Chapter 928 Purgatory on Earth Ten Thousand Degrees of Knife Wen (Part 2)
"...Five years ago, I was transferred to the post of magistrate of Tanzhou. When I arrived in the capital, I was summoned by Duke Mei after the poetry meeting. At that time, the old man went with me I said, the Miao border area is in great trouble. There were a lot of problems. I was told to be careful. At that time, the battle at Xiaocanghe had just ended, and Black Flag's vitality was severely damaged. However, after three years of fighting with the Jurchens, they showed a tenacity that shocked the world."
"...This seedling. The territory of Xinjiang belongs to the Hegemony Sword among the Black Flags. The first line started the Yongle Rebellion with Fang La earlier, and has been dormant since then. It was not until the beginning of the Xiaocanghe War that it made any big moves. In the fifth year of Jianshuo, the main force of Ba Dao moved westward to prepare for the southward escape of Xiaocanghe Black Banner. , except for family members who stayed in Miao territory, The number of soldiers that can be fought is only ten thousand, but even so, I have never had the slightest contempt... It is a pity that the subsequent development has not been as I expected. Ji and Sun's worries are not in Zhuanyu, but within Xiao Qiang... ”
Juling County. Autumn is approaching, and the garden is golden. In the most elegant restaurant in the county, a woman who is cheering for fun is playing an elegant tune. A middle-aged official in his forties is holding a wine glass and is facing the burly and rough-looking man opposite. As the general spoke, there was occasional self-mockery in his words, but his tone could be considered very sincere.
"...After the brothers were transferred to Tanzhou, they cleaned up military affairs, made friends with all parties, and inquired about information about Miao territory, and made a plan to first blockade and then annihilate. However, in the eighth, ninth, and tenth years of Jian Shuo, , sent out troops five times, with a minimum of 80,000 troops and a maximum of 200,000 troops marching into the mountains. But in the end, the ones holding back... were the people around them."
The middle-aged official waved his hand slowly: "Three years! Five times! Every time, there was no success. Here they said they wanted to fight, but in the southwest, all parties started to discuss business. After the business negotiations were over, they started to make trouble in private. , they all thought that Mr. Nan Ning had taken advantage of him, but he was not lazy... In the ninth year of Jianshuo, That time in the summer, Brother Zhu, you were sorry for me.”
The rough-looking general on the other side raised his glass: “Drink.” br>
The two clinked glasses. The middle-aged official's face was red and he poured the wine again: "I know, I, Yin Changxia, Today I am lobbying Brother Zhu. Because of Brother Zhu’s character, he will look down on me. However, in the big picture, you and I are both officials of the Wu Dynasty. I am the magistrate of Tanzhou, and you should be under my control. Unfortunately, the Wu Dynasty is in its decline. It’s true. Everyone has their own ideas. It doesn’t matter. Yin is here today only as a friend. Brother Zhu can listen to what he says. Listen, it doesn’t matter if you can’t listen.”
The words of the official named Yin Changxia were full of alcohol. Tanzhou in the Wu Dynasty was the city of Changsha in later generations, and it was also the location of the Luzhi of Jinghu South Road. He was named Tanzhou. Zhizhou was originally one of the highest officials in the provincial capital, but Juling was no more than a small county near Tanzhou, so he was naturally under the control of Yin Changxia in name. When Yin Changxia said these words under the influence of alcohol, the military attache surnamed Zhu raised his glass to apologize: "Master Yin is serious. I will punish myself with three drinks. I will punish myself with three drinks."
"Drink together." Yin Changxia drank three glasses of wine with the other party, clapped her hands on the table, "I just said...Brother Zhu looks down on me, it doesn't matter, then the Black Flag Army said Yin is a traitor. What is a traitor? Talk to them Being against is a traitor? Brother, I am also a Han. I am an official in the Wu Dynasty. I am the parent official in charge of Tanzhou. I...I have one move, I admit it! I have been in charge of Tanzhou for five years, and I have more than 50,000 people, but I have failed once. I have never invaded Miao territory. What is the reason? No. Listen, I admit it!”
He waved his hand: “After dealing with them for so many years, I underestimated their combat power! When they come out in June, they will attack Changsha if they want to, and they will attack Linxiang if they want to. Linxiang, the city defenses are in shambles Tu, someone even opened the door for them. I agree. The Chinese army is powerful, and the Jurchens are also powerful. We are left behind. But what’s next?”
Yin Changxia stretched out her hand Looking at the table: "In June, Chen Fan and others came out and said they wanted to kill me to sacrifice the flag. I had no choice but to hide. Everyone nearby said that they would join forces with the black flag to fight against the gold. They said it loudly. Pingjiang's Yu Daya couldn't wait to go to the southwest immediately Kneeling to see Mr. Ning, people in Pingjiang County said that Mr. Ning was a saint, and people in Xiangxiang and other places also said that they would throw a black flag. Unfortunately, in August, it was different. "
"Brother Zhu, In June I lost Changsha, Linxiang and other places , went into hiding, and began to come out in August. Various places responded and started to fight against the black flag. Do you think Yin has such appeal?" Yin Changxia shook his head, "Brother Zhu, to be honest. Well, Hunan people have strong temperaments You are brave and dare to be the first in the world. Yin is an outsider and can't move you. The only ones who can really move you are those outside..."
When he said this, he sighed slightly and looked towards the restaurant. Looking out the window.
Across the small courtyard, outside is the gray and black county town and market in Juling. Juling is the location of Liuyang in later generations. It is not a big city now. At first glance, it does not appear to be prosperous, but even so, there is a quiet atmosphere when pedestrians come and go. Sunlight shines through the gaps between trees, fallen leaves turn yellow, insects chirp, beggars rest on the roadside, children run by...
Yin Changxia said: "In August, Jurchen Wanyan Xiyin has gone down. The order to attack Jinghu, Guo Baohuai, Yu Gusheng, Li Touhe... the three armies together must be nearly 200,000 people. They will be the first to attack, followed by hundreds of thousands of troops to press on the border, and sit behind. There is also the Jurchen veteran Yin Shuke, who We fought in Lin'an and made corrections, and are now on our way here. "Brother Zhu, what's here?" He's batch is still a little less powerful. At first, more than 10,000 people came out to occupy Changsha and Linxiang. They were in the limelight. Then, hundreds of thousands of troops came and they couldn't fight. They went back to the mountains. Even if they had the guts, they would die. Ai, on their side , no one can survive. The northwest is still a wasteland."
The general named Zhu on the opposite side nodded: "Yeah, it's not easy to handle."
"And, The Jurchen Valley Goddess Wanyan Xi Yin is different from the two princes in the east." Yin Changxia drank a glass of wine, "The founding veterans are the most troublesome. They are not like Zong Fu and Zong Bi who drive people to fight, but have made plans early. The rules of reward and punishment can be beaten They have made great achievements, they have land, people, and weapons and cannons. What are they implying? One day they will go to the north. When the time comes...Brother Zhu, to be completely rebellious, everyone in the south. Son, Jurchen It would be nice to see everyone break the soil and become king, this is the best thing for them. Everyone is reluctant to fight for the Jurchens, but they fight for themselves, or for the Wu Dynasty... To be honest, everyone can still fight. ”
The general opposite took a sip of wine: "Is this considered for the Wu Dynasty?"
The cup in Yin Changxia's hand was stunned for a moment. After a while, he took the wine bottle and drank several cups in a low voice. He said: "Brother Zhu, this doesn't count, but the current situation...what do you want everyone to say...the former emperor abandoned the city and left, Jiangnan was completely defeated, everyone surrendered, the new emperor has My heart cheers up, it's great. News came a few days ago that Wanyan Zongfu was defeated in Jiangning, but what happens next, I don't know how to escape...Brother Zhu, let everyone in the world get up and go to Jiangning to kill the daughter. Real person, do you think... it's possible?"
He shook his head: "Jiangnan all knelt down, and more than a million people surrounded their prince. On Nanxi Road, hundreds of thousands of people surrendered again. In the most prosperous area of the Wu Dynasty, the Jurchens took advantage of the autumn harvest. Who wouldn't want to fight at all costs? I have been in Tanzhou for several years, and I also want to fight at all costs against the Miao border... ...This is how the world is. A few days ago, I went to Pingjiang to meet Yu Daya. Do you think I convinced him? Everyone must die, Brother Zhu, that is the people outside.”
“If it weren’t for these black flags, everyone would not die, and the Jurchens would not treat this place as a thorn in their flesh. , Ten thousand Black Flag Army, Brother Zhu, millions of people have to be buried with them. "
Yin Changxia said this with tears in her eyes. Zhu Jing, the rough-looking commander of the Xiang Army on the opposite side, stood up, looked at the scene outside from the window, and murmured to himself: "Yes, ten thousand people versus one million people..."
"It's not just the life and death of those ten thousand people." Yin Changxia sat at the table eating vegetables and wiped her face with her hand, "There are also the lives and lives of millions of innocent people, from Pingjiang Yu Daya to Miluo Lou Xian to Liu Tiisheng, everyone They all decided to avoid it. Brother Zhu, only Juling is left in the east. You have more than 10,000 people, plus Juling’s population of 40,000 to 50,000. Guo Baohuai and the others will not be able to stop them... Of course, I’m just saying that it’s awesome. Brother Zhu, look at the people outside. I’m not willing to let them die for the Black Flag bandits.”
The rough-looking Zhu Jing pressed her hands on the window sill. On the table, he frowned and looked away, and didn't speak for a long time. Yin Changxia knew that his words had reached the other person's heart. He pretended to eat the dishes on the table casually, suppressing the tension in his heart.
When Chen Fan attacked Changsha, Linxiang and other places in June, Yin Changxia's first reaction was naturally to counterattack. Unexpectedly, the Chinese army crossed the pass in a few days, and he couldn't even figure out who it was. After betraying him, the city gates of Changsha and Linxiang were opened one after another. It was night when Linxiang was captured. It was said that the bandit leader Chen Fan and his men came straight to kill him and wanted to take his head. Yin Changxia ran away in a disheveled manner and hid outside for two months without daring to show her face.
In August, Wu Qimei, who now held a high position in the small court of Lin'an, wrote a letter to him, and he dared to come forward to lobby all parties around him. At this time, the Jurchens' momentum was overwhelming Tanzhou, and because the Chinese army's strength here was too small and unable to fully integrate the surrounding forces, many people were afraid of the million-strong army that might come at any time. When Yin Changxia came forward to lobby, , the two sides hit it off immediately, and decided to stay out of the conflict between the Jurchens and the Chinese army as much as possible.
Even if you can't completely stay out of the situation, you must at least find a way out for the tens of thousands of innocent people under your control.
Now, as long as Zhu Jing is persuaded to give up Juling, the road east of Tanzhou will be completely opened.
I have truly fulfilled my responsibilities as a parent official in Tanzhou.
He thought so.
In the sunshine outside the window, the fallen leaves are almost gone.
The general named Zhu Jing looked out the window and was silent for a long, long time.
"Master Yin, you grew up in Jiangnan, right?"
"Brother's ancestral home is Suzhou." Yin Changxia said.
“When the Central Plains fell, I was killing pigs in Bianliang.” The general with a rough appearance and a slightly fat body looked at the autumn scenery outside and said quietly, “Later I followed everyone to escape. In my hometown, I just started to serve as a soldier, and the Central Plains fell. I have seen the scene at that time and how millions of people died. Mr. Yin was lucky enough to have been living in Jiangnan."
"...I also saw it when I searched the mountains and seas. How do extraordinary people die... Therefore, they must not be allowed to die without death. It’s valuable.”
“Yes, you have to die well.” Zhu Jing hit her fist on her palm, “When I kill pigs in Bianliang, I always have to be a black and white person. Sometimes. Even if you have to fight someone with a knife, there is a saying in the Tao that tells people not to I can't stand firmly, it makes sense... It has been ten years since the fall of the Central Plains. Master Yin's words today really made me understand that even if I were hiding in a small place like Juling, the way millions of people died tragically, I finally caught up.”
The corners of Yin Changxia's eyes twitched: "...Brother Zhu, this...can still be avoided..."
"Master Yin, why do you try every means to avoid the Han people?"
"You... are trying to get the best of you. You can't do this alone..."
"Two years ago, Zhu broke Shuangqiao Village, and that village Living in the mountains is easy to defend but difficult to attack. In the past two months, I have packed it out. If I can't defend it, I will take people into the mountains and survive until death, just like you said in Miao territory."
Zhu Jing turned around. The look of this man with a quiet but rough appearance was so crazy that he felt scared. Yin Changxia stood up: "You, what are you..."
"Yesterday, Chen Fan led the troops to ask me for help. What he said made sense. The army will never be able to defeat the Jurchens as before. The Black Flag Army will not force Yu Daya and other cunning gangsters to join the army, because it is useless if they join. Only those who can stand at the forefront when the world is in despair can be brothers.”
Zhu Jing's mouth revealed sinister white teeth: "General Chen is a true hero, so crazy. Zhu admires him very much. I, Zhu Jing, not only want to join the gang, but I also guard more than 13,000 people. I don't care about any of them." In the future, they will all be trained and reorganized by the Chinese Army. Mr. Yin, you came here today and made a lot of remarks. You are extremely stingy. , Zhu will let you die in peace."
"Chen Fan, you..." Yin Changxia's mind was confused for a moment. He was able to come in person, so he naturally had trustworthy information and guarantees. Who would have thought that he would encounter this. Under such a situation, he took a deep breath to calm down his chaotic thoughts: "Chen Fan borrows from you Tao... what way did he borrow, where to go..."
"As you said, Yu Gusheng and Guo Baohuai are coming, General Chen goes to greet them."
"He only has more than 10,000 people. He has occupied Changsha and Linxiang and it is not enough to defend them. How can he send troops-"
"Haha, Master Yin is right. He has more than 10,000 people. Why are he guarding two cities, waiting for a million troops to attack the border... Master Yin, must you have seen it? The Chinese army is all crazy. If it weren't for Chen Fan and me By the way, I really can't make up my mind to catch him. Lord Yin, come and offer sacrifices to the flag..."
The sun shines through the window, and the dust in the air seems to be filled with an ominous atmosphere. The music in the room has stopped long ago. Yin Changxia looks out the window, far away There are passers-by walking everywhere, he Calm down your mind, try to keep your eyes upright and serious, and knock your hand on the table:
"You are crazy, don't take your own life seriously, it doesn't matter, Ju Ling's numbers Thousands of people! This Tanzhou, this There are millions and millions of people on Jinghu South Road! How dare you lead them to death! What qualifications do you have to do such a thing!"
His voice was deafening, Zhu Jing looked at it. She looked at him and licked her tongue.
"So, if they don't want to, they have to pick up the knife themselves and try their best to kill me - there is always no second way in this world."
***************
In the distance of the mountain stream, there is a small village with smoke rising from its cooking pots, and red leaves falling from the top of the mountain. The tall monk with a broad body and a kind face wore a cloak and walked up the mountain along the path, saying hello to a few people at the mountain camp.
Waiting for the fat monk to arrive at the camp, it was Zhuo Yongqing and the injured Qu Qing. When he saw each other, Zhuo Yongqing had a somewhat unkind look on his face: "Well, your surname is Feng. You still dare to come here! I just found out that you betrayed us over there at Yu Daya - such a big thing Don’t discuss it in advance! ?”
“Zhuo Yingxiong calmed down. I heard that Boss Qu was injured, and I brought some high-quality medicine.” The fat monk took out a potion from under his cloak. The wound medicine was presented to Zhuo Yongqing as a tribute, and Zhuo Yongqing subconsciously took it. After I took it, I felt something was wrong, so it was hard to get angry.
Since the beginning of the year, when dozens of special agent teams rushed out of the southwest, Zhuo Yongqing's side has received the most attention and is the most special. A team of people led by Qu Qing and Zhuo Yongqing are on the surface, and at the same time there will be one or two teams secretly cooperating. Feng Zhen, nicknamed "Honest Monk", is a famous intelligence dealer in Jinghunan and Jiangnanxi. Over the past nine months, I have been secretly coordinating Qu and Zhuo and helping to trick many people. The relationship between the two parties has been good, but of course emergencies will occasionally occur.
Feng Zhen said with a smile on his face: "The situation is urgent and there is no time to discuss it in detail. Yin Changxia's people have contacted Yu Daya secretly many times. Yu Daya's heart is moved. There is no other way. I can only go along with the flow and simply arrange for the two of them to meet." Didn’t I immediately call someone to notify you of the fact that Daya sent troops to chase you? I just know that with his eldest brother Zhuo here, everything will be fine.” ! Even if we reacted, we would have beaten over a thousand people..."
"It was only over a thousand, no problem, it was a small scene. , Brother Zhuo, this is not the first time you have met... Listen to my explanation, I can't help it. Yin Changxia is quite alert and timid. If I don't give him any sweetness, he won't take my bait. After asking him to follow Yu Daya, it will be much easier to organize his trip a few days earlier. If the calculation is correct, this guy will go on his own. He was thrown into a trap and has been arrested now. "
"...Zhu Jing is reliable?"
"He should be considered the most reliable in the Jinghu area. Deputy Commander Chen has also been there. I asked Zhu Jing in detail about her situation. Speaking of which, he asked Zhu Jing for help yesterday and should be not far from us now..."
Feng Zhen whispered and pointed towards the back of the foothills. Zhuo Yongqing frowned: "Yu Gusheng and Guo Baohuai are not far from us. There are about 100,000 people in total. Deputy Marshal Chen is coming. "How much?"
"Seven or eight thousand," Feng Zhen said with a smile. He said, "So I'm here to deliver the order. It's time to meet up as planned."
A few people bowed to each other, Zhuo Yongqing turned around, the setting sun was shining on the mountain stream with smoke curling up, and the people living and working in the village were content and happy. People probably can't feel anything. He looked at Qu Qing and touched the still painful injuries on his body. For nine months, the two of them had been injured in turn, but this time the mission was finally changing from a small-scale battle to a large-scale gathering.
"We're finally going to fight." He took a breath and said just that.
******************
A fight is about to begin... Such a thing is not felt much among the army that is killing them all the way.
The sky gradually darkened, and more than 45,000 people from the Yuanwufeng Battalion led by Yu Gusheng set up camp early in the mountains. After entering the boundary of Jinghu South Road, the army began to slow down. On the one hand, it moved forward steadily, and on the other hand, it also waited for the arrival of the slightly slower army of Guo Baohuai and Li Touhe.
After nightfall, Yu Gusheng took his son Yu Mingzhou to inspect the camp. As they walked, the father and son discussed the military strategy. As the eldest son of Yu Gusheng, Yu Mingzhou has been determined to lead the army since he was a child. He is 21 years old this year. He has a tall body and a clear mind. He has been regarded as the Kirin son of the Yu family since he was a child. At this time, the young general was wearing a suit of armor and carrying a long sword at his waist, while he was talking to his father.
Compared to Yu Gusheng, who struggled all his life in the corrupt military system of the Wu Dynasty, young Yu Mingzhou encountered the worst of times and the best of times. Even though the world fell, But as the martial artist's status increased, Yu Mingzhou no longer had to watch the scholar's face and act like his father all his life. At this time, Yu Mingzhou looked high-spirited in every move he made, and what he showed was what Yu Gusheng, as a father, was most satisfied with. look.
“…According to my son’s idea of attacking Tanzhou this time, there is no need to cross the line between Pingjiang and Juling…Although we have a large number of people in Tanzhou, and there are already many people in the surrounding areas. They surrendered one after another, but faced the Black Flag Army , tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of mobs may still not be able to guarantee victory. For the current plan, those who arrive first must try their best not to be defeated by them one by one, in order to win over the surrounding forces, stabilize the front, and advance slowly..."
"...In order to explain to the Jurchens at the rear, the son will prepare a statement on this matter, and it is best for the father to hand it into the hands of the God of Ceres. The God of the Jurchens was a hero at that time, and he must be able to understand the necessity of this strategy. Of course, on the surface, he will definitely urge you. At that time, our team, Lord Guo and Lord Li had already formed a line, and the troops from various places in the vicinity had been gathered..."
"...Actually, there are also some other considerations in this process. Now, although the world has fallen, my heart There are still many people from the Wu Dynasty. Although we have no choice but to go to war with Black Flag, according to my son's consideration, it is best not to be the first army to see blood, and not to appear that we are in a hurry to sacrifice our lives for the Jurchens. , many things in the future , it’s much easier to say..."
The autumn breeze was pleasant, the bonfire was burning, Yu Mingzhou’s words made Yu Gusheng nod from time to time. After the general inspected the military camp, he asked his son to preside over the camp. There is praise in my heart for my steady style. Although it is still far away from Tanzhou at this time, as a general, you should always be cautious and considerate of everything. Youzi is like this. Although the world is now in decline, he has some comfort in his heart.
......
While Yu Gusheng was inspecting the peaceful military camp, Chen Fan was taking his people to take a rest in the dark mountain. He was holding a fire folding piece in the depression of the mountain wall, and said to Look carefully at the piece of information you just received.
Ji Qian'er came in from outside, holding a small bag filled with dry food: "How are you? Do you really plan to go there tonight? It's a bit rushed, right?"
"Master told me when I was a child, Know yourself and your enemy, and you can fight a hundred battles with no danger." Chen Fan handed the information and fire certificates to his wife in exchange for a bag of dry food. He was slightly absent-minded for a moment, with a strange expression.
"This is the first time I have encountered... such detailed enemy intelligence..." (End of Chapter)