Chapter 35 Confession
At about 3:00 p.m. on the second day, a group of people from the three Shaanxi departments (the Provincial Envoy Department, the Provincial Envoy Department, the Provincial Envoy Department, and the Capital Command Envoy Department) boarded two slightly larger ships, guarded by Ansai. Gu Baisong sent a small boat as the leader, sailed to Yan'an Prefecture, and disembarked east of the north gate. There was originally a dock, but now a long row of work sheds had been set up nearby, and boats and rafts were being built in full swing. It was a busy scene.
The case table in the middle of the magistrate's lobby was removed and replaced with a high-top coffee table. Guan Shengyun and Luo Military Advisor were sitting on the left and right - Guan Shengyun took the lead, and Luo Yonghao was already known as "Military Advisor" in the army. Although there is only one word difference, the status of a military advisor in the army is completely different from that of a master. The latter has a personal subordinate relationship with the general, while the status of a military advisor is even slightly higher than that of the commander (such as Zhuge Liang)! Luo Shifan should have been called "Young Military Advisor", but most of the generals had already adopted the name and couldn't change it for a while, and they habitually added the word "小" to make it sound more cordial. Gao Yougu Gong and other generals were seated in two rows of chairs on the west side. There were also two rows of chairs on the east side, which were empty, obviously prepared for guests.
This scene is different from what it used to be.
According to Guan Shengyun's original intention, now that he had enough troops and food, he wanted to set up some kind of battle to give these dog officers a showdown, but Military Advisor Luo stopped him. The reason is very convincing: we are no longer wandering bandits, and we need to show our dignity as a dignified division. The other party is a provincial delegation, someone who has seen a big battle, not a ninth-level chief secretary, and then we use those who scare people. Thing, if someone is not restrained, it will be embarrassing.
Master Xiao Luo ushered in the group of people, rushed forward and clasped his fists, saying, "Commander and Military Advisor, guests from the provincial government have arrived." Then he stood behind Luo Yonghao.
Someone among the visitors took a step forward and laughed and said, "Commander, Brother Luo, are you okay with your visit?" The person who spoke was actually an old acquaintance, Zhou Zhizheng, the general judge of Yulin Mansion!
Luo Yonghao stood up first, cupped his hands and replied with a smile: "Hello, brother Xingduan (Zhou Zhizheng's name)."
Zhou Chizheng extended his hand to the side and said, "Commander, Brother Luo, Zhou is here to introduce you all."
"This is Mr. Zhao, the Chief Envoy of Shaanxi Province, Si Zuo Councilor!"
"This is Mr. Wang, the deputy envoy of the Shaanxi Provincial Department of Punishment and Prosecution!"
"This is Mr. Bao, the Commander-in-Chief of Shaanxi Province!"
"This is my superior, Mr. Xiao, the prefect of Yulin Prefecture!"
…
Hearing these official positions, not only did Guan Shengyun's head go "buzzing", Luo Yonghao himself was also secretly shocked: they were all fourth-rank officials (all commanders were third-rank officials, but they were military positions), and I thought that the people in the provincial government were just officials. In the name of Sansi, I didn’t expect that everyone would actually come! Needless to say, the weight of the official position is still very important, and Xiao Changhua, the prefect of Yulin, is also involved!
At Luo Yonghao's signal, Guan Shengyun also stood up. Every time Zhou Chizheng introduced someone, he would hold his fists with a dark face and say: "Long time."
The imperial officials felt even more awkward in their hearts. These bloody thieves! Every face was exactly the same as the guys I had seen on the execution ground and in the standing cage! If we had met him in the past, wouldn't he have been lying on the ground far away with his butt stuck out, making Lao Gao tremble and kowtow to the ground? It just so happened that not only did he have to find himself in a den of thieves, but he also had to pretend to be polite on the surface! All of them had fake smiles on their faces, their hands were arched, and they were muttering curses in their hearts: "Dead thief! How can you bear this bow from the imperial official in your life! Sooner or later, you will die an untimely death, and your body will be fed to wild dogs!" At this thought , the smiles of some of them turned into pride, and at first glance they looked real.
After the greetings were completed, both parties sat down again, and someone served tea.
Not only the officials, but everyone was a little nervous and uncomfortable. Two incompatible groups suddenly gathered together. Even the generals Gao and Gu, who usually chatted and chatted, were sitting upright uncomfortably. No one knew what to do. At the beginning, the scene was a little awkward for a while.
It was Luo Yonghao who was the first to break the silence: "Dear distinguished guests, you have traveled seventy or eighty miles early in the morning, and you must be tired from traveling and traveling. The marshal has arranged the guest rooms. You can wash up and have a rest first. In the evening, you will also prepare some simple meals to nourish yourself. Now that you are in good spirits, we might as well discuss the business tomorrow. What do you think, distinguished guests?"
Because they had dealt with each other before, Zhou Chizheng assumed the role of the official spokesman without hesitation: "Very good, very good. Thank you Marshal Guan and Brother Luo for your kindness." As he spoke, he hit his waist half-seriously and sighed. , "Well, I spent most of the day in the boat, neither sitting nor lying down. To be honest, Zhou really couldn't bear it, haha."
The ancients were accustomed to go to bed early and get up early. It was a common routine to have dinner at four or five o'clock in the afternoon and go to bed at six or seven o'clock. Staying up late at night and reading at ten or eleven was a typical example of cantilever thorns. Luo Shifan was about to lead everyone into the guest room to rest, when Zhou Chizheng said again: "Brother Luo, these adults must have been exhausted after traveling long distances, so we will skip the dinner. We can just grab some food and let the adults rest in the guest room." , I appreciate you warmly!" After saying this, he gave Military Advisor Luo a look.
Luo Yonghao had already expected this situation, so he raised his hands and replied: "It is better to obey orders than to be respectful. I am ashamed. Distinguished guests, please..."
As soon as the figures of the officials disappeared, Gu Baihua was the first to jump up and angrily said: "What arrogant arrogance are you bastard officials putting on! You didn't talk about business when you came here, which made Gu feel awkward for a long time!"
The generals were in an uproar and cursed one after another. Military Advisor Luo smiled and waved his hands: "Brothers, please be patient. The people in the Third Division actually just represent an attitude, and their official ranks are not low, which is a show of their sincerity. They will not directly participate in the real negotiations. You guys I also saw that Magistrate Xiao from Yulin also came. Luo thought this matter would still fall to Yulin Mansion."
Gao Tengdou was a little puzzled: "Then what are the dog officials going to do? Why don't we just let the people named Xiao and the people named Zhou come to talk?"
Guan Shengyun answered: "The military advisor is right. The person named Xiao is just a prefect of Yulin. How can he talk to us on behalf of Shaanxi Province? They came because they are afraid that we don't believe Xiao's words."
Military Advisor Luo smiled: "Exactly. When they come, Luo will probably not express his position openly, but Xiao Changhua will discuss all the details with them." After a slight pause, he continued, "Brothers, have you ever thought about it, half a year ago? Everyone is still digging wild vegetables in the mountains, and Luo is still planting some radishes and cabbages in the Shenmu County government yard to make a living. A few months ago, we were very happy after getting the money and food in Yulin. Now, even the provincial government has sent officials to follow us. Discuss! Why is this?"
All the generals responded in unison: "Master Military Advisor is awesome!"
Even Guan Shengyun also praised: "The military advisor has a wonderful plan."
Luo Yonghao said solemnly: "Wrong! It is true that Luo has great merit, but without you, Luo would still be chewing carrots in the back office of Shenmu today. The only fundamental reason for this is because the knives in our hands are hard enough ! If we are weak and only know how to kneel down, will they still talk to us? All of our heads have been hung high on the city gate tower for a long time! Luo Mou knows nothing about training troops and fighting, and we all rely on the commander-in-chief Everyone. From now on, everyone should restrain their subordinates and practice diligently. Everyone should always remember: the more powerful we are, the more they will fawn over us, and the richer we will be! Everyone, please leave and come back tomorrow morning (7-9 o'clock) here."
Everyone responded with a roar and dispersed with smiles on their faces. Luo Yonghao turned to Guan Shengyun and said, "Commander, go to bed later tonight. Zhou Tongpan should come to see me. After I finish talking to him, let's have a chat."
Guan Shengyun clasped his fists and said, "I'm sorry for the military advisor. I'll follow the military advisor's orders in everything."
Luo Yonghao hurriedly stepped aside and said, "Commander, please don't be polite when it's your job. Luo doesn't dare to take it seriously."
While they were talking, Master Xiao Luo came back: "Dad, I led them to the guest room, and Zhou Tongpan secretly told me that he wanted to talk to you tonight."
Guan and Luo looked at each other and smiled.
Just after the Youshi period, Luo Shifan introduced Zhou Chizheng into Luo Yonghao's study. Unexpectedly, Xiao Changhua was also present. Luo Yonghao made a gesture and asked the two of them to sit in the guest seats facing south and facing north, while he sat in the main seat facing west and east.
Xiao Changhua was a little embarrassed. After all, Luo Yonghao had been suppressed for six or seven years under his rule. I heard in Yulin Mansion a while ago that Magistrate Luo was a thief, and I felt more angry and disdainful. In just a few months, a small bandit had become a phenomenon, and he knew that Luo Yonghao's plan was indispensable. Although scholars are definitely far more knowledgeable than thieves, their abilities are definitely not comparable to ordinary people. This kind of talent has been buried by me for so long, so at this moment, I really regret it. When they met, he bowed his head from the bottom of his heart and apologized with a blushing face. Luo Yonghao was very open-minded. He returned the gift and said lightly that he would not mention the past.
First things first, and since this was a private occasion, the three of them spared themselves too much politeness and went straight to the point.
Firstly, because the finished and semi-finished products of hundreds of boats were piled up near the Yanshui Pier, hiding them in full view, and secondly, because he had to show sincerity and apply pressure at the same time, Luo Yonghao did not hide his intention to extend the attack. Of course, he definitely didn't mention a word about specific tactics. However, unexpectedly, Zhou Chizheng kept digging into the details - logically speaking, the two sides are enemies rather than friends, and Zhou Tongpan, the sweetheart, shouldn't be so ignorant, right? Military Advisor Luo felt a little confused.
Seeing this, Xiao Changhua simply made it clear: "Brother Wenguang (Luo Yonghao's nickname), don't doubt it. Xingduan, you don't have to beat around the bush so much. There are no outsiders here, so Xiao just open the skylight and speak frankly. I'd like to help." Your army is here to help!”
These shocking words caught Luo Yonghao by surprise. Just listen to Xiao Changhua continue to say: "We, a group of people, set off from the provincial capital in two groups. Mr. Zhao from the feudal dynasty and Mr. Bao from the Dusi Mansion were the first to arrive at our mansion and explained the meaning of the vassal Zengzun clearly. , and then Mr. Bao went directly to Yanchang. Mr. Zhao took Xiao and Xing Duan down to Baoan (today's Zhidan County), where Deputy Ambassador Wang of Zhensi was already waiting. We waited for a few days and then met up and went around Yanchang. Mr. Bao came back and went all the way south to find Brother Wenguang."
Luo Yonghao's heart moved and he said in a long voice: "Master Bao is coming to Yanchang..."
Xiao Changhua interrupted Luo Yonghao's question: "Brother Wenguang expected it. Mr. Bao has already made some arrangements. Yu Zhifu knew that he would fight to the death and prepared two plans. The defense of the city wall must be done. We have prepared a lot of stones, rolling wood, and I heard that there are also oil pans, kerosene, and the like. Although the guards on the wall are all strong men, your army will inevitably lose some men and horses in a strong attack. Yu Zhifu trained him for four or five times. Hundreds of new soldiers were mainly deployed on the Yanshui River to prevent your army from flowing down the river. Yu Zhifu also knew that the new soldiers were not of much use, so he wanted to use fire as a countermeasure. He built dozens of rafts, filled them with firewood and straw, and tied them with ropes. Together, they were parked and hidden at the bend of Yanshui, ready to set fire to your army when it arrived. Brother Wenguang did not need to inform us of your army's strategy. Xiao just told the truth to let Brother Wenguang and your army prepare. "
Luo Yonghao was shocked when he heard this. If Yu Shengliang really arranged it like this, according to the original plan, Gu Baihua's Gangfeng Camp would be finished!
In order to avoid the long-range fire attack from the city as quickly as possible, Gangfeng Camp's fleet was bound to rush down the river at full speed. The turning point of Yanshui is a blind spot. The river is not too wide. If Yanshui changes its direction, there will definitely be many whirlpools on the river surface. When the water surface is blocked by the fire ship, no one behind who is sprinting with all their strength can hold back, and those who rush forward one after another will plunge into the fire! Yu Shengliang's new recruits are useless in regular battles, but their morale will definitely be a hundred times greater when chasing down fleeing enemies... The consequences are really unimaginable! The other party is an enemy rather than a friend, but with so many important officials coming to negotiate—in other words, taking the initiative to be hostages—it is impossible to risk their own lives and lie.
When he thought of this, Luo Shifan left his seat and bowed to Xiao and Zhou Zhou on the ground: "Luo first thanks Mr. Xiao and Mr. Zhou on behalf of the commander-in-chief."
Zhou Chi said seriously: "Brother Wenguang, Mr. Xiao is full of sincerity. It will be easier for us to talk about other things, right?"
Luo Yonghao also calmed down and said seriously: "Brother Xingduan said it is true. Luo can swear to heaven that as long as it does not violate the principles, Luo will do his best to help these two old acquaintances."
Knowledge points in this article:
1. Direction and respect: The place where ancient people entertained guests was divided into halls and rooms. The main entrance of the "Tang" is on the south. The main seat faces south and back to north. The seat to the west (facing east) is for VIPs, and the seat to the east (facing west) is slightly inferior. Seats on the same side should be closer to the north (main seat). This is easy to remember: when we usually say "east", east is in front, so east is more respected - this east refers to facing the east. In the same way, we also talk about left and right, so we respect the left. The left and right chief envoys, the left and right political ministers, the left and right ministers... are all the same, with the same positions, slightly larger on the left. So, here comes the question: "The Biography of Lian Lin" says that Lin Xiangru "was on the right hand of Lian Po", so Lian Po was unhappy and went to find Lin Xiangru to stir up trouble. What did he say?
There are two possibilities.
A. At that time, the distinction between civil and military affairs was not so strict. I think it was because in King Zhao's court, both of them were located on the east side, so Lin Xiangru on the right was closer to King Zhao, so Lian Po became jealous.
B. It may also be that on the official position list, Lin Xiangru’s name is on the right. During the Warring States Period, bamboo slips and wooden slips were usually rolled into a roll, opened and written from right to left - this is also the origin of our habit of reading and writing ancient Chinese books from top to bottom and right to left: writing on bamboo and wooden strips - this is also It makes sense.
Note: The distinction between "East and West" and "Left and Right" is like this in most dynasties, except the Qin and Han Dynasties. For example, there are four kinds of concubine chiefs in the Qin State: the big concubine chief, the right concubine chief, the left concubine chief, and the Siche concubine chief. The chief concubine is similar to the prime minister. The right concubine chief is headed by a royal minister, and the left concubine chief is headed by a non-royal minister.
General talks are held in the "tang". If the relationship is close or some topics are discussed that are not suitable for public discussion, they should be held in the "room". Behind the hall is the chamber. We have an idiom, "climb into the hall and enter the chamber", which is what it means. In the room, the seat is arranged in another way: facing west and east is the host seat, facing south and facing north is the guest seat, and then facing east and south. This custom is still preserved in some places.
2. Avoiding etiquette: We are called a "country of etiquette" and we are very particular about returning etiquette. The other party salutes, sits on the chair and waves his hands grandly: "That's all" - this is called "receiving the gift". Stands up and bows to the side: "I don't dare to accept it" - this is called "receiving half a gift". Face the other person directly, and use the same method as giving the gift. Returning a gift in the same way is called "returning a gift."
