HLnovel Chapter 134 Bad News
Chapter 134 Bad News
The first day of December in the sixth year of Jiayou in the Song Dynasty was the day of the grand court meeting, which was also a summary meeting of the past year and the relevant work arrangements for the next seventh year of Jiayou.
However, for the current rulers and ministers of the Song Dynasty, no summary or future plans are as important as the current war against Xia.
During the two and a half months from September 15th to December 1st, military intelligence from the front line was released several times a day.
Whether good or bad, Han Ming did not seem to choose to hide it. He passed it all to Xue Xiang of Jingzhao Prefecture, who then submitted it to the court.
Such a cumbersome process has led to a large amount of military information flowing to the public.
As a result, the Yongxing Army alone sparked a huge public discussion.
The backs of the people, which had been broken by the pressure of the border for many years, suddenly straightened up, and even rumors spread among the people that it was glorious to join the army.
In order to deal with various internal issues, Xue Xiang was busy all day long.
The nearly 100,000 troops on the front line were like money-eating beasts, spending countless amounts of food and military supplies every day.
Fortunately, the governor had made preparations in advance and applied to the court for more than twice the military supplies in the name of military reform, which was enough to fill the daily gap.
Looking at the donation reports from various prefectures and counties submitted by the chief clerk, he couldn't help but twitch his eyes and cursed inwardly: "These local gentry and rich people are really getting richer than the other."
"Damn it, if I could confiscate all these bastards, I could hold the front line even with 200,000 or 300,000, let alone 100,000 troops."
But no matter what you think, these so-called gentry and local rich people are the cornerstones of the Song Dynasty, or the entire feudal society.
The landlord class is a class that the ancient feudal dynasties could not avoid.
In the absence of extremely developed social productivity to give rise to new classes, they are indeed a relatively advanced group of people in China.
"Sir, this is a batch of food and supplies that were 'voluntarily donated' by the prefectures and counties along the Yongxing Military Route. We are currently 'actively negotiating' for the second and third batches."
As the chief clerk of the Transportation Department who was promoted by Xue Xiang, Guo Lin has always been a diligent person.
He thought that with the promotion of his deputy transport envoy to the chief envoy, he would be able to climb up the ladder as well. However, the court parachuted in a ruthless person with strong ability and background, resulting in him getting nothing.
With his master's defection, the entire Yongxing Army Road has now become a one-man show, but fortunately, countless merits and achievements still fall on him.
I have been very busy during this period because of the previous issue of "local gentry and nobles supporting the front line" within Yongxingjun Road.
Look, the fighting has been going on for almost three months, and the first batch of supplies here was only taken from these landlords, wealthy people, and literati.
"Okay, I can rest assured that you can do the work."
Xue Xiang, who was brought back to his senses by Guo Lin's words, patted the document.
"But sir, right now, people are a bit uneasy about the 'donation' issue..."
Guo Lin still reported the true situation that he had learned.
"Well, I could have guessed that."
"In short, have all the military offices in various places be on high alert at all times. Remember, no matter how big the issue, wait until the war is over before making any decisions."
"If anyone is so foolish as to try to jump out, they will be charged with treason and hanged on the spot!"
When Xue Xiang said the last sentence, his eyes darkened slightly, and a hint of murderous intent emerged from him without any concealment.
"Yes, I will definitely urge the military offices in various places to be on alert." Guo Lin immediately bowed.
"Don't push too hard. I don't think there's any rush for the second and third batches of supplies. They can delay as much as they want, as long as they don't miss out on military intelligence at the front."
Xue Xiang finally gave in. He didn't dare to oppress this group of gentry and scholars too harshly. If someone reported the matter to the court later, he would probably be skinned alive if not killed.
After finishing the relevant government affairs here, Xue Xiang strolled back to the backyard and happily drank the hot tea made by his wife.
"Sir, it's cold out today, and it's not a good idea for you to stay in the government office all the time!"
Mrs. Xue sighed softly with some concern.
"No, I can't. Right now, everyone in the government and the country is paying attention to this war. If I, your husband, make any mistakes at this moment, I'm afraid that my headgear will be the least of my trouble. It's very likely that my whole family will suffer!"
Xue Xiang rubbed his eyebrows tiredly.
Don't think that he has an easy time just sitting in the rear. In fact, he has to deal with government affairs and military affairs in various places every day.
If the war continues, the huge military expenditure will drag him to death.
After all, under the Song Dynasty's policy of "one country supporting one city", there was not enough military expenditure at the local level, and all these matters were coordinated by him.
"Sir, is this battle really so important?"
Although Mrs. Xue came from a family of officials, it was still difficult for her to see clearly such military issues.
"important!"
"If you win, apart from anything else, this achievement alone will allow you to marry me and take me half a step into the imperial court!"
Xue Xiang's words are not bragging. You have to know that he has sufficient qualifications and strong abilities, and has always been among the top local leaders.
However, if one wants to enter the capital and serve in the government, one still lacks connections and merits.
This time, Han Ming brought his connections to me, and the credit would be repaid soon.
This time, he will have to take up the post of transport envoy of Yongxingjun Road. After governing the local area for a few years, he will be able to return to Beijing and join the Sansi Yamen.
The Sansishi, a position known as the "Prime Minister of Planning", can only hold this position for a few years.
Xue Xiang's thoughts became dazed as he imagined the future, and he didn't hear a word Mrs. Xue said.
It was not until a shout was heard that Xue Xiang trembled and turned to look at the front yard.
"This is a military report from the front line. How come it's arriving at this hour?!"
Xue Xiang was somewhat surprised and confused. You know, the last military report was delivered three days ago. This short report only mentioned one thing: changes occurred on the front line.
Thinking of this, Xue Xiang immediately walked out of the backyard and came to the hall in front.
I saw a young man in a bloodstained military uniform standing in front of the door.
"Jing Yu? Why is it you?"
"Master Xue!!!"
Jing Yu looked at the other person with surprise, then immediately took out a letter from his arms and handed it to him.
When Xue Xiang saw Jing Yu in such a miserable state, his eyebrows twitched and he felt that something bad was about to happen.
After receiving the letter, Xue Xiang's face turned pale with anger after reading only two lines.
"The governor was defeated in Lingzhouchuan and lost Weizhou. He is now marching south, preparing to enter from Douling, pass Xiaoguan and go to Pingxia City to garrison!"
Jing Yu clasped his fists and spoke.
"call--!"
Xue Xiang held the letter tightly, closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
Then he opened his eyes, looked at Jing Yu seriously and said, "How do you plan to send this letter?"
Jing Yu stretched his neck and whispered in Xue Xiang's ear.
"This? Is this too risky?"
Xue Xiang frowned, really not understanding what this gentleman was trying to do.
"The governor said that everyone is honest and straightforward. One is one, two is two. Report as it should be. There is no need to hide anything."
Jing Yu's words made Xue Xiang feel more and more that there was something fishy about this matter. However, since Han Ming's order had come, he could not stop it by force. After all, they were all tied to the same rope now.
"In that case, I will spread the news immediately."
Xue Xiang was decisive and went straight into the lobby with the bloodstained letter. He then ground some ink, dipped his brush in it, and wrote a memorial that would trigger a tsunami and earthquake.
"Take a look. What do you think?"
Xue Xiang handed it to Jing Yu and asked him to give him some advice.
Jing Yu simply waved his hand and said, "No need, sir. The governor said that he trusts you to handle the matter. This memorial can be sent through the post station according to the procedures and sent 600 miles expedited."
Xue Xiang nodded slightly, called for someone to come and send Han Ming's military report and his own memorial away together.
"Where are you going next?" Xue Xiang seemed very calm about the situation which had taken a sudden turn for the worse.
“Where we come from, there we go.”
Jing Yu grinned, clasped his fists and bowed to say goodbye.
Looking at Jing Yu's hurried departure, Xue Xiang put his hands behind his back and smiled helplessly: "Next, it depends on who has the better skills..."