
Zhao Wumian followed behind Zhu Biao and was about to take a seat when he suddenly felt a dangerous aura, like that of a tiger. No, it was more fierce and domineering than a tiger or even any of the exotic beasts he had encountered in the mountains and seas except the Taotie!
It was clearly just a breath, but it seemed to turn into a tangible object and rush towards me!
It's a dragon!
Zhao Wumian narrowed his eyes and followed the direction of the scent. At Zhou Dexing's table, there was a burly young man in his early twenties, looking at him with a half-smile.
Prince Kaiping, Chang Shiwan, son of Chang Yuchun.
Chang Mao!
(End of this chapter)
