noffsinger Chapter 461 Strategy 0
Chapter 461 Strategy 0
Chapter 461 Ce Ling
Feeling the care of the "nobles" in the capital, the morale of the soldiers and people in Yanming Pass was greatly boosted. Together with the "medical team" led by Wen Shichu, the epidemic in the city was quickly brought under control.
In contrast, the Dzungar army was ravaged by the plague and was unable to develop an effective prescription. Soldiers fell every day, the number of casualties increased day by day, the army's morale was unstable and low.
Seeing this, Ce Ling was extremely anxious. He knew that if this continued, not only would he be unable to break through Yanming Pass, but his own army might also be wiped out.
In desperation, he had to send an envoy to Beijing, submit a letter of credence, and request to go to the capital in person to negotiate peace.
Yongzheng naturally agreed and ordered Prince Guo to escort Celeng to Beijing.
Celeng was exhausted from the journey, and although he was anxious, he could do nothing. He had thought that once he arrived in the capital, he would be able to meet Yongzheng and achieve his goal. However, he did not expect that Yongzheng had already taken his concubines to the Old Summer Palace to escape the summer heat, leaving him in the post house in the capital, and ignored him.
It was not until the seventh day of the seventh month, when Celeng was about to lose his patience, that Yongzheng finally sent someone to take him to the Old Summer Palace.
Ever since she learned that Celeng was going to enter the Old Summer Palace, An Lingrong had been worried. After much thought, she decided that it would be better to ask clearly, so she came to Louyue Kaiyun Pavilion.
"Sister Zhen, did you save anyone special in Ganlu Temple?"
Zhen Huan didn't understand what she meant and asked, "Someone special?"
"Like the Dzungars or something?"
"No." Zhen Huan thought for a moment and shook her head affirmatively, "I have never seen the Junggar people, let alone saved them!"
That would make things much simpler, but you still have to be careful.
"Tomorrow when you meet the Khan, you must act like a quail, hide your eloquence, and say nothing."
Although she didn't know why she said that, Zhen Huan still nodded obediently.
Back in the sky, she called Longyue over and gave her some serious advice. She couldn't let her precious daughter be exposed to the Junggars.
The next day, the whole country was peaceful and tranquil.
Today's banquet was arguably the largest in recent years. Not only were the high-ranking concubines from the harem present, but even the princes of the clan, along with their wives, were also invited. Princes and princesses were also invited. Outside the palace, officials of the third rank and above lined up in court robes.
The palace was decorated with lights and colorful decorations, and the sound of stringed instruments was endless. The palace servants were busy and orderly moving around.
Yongzheng sat high on the dragon throne and raised his hand slightly.
Su Peisheng understood and responded loudly: "Announce that the Dzungar Khan has come to see you."
The door opens.
Everyone looked over and saw a figure dressed in bright yellow approaching with the gait of a dragon or a tiger. The figure was tall and straight, and there was an aura of majesty in his steps.
Only when I got close could I see his appearance clearly.
He was dressed in traditional Junggar clothing, with a sable hat inlaid with jewels on his head, a bright yellow robe with intricate patterns embroidered on the cuffs and collar, a wide cowhide belt inlaid with several large turquoise stones around his waist, and a pair of high riding boots on his feet.
An angular face is revealed under the brim of the hat. The skin looks dark and rough due to years of wind and sun. The eye sockets are deep, and the pair of hawk-like eyes are sharp and deep. The nose bridge is high and the nostrils are wide. It is a typical Mongolian appearance.
Behind him followed an attendant, also dressed in traditional Junggar clothing, with a solemn expression, looking around vigilantly.
Tsering Khan glanced at the people in the hall, a subtle glint of contempt flashing in his eyes. He raised his chin slightly, his face adorned with the confidence characteristic of a grassland overlord.
Since the 27th year of Emperor Kangxi's reign, the Dzungars have been a major threat to the Qing Dynasty. The two armies have been fighting for nearly 50 years and have long become sworn enemies. It is no exaggeration to say that "when enemies meet, they are particularly jealous of each other."
Some people from the clan prince's side have already started to glare at him.
Tsering stood proudly, his hands behind his back. His attendant said, "I, the Khan, have come to pay homage to the Emperor of the Qing."
After he finished speaking, Ce Ling put his hands under his shoulders and bent his waist slightly, but his head was still held high, his eyes looking directly at Yongzheng who was sitting on the throne in front of him.
Seeing him so arrogant, Yongzheng became a little angry and looked at Zhen Huan, wanting her to put an end to Celing's arrogance.
However, Zhen Huan acted as if she didn't hear anything and continued to look at the scene in the palace with a smile on her face.
Yongzheng had no choice but to wave his hand and said: "Khan, you have come a long way and worked hard. Please drink this cup to the fullest to enjoy the joy of meeting you today."
Xiao Xiazi came to Ce Ling holding a glass of wine.
Ce Ling took it, raised it briefly, and said, "I wish the Emperor of the Great Qing a long and prosperous life."
An Lingrong narrowed her eyes and looked at Ce Ling carefully.
This man knew even such obscure verses by heart, clearly a deep study of Central Plains culture. It seemed he had coveted the Central Plains for a long time, no wonder he would become a major threat to the Qing Dynasty in the future.
This is a line from the Book of Songs, which means to wish the elders good fortune, peace, longevity and good health.
Hey, Your Majesty, someone says you are old!
Sure enough, Yongzheng understood Ce Ling's hidden meaning and his expression changed slightly, but he couldn't argue with him. After all, he was much older than Ce Ling. He could only raise his hand and gesture: "Sit down."
Ce Ling bowed and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
In the first round, Ce Ling won.
After he sat down, Yongzheng smiled slightly and said, "Khan likes the Book of Songs? My seventeenth brother, Prince Guo, is the most knowledgeable about poetry and literature. Khan can talk to him more."
Ce Ling said with a half-smile, "Your Majesty is wrong."
"What does Khan mean?"
Celeng's voice was resonant, and his tone was full of meaning. "This Khan entered the capital from Yanming Pass, and had a very pleasant conversation with Prince Guo along the way. In my opinion, Prince Guo is definitely not just a man of poetry and books. His ability to govern the country and plan strategies is not inferior to others. It is a pity that such a talent is just an idle prince."
As soon as these words were spoken, Yongzheng's cold gaze shot straight at Prince Guo, and a trace of hard-to-conceal scrutiny flashed in his eyes.
An Lingrong thought to herself, this Prince Guo is really looking for trouble. Why is he chatting with others for no reason? Now he has caused the emperor to become suspicious. Isn't he asking for trouble?
Looking at Zhen Huan again, she had already realized that something was wrong with Yongzheng's expression and wanted to speak.
An Lingrong's heart tightened again, knowing that if Zhen Huan spoke rashly at this moment, not only would it fail to resolve the situation, but it might make things even more complicated.
Her mind raced, and before Zhen Huan could stand up, she picked up a handkerchief, covered her mouth with her hands, and laughed awkwardly.
Only after hearing her voice did Zhen Huan stop.
Yongzheng withdrew his gaze, looked at her and said, "Concubine Wen, what are you laughing at?"
An Lingrong stood up gracefully: "Your Majesty, after hearing what the Khan said, I remembered an article my sister read this morning!"
"What article?"