Chapter 136: Inspecting the City Defenses

When the officials walked in, they already saw Xue Rui wandering off in the realm of dreams.

However, Yu Qian, who walked into the office first, merely glanced at Xue Rui without making any expression. The officials following closely behind did not know the details and found it inappropriate to overstep and wake Xue Rui up, so they simply let him sleep.

At this moment, Xue Rui suddenly woke up and made a slight movement, instantly drawing the officials' attention.

Feeling rather awkward, Xue Rui cupped his hands to express his apology.

At that moment, Yu Qian could be heard speaking in a resonant voice: "The forces of Regional Commander Sun Tang and Mao Fushou, numbering over twenty thousand, have retreated. Now the generals and commanders have been dispatched to the nine gates..."

Once the officials withdrew their gazes, Xue Rui finally breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, Yu Qian had bailed him out in time, otherwise he would not have known how long his embarrassment would last.

As everyone discussed official business, Xue Rui edged closer to listen in.

After the fall of Zijing Pass, the reinforcements under Sun Tang had been recalled by the court and were currently on their way back.

In addition, during today's morning court session, Emperor Zhu Qiyu and the civil and military ministers had finalized the strategy for dealing with the enemy.

Aside from appointing commanders to guard the nine gates, the emperor also ordered the deployment of twenty thousand troops under Xuanfu Regional Commander Yang Hong and thirty thousand troops from the Liaoning Deputy Regional Commander, advancing toward the capital from the northwest and northeast directions respectively, creating a pincer threat to the invading Oirat army.

Furthermore, Zhu Qiyu issued an imperial edict ordering various princes to dispatch troops to guard the capital against any eventualities.

With the broad direction set, the remaining tasks involved coordinating the various armies and providing logistical support. Most of the departmental officials in this office were here for this very purpose.

What filled Xue Rui with emotion was that, in the absence of any military officers, these civil officials could decide on the adjustments of strategic deployments in just a few words, without even sending anyone to consult the military officers' opinions.

It seemed that after the defeat at Tumu Fortress, the civil officials had completely surpassed the military ones. This also indicated that the balance of power between civil and military officials since the founding of the dynasty had been completely shattered, and the emperor's good days were coming to an end...

When the officials gradually dispersed, Xue Rui lingered forward and said sheepishly, "Minister, I hope I didn't disturb you and the other lords discussing official business just now, did I?"

Yu Qian was looking over a document in his hands. Hearing this, he raised his head, glanced at him, and teased:

"What kind of dream were you having just now, shouting about killing and fighting all along, treating all the lords of the various departments to a monkey show for a long time?"

"Ah?"

Imagining the scene of the officials watching him talk in his sleep, Xue Rui felt so embarrassed he wished he could find a crack in the ground to crawl into. Fortunately, his psychological resilience was extremely strong, and he quickly came up with a lame excuse.

"Minister, just now in my dream, I fought three hundred rounds with the Oirat Grand Tutor Esen, and was just a hair's breadth away from taking his head, who would have thought..."

Before he could finish, Yu Qian interrupted him: "Who would have thought that our voices were too loud and woke you up?"

"Ahem."

Xue Rui coughed twice to cover up his embarrassment, and said with shame, "I was discourteous earlier, please forgive me, Minister."

Yu Qian did not blame him. Without even lifting his head, he asked, "Why did you arrive half an hour early today? Do you have an important matter to report?"

"Yes, your student indeed has an important matter to report today." Reminded by this, Xue Rui finally remembered his primary purpose.

Hearing this, Yu Qian put down the official document in his hand and asked curiously, "Tell me about it."

"Zijing Pass was breached. It must have been the work of a traitor. Does the Minister agree?" Xue Rui asked with a solemn expression.

Yu Qian nodded: "Indeed. When Garrison Commander Sun Xiang sent people to ask for reinforcements, he already suspected that a traitor had helped the Oirats find the trail bypassing Zijing Pass, which led to being attacked from the front and rear. Looking at it now, the possibility is extremely high."

"Minister, if your student guesses correctly, this traitor should be none other than Xi Ning, the eunuch serving beside the Retired Emperor!" Xue Rui said with absolute certainty.

"Xi Ning?"

Yu Qian was slightly surprised. In previous battle reports, he had heard Xi Ning's name. In his impression, Xi Ning had been sent by Esen to serve Zhu Qizhen. Why would he start working for the Oirats now?

"Exactly."

Xue Rui said seriously, "Xi Ning is a man of crooked character. Having now defected to the enemy, he has become a grave threat to our Great Ming. We must find a way to eliminate him, lest we repeat the disaster of Zijing Pass!"

"It certainly needs to be verified by sending someone."

This matter was of great importance, and Yu Qian had to treat it with utmost caution.

In the battle of Zijing Pass, if not for the traitor guiding the way, perhaps the Oirats would have already withdrawn their troops, and the court would not have needed to mobilize on such a massive scale.

Every single coin and every grain of rice consumed by the current military campaign came from the accumulated treasury reserves of the past decades, meaning every bit spent was gone forever.

No one expected that the defection of a single eunuch would cost the court countless funds, grain, and supplies. If Xi Ning was indeed confirmed as a traitor and not eliminated, he would undoubtedly stir up trouble in the future, and by then it would be too late for regrets.

Having finished discussing this matter, seeing that Yu Qian had no further instructions, Xue Rui prepared to take his leave.

Unexpectedly, Yu Qian called him back and said:

"Tomorrow, this old man will join civil and military officials to inspect the city defenses. Since you care so much about military affairs, you might as well come along and see if there are any oversights."

Xue Rui thought to himself that since the Oirats were still at Zijing Pass, there would be no combat in the capital for the time being, and inspecting the city defenses should carry no risk.

Coincidentally, he also wanted to witness the pre-war preparations, so he nodded and said:

"Since the Minister has given the order, how could your student refuse? It's just that your student knows nothing about military affairs and fears he won't be able to offer any useful ideas."

"Hehe, you'll only know after you go."

Yu Qian gave a light chuckle, waved his hand at Xue Rui, and dismissed him.

Early the next morning, after checking in at the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, Xue Rui hurried over to the Ministry of War.

Today, quite a few officials had gathered at the Ministry of War, judging from their attire, at least of the sixth rank or above. Xue Rui, a commoner without an official title standing in the crowd, appeared particularly conspicuous.

After waiting for a moment, several people walked out of Yu Qian's office.

Among these people were senior court officials. Xue Rui recognized Hu Ying, and the rest were undoubtedly high-ranking officials at the level of ministers and vice-ministers.

When the last person walked out, Xue Rui, like the other officials, felt curious about his identity.

This person was around seventy years of age, wearing a gray robe, with skin like chicken parchment and crane-white hair, slightly hunched over, looking much like an ordinary elderly man from the marketplace.

Since an old man appeared here at this time, Xue Rui naturally would not treat him as an ordinary person, and the surrounding officials also seemed curious about his identity.

Just as Xue Rui was feeling puzzled, he saw Yu Qian spot him in the crowd and beckon, "Xue Rui, come forward."

Swish!

The gazes of all the officials instantly converged on Xue Rui. None of them expected that the first person Yu Qian would call upon was this half-grown youth, and many began to speculate about his identity.

Under everyone's gaze, Xue Rui bore the pressure and stepped forward, cupping his hands in a salute to the high officials on the steps: "Your student Xue Rui greets all the lords."

Yu Qian smiled and said, "My lords, do not look down on this youth for his tender age. He has helped this official solve quite a few problems. He is an exceptionally brilliant young man and will surely become a pillar of the nation in the future."

Minister of Personnel Wang Zhi looked at Xue Rui and said in surprise:

"To be able to win the appreciation of Lord Yu, this youth must possess extraordinary talents. Could it be that Tingyi has already taken him under his tutelage?"

Tingyi was Yu Qian's courtesy name. Wang Zhi was now seventy years old, nearly twenty years older than Yu Qian, so addressing him directly by his courtesy name was entirely appropriate.

Hearing this, Yu Qian gave a bitter smile and said, "I indeed had this thought, but unfortunately he has no interest in an official career and only wishes to focus on his scholarship."

The officials were slightly stunned, and their gazes toward Xue Rui were filled with shock.

Today, Yu Qian was a fiercely prominent figure in the Great Ming, and countless people wished to pull strings and climb social ladders. Unexpectedly, this seemingly unremarkable young lad actually looked down upon Yu Qian's offer.

Was he putting on a show for fame, or was he truly indifferent to fame and fortune?

Minister of Works Pei Pu asked curiously, "Since you enjoy scholarship, you must read well. How far have you progressed in your studies?"

Studies nowadays specifically referred to the Four Books and Five Classics, and Xue Rui was instantly stumped.

Let alone the Four Books and Five Classics, he hadn't even finished reciting the *Three Character Classic* meant for young children, making it genuinely difficult for him to answer this question.

Just as he was feeling awkward, Hu Ying explained: "The scholarship this boy pursues is quite different from ours. The path he takes is actually of the same genre as Brother Huangfu."

The crowd was slightly startled, and only then did they look toward the elderly man in the gray robe beside them.

"Brother Huangfu?"

Xue Rui looked at the old man, already forming some guesses in his heart. He never expected this person to be Huangfu Zhonghe, renowned as the old immortal!

Ever since he first transmigrated, Xue Rui had always wanted to pay a visit to Huangfu Zhonghe, but the timing was never right, and he had never been able to meet this historically famous figure. Meeting him now, Huangfu Zhonghe's appearance was somewhat different from what he had imagined.

"Master Huangfu, please accept the junior's bow!"

Xue Rui hurriedly stepped forward, bowing deeply to Huangfu Zhonghe with utmost respect.

A smile appeared on Huangfu Zhonghe's wrinkled face as he raised a hand and said:

"Rise quickly, rise quickly. This old man has long heard of you, and now even the Grand Commandant has praised you highly, which is enough to show that you are a person of real capability. Since this old man is currently a commoner, it hardly befits me to receive such a grand bow from you."

Xue Rui smoothly stood up and said to Huangfu Zhonghe:

"Your junior has long admired Master Huangfu. Meeting you today is truly my greatest fortune. If you have leisure in the future, I beg Master Huangfu to offer much guidance."

"Hehe, this old man only knows some petty arts and is hardly qualified to offer guidance. I hear that you are exceptionally skilled in the art of calendar calculation and are currently improving the *Tonggui*. If you truly succeed, this old man will have to consult you instead," Huangfu Zhonghe said with a smile.

"Your student is ashamed; I am merely tinkering blindly."

Xue Rui felt a slight shock in his heart, never expecting that his simplification of the *Tonggui* had already reached Huangfu Zhonghe's ears.

However, since the new *Tonggui* was not yet fully completed, he could not afford to be overly boastful and had to maintain a low profile.

Nearby, upon hearing that Xue Rui was not taking the imperial examination route and was only infatuated with astronomy and calendar calculation, the several high officials lost much of their interest in him.

Nowadays, entering officialdom through the imperial examinations was the orthodox path; those who did not even read the Four Books and Five Classics would amount to nothing in the future.

Seeing that the time was ripe, Yu Qian led the officials together to inspect the city walls.

There were nearly thirty officials participating in this inspection of the city defenses, and naturally, it was inconvenient for such a large group to walk. Therefore, carriages and sedan chairs had already been arranged outside. Xue Rui originally wanted to follow the procession on foot, but he was called over by Huangfu Zhonghe to ride in his carriage.

Inside the carriage, Huangfu Zhonghe inquired about the situation at the Imperial Astronomical Bureau and casually asked Xue Rui about his knowledge of astronomy and calendar calculation. Fortunately, ever since his transmigration, Xue Rui had been working hard to study the astronomical knowledge of this era, so his answers were relatively fluent, earning him consecutive praises from Huangfu Zhonghe.

Two quarters of an hour later, the carriages arrived at Desheng Gate, which directly faced Zijing Pass.

At this moment, the city gates were completely sealed, with a sentry post every three steps and a guard post every five steps up and down the city walls, making the defense extremely rigorous.

Following the officials up to the ramparts, Xue Rui looked around. The city wall was very broad, wide enough for several carriages to drive abreast, and it was piled high with rolling logs and giant stones used for defending the city, along with barrels of burning oil and pots emitting a foul-smelling liquid known as "golden juice" (boiling excrement and urine).

It seemed that while the court had deployed a force of 220,000 outside the city, putting on a posture of fighting with their backs to the river, they had also prepared for the worst-case scenario: if the field army was defeated, they would rely on the city fortifications for defense.

Following behind the officials, Xue Rui couldn't help leaning over the battlements to look outside.

One look left him completely dumbfounded.

When the imperial armies set out on campaign, they always marched out through Desheng Gate, signifying a victorious return.

This Desheng Gate directly faced the direction of Zijing Pass; if the Oirats wanted to attack the capital, this place would bear the brunt and become the primary target for the Oirats.

Precisely because of this, the court had entrusted the heavy responsibility of guarding Desheng Gate to the Regional Commander, Marquis of Wuqing Shi Heng. Over forty thousand troops were stationed here, making it the most elite and powerful military force among all the city gates.

When watching movies in the past, Xue Rui hadn't felt that tens of thousands of people amounted to much, but looking down from the city walls at this moment, the encampments of these tens of thousands stretched for miles, disappearing beyond the horizon.

And the tens of thousands of soldiers arrayed in battle formations, currently undergoing drills, looked like swarms of ants gathered into military legions, a vast black sea that struck awe into one's heart.

Seeing this scene, Xue Rui couldn't help feeling emotional. If tens of thousands of people created such a massive spectacle, how truly breathtaking must the scenes of hundreds of thousands of troops clashing in history have been?

As for military deployment and battle arrays, Xue Rui genuinely lacked expertise, so he refrained from making random comments and simply stayed by Huangfu Zhonghe's side, occasionally chatting idly with the old immortal.

After inspecting the city defenses, Xue Rui once again hitched a ride back in Huangfu Zhonghe's carriage.

Before getting off, Xue Rui even made an appointment with Huangfu Zhonghe to visit his residence when he had the opportunity, so they could discuss issues related to astronomy.

After boasting about today's experiences to the hereditary students in the archives office, the time to finish work arrived before long.

After finishing work, Xue Rui did not return to the residence with his father; instead, he turned and headed to the Hu residence, intending to check on the three members of the Hu family.

Recently, Xue Rui had been busy to the point of exhaustion and hadn't visited the Hu residence for a long time.

Now that war was approaching, Hu Ying'er must be worried, so he needed to pacify her first.

Walking for two quarters of an hour, Xue Rui finally arrived at the Hu residence.

The doorman saw that it was him knocking on the door and said happily:

"Master Xue, you've finally come. The young lady has been over several times these past few days asking if you've visited, presumably she has something important to discuss with you."

"Is that so?"

Xue Rui thought to himself that Hu Ying'er missing him wasn't necessarily because of official business; when she asked the doorman, she certainly wanted to confirm whether he had been there. No doubt, after several days apart, she must have been longing for him in her heart.

Thinking of this, Xue Rui felt somewhat ashamed. Lately, he had been running around busily, leaving Hu Ying'er neglected for a long time without even sending word, acting just like a scumbag.

Fortunately, this was in ancient times; if it were modern times, his phone would probably have been blown up with missed calls.

Heading straight to the courtyard, he met a maidservant coming from the opposite direction and hurriedly asked, "Where is your young lady?"

The maidservant recognized Xue Rui and, pointing toward the embroidered pavilion, said, "My young lady is currently entertaining a guest."

"Entertaining a guest?"

Xue Rui frowned and asked, "Is your young lady's guest a man or a woman?"

The maidservant looked at him strangely and replied, "Naturally, anyone allowed up into a young lady's private pavilion can only be a woman! I heard she is the eldest daughter of the Zhao family from the capital!"