Demoness, where are you Fleeing to?
Chapter 814 - 673 The Swiftly Spread Good News

Chapter 814: Chapter 673 The Swiftly Spread Good News

In the early morning, when the gates of Desheng Gate and Anding Gate on the north side of Beijing had just opened, dozens of messengers from Xuanfu Town entered riding swiftly, carrying Long Banners nearly ten feet high.

Hanging from the Long Banners was what’s known as the "signboard", bearing the triumphant news from Xuanfu Town for pedestrians to read along the way.

However, when the messengers announced the victory, they mainly relied on shouting, "Great victory in Xuanfu! Last night, County Prince Fenyang annihilated the entire Mongol Tartar army at Xuanfu, beheading two hundred and seventy thousand enemies, capturing ninety thousand prisoners, and taking Khan Totaabuqa and three Mongol Taiji alive! Our army seized countless weapons and livestock, with fewer than nine thousand casualties—"

As their shouts spread, the entire area around the city gate stirred into excitement, and every household opened their doors and windows, peering out in amazement and disbelief.

As the messengers spurred their horses and kept yelling loudly, nearly half of the Capital City became restless.

Almost everyone walked out of their homes, and everywhere was abuzz with people’s voices, leaving the streets deserted.

They whispered to each other and discussed fervently.

Some were visibly joyous, exhilarated by the news of the victory at Xuanfu; others couldn’t believe it and were filled with doubt and wonder.

Wang Jing, who lived in the Guozi Bureau, was close to Anding Gate and was among the first to hear the cries of victory from the direction of Anding Gate.

His expression was incomprehensible, "Has County Prince already won? How can it be so fast?"

Wang Jing had thought that this battle would last at least a month or two.

Long Rui also found it unbelievable, "That’s a full four hundred and twenty thousand Mongolian Iron Cavalry! As far as I know, the County Prince and his two companions went alone without bringing any military horses, which means the Mongols still had the advantage in troop strength. In the area around Xuanfu, there were at most three hundred and fifty thousand soldiers and horses.

If it weren’t for the fact that County Prince Fenyang, our teacher, led the troops to Xuanfu, I would suspect that this is a false report. Even if the Mongols were all pigs, they couldn’t just let Xuanfu’s army chase and hack at them, could they?"

Wang Jing couldn’t help but shake his head, "How could that be possible? Didn’t you hear them? They captured Khan Totaabuqa alive, along with three Taiji. To what extent must the Mongols have been defeated to even have their Khan captured alive? I really want to know how this battle was fought."

He then slapped the desk heavily, his voice rising with enthusiasm, "Unexpectedly, today we have redressed the humiliation of the great defeat at Tumu Fort! What a pity there’s no wine, or I would certainly be pouring out a great white!"

Opposite them, Zhang Dan, a student at the Guozi Bureau, was full of admiration, "Worthy of our teacher! His literary talents alone take up eight bushels of all under heaven, and in the art of warfare, he is a peerless hero.

He first crushed Shulv Ping at Chengde, then claimed victory over Liang Heng at the Chaobai River, and now has defeated Totaabuqa, three major battles within a month, all resounding victories, utterly exhilarating. I believe that even ancient Divine Generals, like Bai Qi and King Xiang, would be no more than this!"

Wang Jing and Long Rui exchanged glances and then both burst into wry laughter.

Ever since Zhang Dan petitioned the court for Prince Xiang’s cause, and was persuaded to return home by County Prince Fenyang, thus avoiding a calamity, he held the County Prince in the highest veneration.

He not only praised County Prince Fenyang to the highest degree at every opportunity, but he also wouldn’t tolerate any disrespect spoken against the County Prince.

"This victory is indeed excellent news for the people of the Jin Dynasty,"

Wang Jing looked out the window, "The chaos in the court seems to be stabilizing."

Since the former emperor’s demise days ago, Wang Jing had seen firsthand the turmoil within the court.

Although County Prince Fenyang had already led his troops to quell the rebellion, the succession of the young Emperor and the ruling of a female regent had inevitably caused discontent and disorder, giving rise to all manner of bizarre incidents.

Inside the Capital City, it was as if demons were dancing wildly, reminiscent of the scenes before and after the defeat at Tumu Fort.

Just two days ago, the treasury of the Shuntian Government Yamen caught fire, and tens of thousands of taels of patterned silver disappeared without a trace.

Initially, the rumors claimed that the followers of the Li Emperor had set the fire, but later it was found to be an inside job, theft by officials who then set the fire to frame the Li Emperor’s supporters and cover up the evidence.

Incidents like this were not isolated within the Capital City and were all manifestations of discord.

Fortunately, the several regent ministers appointed by the former emperor were exceptionally capable and managed to maintain some stability.

However, with County Prince Fenyang’s great victory in Xuanfu and the capture of Khan Totaabuqa, the malignant spirits filling the Capital City must surely be dispelled.

Long Rui couldn’t help but smile slightly, "After this victory of County Prince Fenyang, the north can spare six to seven hundred thousand soldiers, and the foundation of The Court will be as solid as rock. At such a time, who would dare stir up trouble under the County Prince’s watch?

Although a young Emperor has ascended to the throne, with County Prince Fenyang steadying the situation, the realm cannot be thrown into chaos. Although the former Emperor was overly kind and soft-hearted, leading to today’s calamity, I still admire his ability to recognize talent. Only a pillar of the state like County Prince Fenyang can secure the realm!"

Then his tone changed, and with a hint of joy, he said, "But this is good news for us. I originally thought this year’s Imperial Examination was completely off the table, but now it seems it might not be the case.

I reckon The Court will open the exams to stabilize the hearts of the people across the realm; it will probably be right after the burial of the Emperor—hey? What are you planning to do? Weren’t we going to discuss literature and refine our artistic pursuits together?"

Long Rui noticed that his two classmates were already packing up books and writing materials.

"Of course, we’re going to the tavern!" Zhang Dan laughed, "With such a grand victory from The Court, how could we not celebrate? Come on, I’ll treat today, we must drink a jug and not stop until we’re thoroughly drunk."

Long Rui thought that it was actually the mourning period for the Emperor, and according to rituals, all taverns and teahouses across the land should cease operation for seven days.

The commoners were also supposed to mourn the Emperor, and they could not eat meat these few days.

But then Long Rui also packed up his textbooks, "Well then, we’re all not in the mood for scholarly pursuits today, forget these texts. With County Prince Fenyang’s great victory, you and I must celebrate!"

There’s policy above, but there are countermeasures below. Taverns might not be able to do business, but that didn’t mean the chefs and kitchens couldn’t prepare meals for others.

※※※※

Within the Forbidden City, in the Qianqing Palace, Yu Hongshang had only just fed Yu Youlong, and had coaxed the child into a sleepy state, when she heard bursts of firecracker noises outside the palace walls.

These firecrackers, mixed with the sound of gongs and drums, continued nonstop, the noise loud and reverberating, shaking the deep palace, causing little Yu Youlong to burst into loud cries.

Yu Hongshang was momentarily stunned, then summoned Wei Bailong, the Xiuyiwei officer stationed at the Qianqing Palace, to inquire what was happening, "Have someone go outside and check, what’s happening outside the palace? Why are so many people setting off firecrackers, and there are many people beating drums and striking gongs?"

Wei Bailong, who had been promoted just yesterday with Yu Hongshang’s personal support to take charge of the Northen Zhenfu Division, suppressed the joy on his face and said, "Your Highness, have you forgotten? The messenger from Xuanfu Town has already arrived in Beijing overnight. This must be the common folks spontaneously celebrating after the swiftly spread good news."

Yu Hongshang was momentarily taken aback by his words, then relaxed into a smile.

The previous night, she was so excited when she heard the good news from Xuanfu Town that she nearly couldn’t sleep.

Such an earth-shattering victory, its significance even surpassing the ’Buyuer Sea’ battle that crushed the former Yuan. It was like a Dinghai Needle, restoring peace to the troubled Court.

So at that time, Yu Hongshang’s feelings were indescribable, elated and excited to the point where she nearly lost her composure in front of her ministers.

She thought if she felt this way, what about those common people?

At that moment, Wei Bailong’s expression changed, "Your Highness, do you need me to send someone to scold and stop them?"

Although the rites only stated that during the Emperor’s mourning period, people must adhere to a vegetarian diet and refrain from amusement, it did not stipulate that commoners could not set off firecrackers or beat drums and strike gongs.

But as the Emperor had passed away just a few days ago, and the commoners were celebrating so jubilantly, Wei Bailong instinctively felt it was inappropriate.

Yu Hongshang, however, shook her head, "Nonsense! The commoners are celebrating out of extreme joy, why scold them? Later, you can pass on a message to the Shuntian Government and Xiuyiwei that in the next few days they may relax the restrictions on alcohol slightly, everything else should remain as usual. It’s rare for the people to be so happy, there’s no need to spoil their mood. Also, make sure to pay attention to fire prevention, and don’t let those Demons cause trouble."

As she said this, her expression became complex, "Speaking of which, there has never been such a lively and joyful celebration in Beijing. I recall that even last year’s great victory at Xuanfu Town didn’t make the people as happy as this."

Seeing that Yu Hongshang truly did not mind, Wei Bailong also showed a smile, "Your Highness! Since the Xuan Emperor, our Jin Dynasty hasn’t fought many good battles like this. Especially after the Tumu Fort incident, who among the commoners and humble people of north Zhili doesn’t live in fear of the north, filled with trepidation?"

Even though The Court had won a few battles during the previous emperor’s reign, firstly, it was on our territory, and secondly, the number of enemy slain wasn’t many.

Therefore, while the commoners were certainly happy, they all understood that Meng Wu’s national power remained strong, and the northern calamity was still there, uncertain as to when they might attack north Zhili again.

"Now, with County Prince Fenyang’s battle eliminating tens of thousands of the Datan cavalry—the equivalent of at least one-sixth of the Meng Wu’s able-bodied adults—and capturing the Meng Wu Khan, avenging the humiliation of Tumu Fort, how could the people not rejoice? Even I am so stirred that I can hardly contain myself."

Wei Bailong left unsaid that the people of Beijing were so pleased also because they now had confidence in the current Court, believing that Beijing would not suffer from military calamity again in the future.

Ever since the Li Emperor’s demise, the atmosphere in Beijing had been continuously suppressed and gloomy.

Especially the families of officials and all sorts of merchants within the city, nearly everyone was apprehensive about the future, worried about their prospects.

The victory of County Prince Fenyang at Xuanfu Town can be said to have dispelled all gloom.

"How could the palace be unaware?" Yu Hongshang shook her head, "You may step down, Wei Zhenfu. Remember to convey my instructions to the Shuntian Government; you must personally ensure Xiuyiwei maintains the safety of Beijing."

As Wei Bailong retreated from the palace after receiving the order, Yu Hongshang smiled and pinched the cheeks of the little child in her arms who had stopped crying and was now sound asleep.

"You little fellow, you’re lucky to have a good father. With this great victory in the north, your imperial throne is secured."

She then cradled Yu Youlong and walked to the casket in the Qianqing Palace where the Jingtai Emperor lay.

Yu Hongshang’s eyes reddened, her expression sorrowful yet flavored with joy, "Father, do you see this? Xuan’s great victory at Xuanfu Town, with tens of thousands of heads taken, and capturing Tuotuobuhua alive. He did not let you down, he accomplished what you earnestly sought all your life but could not achieve."

She gently caressed the edge of the casket, her expression gradually firming, "Father, rest assured, I will definitely safeguard your realm and your empire!"