Zhang Yuan and Jiang Bin had a ghost in their hearts, so before they met Zhu Houzhao, they wanted to blame each other, and they were thinking about the words when they entered the emperor's book.

Zhu Houzhao was not aware of the situation on the front line. After calling the two of them, he asked questions step by step, but he did not intend to directly hold them accountable.

Zhang Yuan was about to grab the white spot, but Jiang Bin said first.

"Your Majesty, just got the news that the Jiujiang Prefecture City Dehua and Hukou County have been lost one after another. The rebels have guarded the Poyang Lake waterway and can lead troops down the river at any time..."

Zhang Yuan was stunned, looked at Jiang Bin in confusion, and then understood in an instant.

Anyway, Zhu Houzhao didn't know the news that Dehua and Hukou County were destroyed by Jiujiang Prefecture City, so he naturally didn't know what happened on the exact day. It was not too late to report it at this time, as long as he could not tell the details to Zhu Houzhao.

Zhu Houzhao slapped the table and shouted loudly: "It's so outrageous! In just a few days, the two mansions fell? Did the officials in Jiujiang Mansion and Nankang Mansion in front grew up eating shit?"

Like Jiang Bin, Zhang Yuan lowered his head and said nothing, while Xiao Tiaozi quickly persuaded him: "Have you angry."

Zhu Houzhao pushed the little twist away and said furiously: "I am leading the troops to quell the chaos, but the result is good. Halfway through the road, Jiujiang Prefecture City has been destroyed... Oh, by the way, were Jiujiang Prefecture and the city in Nankang Prefecture captured by the rebels, or did the officials open the city and surrender? "

Zhu Houzhao looked at Jiang Bin when she asked a question. Jiang Bin did not give Zhang Yuan a chance to speak, and said directly: "It's because the city is broken, and all the officials have hanged themselves to serve the country..."

"well!"

Zhu Houzhao's anger disappeared in an instant, and after a long time, he sighed quietly, "A group of useless things, from Nanchang Prefecture to Jiujiang Prefecture, have so many cities along the way, but they were actually unstoppable by the rebels. In the end, even Hukou County was trapped... But it was because I was slow to go on my way. It was said that three days would have arrived, but now five or six days have passed, and I am still on the way. If I arrived three days, these problems would not have occurred."

In the end, the emperor actually started to blame himself, which was unexpected by Jiang Bin.

Zhu Houzhao said: "Now the two key river passes in Dehua and Hukou County, Jiujiang Prefecture City, have been lost, and the city blockages along the Poyang Lake waterway should have been lost, right?"

Jiang Bin replied: "I haven't learned the specific situation yet, but I think... it's the case!"

On specific questions, Jiang Bin answered them without any leakage, and this also made Emperor Zhengde very predictive and complimented in disguise.

Zhu Houzhao was very anxious and paced back and forth with his hands behind his back. After a long time, he said to himself: "Then it is not so appropriate to continue moving forward now... The rebels rectified their troops and hoarded heavy troops in Hukou to prevent the army led by me from recapturing Jiujiang Prefecture City and Hukou County. They may even send warships to fight with us on the river... It is easy to have accidents when fighting on this river, and I cannot take this risk."

Zhang Yuan and Jiang Bin were both scared of Zhu Houzhao's "caution". Although Zhu Houzhao had always insisted on commanding the army in person, as the emperor, he subconsciously chose to avoid it as the emperor.

When it comes to the battle on the river, even if the emperor does not charge forward, there will be danger. This is directly related to Zhu Houzhao's disbelief of believing the people in front of him.

If Shen Xi led the troops, Zhu Houzhao would naturally be full of confidence. I am afraid that at this time he had already started to clamor for the rebels to look good; but the problem is that he is now in charge, and he has no idea about the performance of the ships he has in his hands, and whether the officers and soldiers have the ability to fight. When the general does not know the soldiers and the soldiers do not know the general, the first thing he must consider is his life.

In Zhu Houzhao's mind, wars can be defeated, but life cannot be lost. He is the emperor, and he has a great country and losing a corner will not affect the stability of the country. There will be opportunities to win battles in the future.

Jiang Bin said: "Your Majesty, what do you think now?"

Zhu Houzhao frowned: "Shouldn't you give me advice? Zhang Yuan, what do you think?"

Zhang Yuan couldn't help but complain: "I didn't ask me just now, but now I remembered that I came when I was involved in withdrawing troops or wanting to retreat? If I had known it, I would report the situation of the war first and maybe I could take the opportunity to report Jiang Bin."

Zhang Yuan replied respectfully: "Your Majesty, for the sake of stability, it is most appropriate to return to Anqing Prefecture at this time. Anqing Prefecture City is known as the "throat of the river", easy to defend and difficult to attack. Since the founding of the Ming Dynasty, the city has been repaired many times and is extremely strong and suitable for garrisoning troops. Even if the bandits invade, our existing troops are enough to ensure that the city is blocked."

Before Zhu Houzhao could make a statement, Jiang Bin criticized: "Eunuch Zhang, it is probably inappropriate to do this? Now the army has passed Huangshiji, Dongliu and Wangjiang, and is only one step away from Jiujiang Prefecture. If you turn back, won't you be ridiculed by the people of the world? How can you show Your Majesty's courage and determination to quell the rebellion?"

Originally, Zhu Houzhao agreed with Zhang Yuan's opinion.

First, retreat to a big city like Jining, Anqing Prefecture City, to at least ensure peace. Moreover, Zhu Houzhao has been tired after taking a boat for several days. He wants to find a place to rest well and not have to move in a short period of time. It is not suitable for small places to rest, and Anqing Prefecture has rich resources and developed economy, so it is the most suitable place to stay in the resident.

But after Jiang Bin spoke, Zhu Houzhao suddenly had concerns and began to consider his face.

At the beginning, there was such a large formation, and the army was mobilized to dispatch 100,000 troops to pledge the rebellion of Ning Kings. As a result, he only went halfway. It was not that he was stationed on the spot on the way, but that he chose to turn back halfway. It was not that he was afraid of Ning Kings. He was already at a disadvantage before the two sides had met?

Zhu Houzhao hesitated and did not answer for a moment.

Zhang Yuan next to him had already fought with Jiang Bin and asked angrily: "Now that Jiujiang Prefecture City and Hukou County are both declared to be lost. If King Ning is determined to rebel, he will definitely have a powerful navy in his hand. At this time, he will definitely take the opportunity to leave the river and pose a huge threat to our fleet!"

"Our army is marching against the current, but the enemy is going downstream. Before the war begins, our army is at a disadvantage. Not to mention anything else, when the two armies meet, they just need to light some useless ships and float towards us smoothly. We will be in chaos. If we are not good, we will end up with the destruction of the entire army... Don't you learn from the experience and lessons of the Battle of Red Cliff during the Three Kingdoms?"

"Since our army is strategically passive, when will we wait until we do not retreat? Is it really that important to face the face of Gu Quan? Now we must first ensure the safety of Your Majesty. We chose to fight quickly before, and we must seize the fighter jets. But the problem is that now the fighter jets have been lost, so we should change our strategy in time and fight steadily... Retreat the troops in Anqing Prefecture City Jining is the best choice at present."

Zhang Yuan was very sensible, and each one was in the heart of Emperor Zhengde. After hearing these words, Zhu Houzhao did not make a clear statement, but nodded frequently and was inclined to listen to Zhang Yuan's opinions.

Jiang Bin still refused to admit defeat and argued: "Your Majesty, now the troops of King Ni have just captured Dehua and Hukou County of Jiujiang Prefecture, and must have a foothold and are eager to clear up internal hidden dangers. If we kill at this time, we may take the opportunity to recover the lost territory and defeat the King Ni's troops back..."

Zhang Yuan interrupted Jiang Bin and shouted: "Even if you want to send a surprise troops, it's not your use of this... Your Majesty is in charge of the army, stability is the most important thing. Who can be responsible if something happens?"

Jiang Bin retorted: "This is a military strategy, not a surprise soldier. The King of Ni has a naval army, which is entirely based on your imagination. There is no news in advance that the King of Ni has a fleet... Now the advantages of the water are all in my hands. The King of Ni can only occupy the land to defend. We have the initiative to attack, and we will attack tentatively first. If we fail, it will not be too late to withdraw our troops..."

Two people who were completely unaware of the military had a flushed face and started a debate. The husband said that the mother had the right reason and the mother had the right argument, which made a lot of fun, but Zhu Houzhao didn't stop him.

Xiao Tiaozi couldn't help but worry when he watched it, but there was no good idea.

Finally, Jiang Bin was firm: "Your Majesty, when the soldiers of the three armies heard that the King of Rebels sent troops to capture Jiujiang Prefecture City and Hukou County, they shared the same hatred of the enemy, and indignantly swear to pacify the King of Rebels. This is the time when the whole country is united, and Your Majesty should not listen to Eunuch Zhang's plan to withdraw the troops."

Zhang Yuan stared at Jiang Bin with gritted teeth, and finally looked at Zhu Houzhao with grievance: "Your Majesty..."

"Enough!"

Zhu Houzhao suddenly shouted coldly.

Jiang Bin and Zhang Yuan immediately remained silent and waited for Zhu Houzhao to make the final decision.

Zhu Houzhao said: "Now that Jiujiang Prefecture City and Hukou County have just fallen, and the enemy situation is unknown, so it is indeed a bit too hasty to withdraw troops. It is better to station on the shore for two days first, set up camp, and send scouts to Jiujiang Prefecture to investigate the situation. If you find that the Ning Wang's army is distorted and the morale is not strong, you will continue to send troops, and vice versa... you will wait for an opportunity!"

In order to protect his face, Zhu Houzhao did not propose the option of withdrawing troops, but in fact, "waiting for an opportunity" is to retreat, and Jiang Bin and Zhang Yuan can understand this.

After Zhu Houzhao made his statement, Jiang Bin and Zhang Yuan dared not make any more suggestions.

Zhu Houzhao murmured in a low voice: "If I had known it, I should have asked Shen Shangshu what he meant, why did this happen... But it seems that it was a waste of time to ask. Since I led the army, I have passed by on time? Even if there is a complete plan, it will be like a decoration..."

Emperor Zhengde also knew how unreliable he was. Every time he led his troops, he would slow down due to food, drink, entertainment, fear of hard work, etc., and the fighter planes were repeatedly delayed. When he led the army to Xuanfu, he had this awareness. This time he was sailing against the current, he sat on the boat and did nothing, and he could not help but think more, and his feelings were more direct and real.

...

...

Zhang Yuan and Jiang Bin left Zhu Houzhao's tent, and still glared at each other, and there was a tendency to fight after a disagreement.

Xiao Tiaozi followed him out and looked at the two people who refused to give in and said, "Your Majesty didn't hear what you said? Why are you doing here? Hurry up and arrange troops to station on the riverside."

Jiang Bin said angrily: "No need to twist my father-in-law, the soldiers of the King of Rebels are powerless to fight now. When will they wait until they don't send troops? This thief delays the important matter, which is annoying and hateful!"

Zhang Yuan said disdainfully: "You can even capture Nanchang, Nankang and Jiujiang Prefectures without the power of fighting? It may not be that even Raozhou Prefecture has fallen now... Do you really understand soldiers?"

Jiang Bin sneered: "I am a hereditary military post, but I don't know where Eunuch Zhang comes from?"

"you……"

Zhang Yuan glared at Jiang Bin again.

Xiao Zhuozi said anxiously: "Two, it's not the time to argue. The rebellion of King Ning is now burning. Why are you still interested in arguing here? Your Majesty's safety is more important than anything else. So what if you can't pacify Jiangxi this time? Isn't there any Lord Shen? Lord Shen takes action, King Ning's rebellion will soon be quelled. What's the big deal?"

When Xiao Guozi mentioned Chen Xi, not only Zhang Yuan, but also Jiang Bin's face looked ugly.

They all knew very well that when encountering wars or unfavorable wars in the past, as long as Chen Xi took action, it would be possible to solve the problem, and it would definitely be bloodless. Zhu Houzhao made so many mistakes in Xuanfu before, but in the end, he magically asked Chen Xi to make up for it.

If Zhu Houzhao retreated in the face of war and issued an order to let Chen Xi come to lead the army, I believe that the rebellion of King Ning will be quelled within one or two months. The key is to see if Zhu Houzhao is so proud, and whether he wants to earn military merits to kill the enemy in person.

Zhang Yuan said: "Our family is ordered by the emperor to do things and will not be as knowledgeable as villains... I will say goodbye..."

After saying that, Zhang Yuan left with Li Xing, who had been waiting outside for a long time.

Jiang Bin did not rush to leave. He first explained to the guards in front of the imperial tent in detail. Without his permission, no one could see him. This would prevent Zhang Yuan from going to Zhu Houzhao to complain.

...

...

The news that King Ning sent troops to capture Jiujiang Prefecture City and Hukou County was spread throughout the army in less than an hour.

It was originally spread quietly in secret, but now it can be discussed openly.

At the same time, Zhu Houzhao's military orders were also issued to the army, and the troops were stationed on site, which seemed very appropriate to many people. After all, it involves the emperor's safety, and they do not advance or retreat in a hurry. You should first see the situation clearly. According to the principle, there is nothing wrong.

However, during the private discussion between Wang Lingzhi and Liu Xu, Zhu Houzhao took a step forward this time.

"You neither marched into Pengze nor retreated to Anqing, even if you can build a defense line at Madang Mountain on the south bank of the Yangtze River... What is your intention to decide to station here?"

Liu Xu looked at the terrain of the river under the Shenxi River and shook his head repeatedly.

Although Liu Xu was not a counselor, he was with Chen Xi for a day or two. He had his own thoughts on the things that were marching and fighting. Chen Xi always gave them opportunities to make suggestions to train their ability to lead troops independently... Although most strategies were not adopted, his horizons were indeed broadened.

Now Zhu Houzhao is stationed in the flat riverside field, with no danger to defend. In Liu Xu's opinion, it is a complete trick.

Wang Lingzhidao: "Maybe Your Majesty wants to wait for Lord Shen's opinion here... But here is a bit far from Nanjing. If you are waiting for reinforcements... it may not be time to get there, but it is better to withdraw directly from Anqing. The city of Anqing Mansion is strong enough to ensure His Majesty's safety."

Liu Xu nodded and said, "We should advise Your Majesty in time... Now I am afraid that the troops of King Ning will come here in a fierce manner. Then we will be stationed here, and we will not retreat or retreat. It is easy to cause chaos!"

...

...

Zhu Houzhao stationed troops in the flat wilderness by the river. He looked clever, but it was very similar to the situation when Emperor Yingzong attacked the Oirats.

They all sent troops at high prices and were all proud, but they all learned halfway through the enemy's strong military strength to change their strategies. Yingzong chose to withdraw his troops and was trapped in Tumu Fort and compensated himself. Zhu Houzhao was very proud and chose not to retreat for the time being, which was like digging a hole for himself.

When Wang Lingzhi and Liu Xu found that the emperor's order was not right, they quickly found a way to send a letter to Chen Xi, but it was not easy to pass the message from the village.

At this time, Chen Xi was far away in the new city, but he knew earlier than Zhu Houzhao that Ning Wang had broken through Jiujiang Prefecture and Hukou County.

Chen Xi didn't think about what Zhu Houzhao's next plan was. It seemed that this matter had nothing to do with him. At this time, he was addicted to "wine and sweetness".

When the lights are on, the tune played by the bamboo sheng in Ma Lian’s residence is particularly pleasant.

Under the bright lights, a group of dancers are performing carefully rehearsed songs and dances, which is very pleasing to the eye.

Chen Xi was the only guest in the hall. There were exquisite dishes in front of him, and the aroma of wine was everywhere in the cup. He seemed to be intoxicated by the graceful tunes and gorgeous dances, his eyes narrowed slightly and his expression was fascinated.
To be continued...