aircannonsinc Chapter 1179 Emperor Qing's Wrath is Beyond Control!
Chapter 1179 Emperor Qing's Wrath is Beyond Control!
On this day, when the caravan stopped at a post station, Gao Yao encountered a small patrol team from the northern border.
The leader of the group was a young captain named Zhao Tiezhu, who, true to his name, was tall and burly with a dark complexion. Upon seeing the convoy from Gaoyao, he took the initiative to approach and inquire.
"Are you Chairman Gao, who donated 200,000 dan of grain?" Zhao Tiezhu asked, bowing respectfully.
Gao Yao returned the greeting: "It is indeed I. General, you have worked hard guarding the border and protecting the country in this harsh and cold land."
Zhao Tiezhu smiled wryly: "Protecting our country is our duty, but..." He hesitated, unable to finish his sentence.
"Just what?" Gao Yao asked gently.
Zhao Tiezhu looked around and lowered his voice: "To be honest, Chairman Gao, the Northern Army has not been paid for three months, and food supplies are often insufficient. Your 200,000 dan of grain is truly a timely help."
Gao Yao's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained impassive: "Is that so? Doesn't the imperial court allocate funds every year?"
Zhao Tiezhu shook his head: "The funds were allocated, but after going through layers of management, very little was left for us. I shouldn't have said these things, but seeing Chairman Gao's generosity and his concern for the border region, I felt compelled to say a few words."
Gao Yao patted Zhao Tiezhu on the shoulder: "Don't worry, Lieutenant Zhao, this batch of grain will definitely be delivered to the soldiers. I will personally supervise the distribution."
A look of gratitude flashed in Zhao Tiezhu's eyes, and he bowed solemnly again: "On behalf of the soldiers of the Northern Border, I thank Chairman Gao!"
That evening at the post station, Gao Yao wrote a letter alone under the lamp. He meticulously recorded the situation of the northern army's delayed pay and insufficient supplies, but did not send it immediately. This letter was a hidden move, meant to be used at the right moment.
After traveling for another five days, the caravan finally arrived at the northern border camp. The garrison commander, Chen Ping, personally came out to greet them. This general, known for his bravery, was about forty years old, with a resolute face, but a hint of weariness between his brows.
"President Gao has come from afar; I have failed to greet you properly," Chen Ping said, clasping his hands in greeting.
Gao Yao quickly returned the greeting: "General Chen has worked hard and made great contributions in guarding the northern border. I admire him greatly. This small amount of grain and fodder is just a small contribution."
Looking at the endless convoy, Chen Ping exclaimed, "Two hundred thousand dan of grain is hardly a 'meager contribution.' Chairman Gao's righteous act has relieved our northern border of its urgent crisis."
The two walked into the camp side by side. Gao Yao keenly noticed that although the soldiers in the camp were neatly dressed, most of them had yellowish and thin complexions, which was obviously due to long-term malnutrition.
For the next three days, Gao Yao personally supervised the distribution of provisions. He was meticulous and fair, recording the whereabouts of each batch of grain to ensure it truly reached the soldiers. This action won him widespread favor among the northern troops.
On the evening of the third day, Chen Ping hosted a banquet for Gao Yao. After several rounds of drinks, Chen Ping became more talkative.
"President Gao, to be honest, the soldiers in the Northern Frontier are suffering." Chen Ping tilted his head back and finished a cup of wine. "The Northern Barbarians are eyeing us covetously from the outside, and we lack sufficient food and supplies from within. The imperial court talks about emphasizing border defense every year, but very little is actually put into practice."
Gao Yao poured him a drink: "General Chen is loyal to the country, as everyone knows. However, everyone in the court has their own difficulties."
"Difficulties?" Chen Ping sneered. "Which of those big shots in the capital doesn't live a life of luxury? Do they know what it's like for border soldiers to stand guard in the dead of winter, wearing only thin clothes?"
Gao Yao was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Although I am just a merchant, I understand the principle that 'every man has a responsibility for the rise and fall of the nation.' This delivery of grain is just the beginning. If the general does not mind, I am willing to share weal and woe with the soldiers of the northern border."
Chen Ping's eyes lit up: "What does Chairman Gao mean?"
“The Gao Clan Chamber of Commerce can open a branch in the North to supply military supplies on a long-term basis, with prices calculated solely at cost,” Gao Yao said calmly. “In addition, I can also contact merchants in the South to jointly support the defense of the Northern border.”
Chen Ping excitedly grasped Gao Yao's hand: "If that's true, I, on behalf of the 100,000 soldiers of the Northern Frontier, thank Chairman Gao!"
That night, the two talked until late. Gao Yao not only promised material support but also put forward several suggestions to improve the lives of the soldiers and civilians in the northern border. Chen Ping listened with increasing admiration and regarded Gao Yao as a rare confidant.
While the two were enjoying their drinks, a fast horse galloped from the west, carrying Han Xin's first battle report in a bamboo tube on the rider's back.
Han Xin's rebel army ambushed and defeated the Qing Kingdom's western border army at Luofeng Slope, annihilating 30,000 enemy soldiers and capturing countless supplies and provisions. However, strangely, the victorious rebel army did not pursue their advantage but instead retreated to the mountains, as if merely to prove their strength.
The imperial court was so solemn that even the air seemed to freeze. The hall was resplendent with gold and jade, and the sandalwood pillars were carved with dragons and phoenixes. Emperor Qing, seated on the dragon throne, surveyed the prostrate officials below with eyes as sharp as a hawk's.
"Battle report from the western border: two cities lost in three days!" Emperor Qing's voice was not loud, but it pierced everyone's eardrums like ice. "More than 5,000 soldiers have been lost, and countless supplies and provisions have been lost."
He slowly stood up, his bright yellow dragon robe gleaming coldly in the morning light: "I have raised an army for a thousand days, only to use it for one. Yet the generals of the Western Frontier, who command heavy troops, cannot even withstand a group of mountain rebels!"
Minister of War Zhang Qian stepped forward, trembling: "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. The rebels hold a strategic advantage, and..."
"And what?" Emperor Qing interrupted him, his eyes suddenly sharpening. "I don't listen to reasons, I only care about results. Where is General Chen Zhen?"
A middle-aged general in military uniform knelt on the ground. Although the bloodstains on his armor had been washed off, they still showed a hint of dark red: "Your subordinate is here."
"You command the three armies of the Western Frontier, and I have given you the power of life and death, yet this is all you get in return?" Emperor Qing's voice grew louder and louder. "Fifty thousand elite troops were defeated by a mere eight thousand rebel soldiers. Tell me, how should I deal with you?"
The court was completely silent, except for the soft sound of Chen Zhen's forehead hitting the ground. He could feel the cold sweat trickling down the inside of his armor.
"Issue the decree," Emperor Qing said coldly, "Remove Chen Zhen from all his posts and escort him back to the capital for trial. Military affairs in the western border will be temporarily managed by Deputy General Zhao Guang. If the lost territory cannot be recovered within ten days, he will bring his head to me!"
"Your Majesty, have mercy!" Chen Zhen's voice trembled.
Emperor Qing, however, stopped looking at him and turned his gaze outside the palace. The morning sun was rising from the east, and golden rays pierced through the palace doors, casting a long shadow that enveloped everyone kneeling on the ground.
"Retreat."
Those two short words were enough to grant the officials a pardon. They filed out, not daring to whisper to each other, their steps hurried and subdued. Only a series of heavy footsteps echoed on the white marble steps outside the hall.
As the last official left the hall, the heavy doors slowly closed, separating the two worlds. Emperor Qing stood alone in the empty court, the thunderous rage from his face now gone, replaced by a deep, unfathomable contemplation.
"Come out," he said calmly.
From the shadows beside the palace, an old eunuch dressed in purple robes appeared silently. He was none other than Hong Siyang, the chief eunuch of the palace.
"His Majesty."