In the evening of the first day of April, when it was almost dark, Wuyang County Governor Yuan Baocun, led by his old friend Wei Xuanding, chose to go out of the city in white clothes and took the initiative to visit the left-wing dragon leader of the Deposed Dragon Gang, Hebei military and political commander Zhang Xing in the camp in the west of the city.
Of course, this is just a kind of harassment, even a rape that is deliberately concealed, but Yuanbaocun's gesture still satisfies many well-informed leaders.
Immediately, Zhang Xing summoned the other party in the Chinese army's tent.
At this time, the only people in the tent accompanying him were Wei Xuanding, Xiong Bonan, Wang Shuyong, Xu Shiren, Chen Bin, Niu Da, and a few others. They were all leaders and people who had previously handled matters in Wuyang County... …One is to keep it secret, and the other is to save face for the other party.
Of course, probably because Wei Xuanding had reversed the opponent's position, the communication in the tent was actually very smooth.
The two parties started discussing the most direct issue at hand, and then made an agreement:
All the prisoners of the Deposed Dragon Army were divided into two categories. The soldiers of Wuyang County were returned unconditionally, and the soldiers of Liaocheng were returned unconditionally. The remaining soldiers of Wei County, Yecheng Xinggong, Ji County, and Dongdu were returned in the form of Chen Mi as ransom. Lu Daobin also It can be returned, but it will be a bit more expensive... After Yuanbao Deposit is returned, he will assist in handling related matters, and Yuan Baocun should try his best to facilitate the safe return of Guan Xu, the helmsman of the Deposed Dragon Gang who is still detained;
Then using this incident as a juncture, afterwards, the Deposed Dragon Gang fully supported Yuan Baocun in taking office in Wuyang County;
Wuyang County and the areas under the jurisdiction of the Qianlong Gang will not engage in hostile attacks or defenses against each other;
People-to-people exchanges between the two sides continue as normal without any restrictions on each other;
Mutual assistance in public security, civil consultation, and military intelligence communication between the two sides;
On the basis of fairness and under the cover of civilians, both sides actively carry out bulk commodity transactions, including sensitive materials such as ordnance, food, and ships;
On the basis of the above, both sides will try their best to assist each other in dealing with possible political and military threats.
"Is there anything else you want to add?" Zhang Xing thought for a moment and looked around.
"Yes." Unlike the other big leaders who were just pretending, Chen Bin seemed to have already thought about it, so he couldn't wait to speak. "The last one should add an internal threat. This matter is quite sensitive and needs to be mentioned in advance. We only recognize Yuan Gong, and Yuan Gong can only recognize Zhang Longtou..."
Everyone was stunned for a moment, and then everyone had their own thoughts.
Wei Xuanding, on the other hand, nodded without hesitation: "Yes, although Yuan Gong has been in Wuyang for a long time and has deep roots, he was born in troubled times after all. Once Wuyang becomes semi-independent, there is no doubt that some ambitious people will want to take his place... This is to be on guard. .”
Chen Bin smiled and said nothing.
Yuan Baocun was thoughtful, twitching his beard and nodding: "It works."
"I think it's feasible, but why not add another one." Zhang Xing also thought about it and continued speaking. "It's okay for today. After all, I'm right under the city. It's not inappropriate. If possible, Duke Wei should be the only effective liaison between Wuyang County and the Qian Long Gang... From my point of view, Wuyang County affairs are all matters. When communicating with Duke Wei, Duke Yuan should only listen to the words of the Deposed Dragon Gang from Duke Wei."
Yuan Baocun and Wei Xuanding were refreshed at the same time. They were both happy to do this. For the former, it was an alliance on the surface, but in fact it was a vassal. It was naturally more comfortable to deal with acquaintances. For the latter, as Zhang Xing's status became more and more important, It is highlighted that his position as chief is gradually becoming somewhat empty, and he needs to be justified by his actual achievements, direction and team.
Of course, the others had no reason to object. Chen Bin also took a long breath and felt that Zhang Longtou did have some methods. Using Wei Xuanding to bind the opponent might be more effective, so he nodded and quickly passed this one.
"Then the matter in Wuyang County has been settled?" At this point, seeing that no one from the Deposed Dragon Gang had anything to add, Wei Xuanding asked tentatively.
"Do you want to add a deadline?" At this moment, Yuan Baocun suddenly took the initiative to ask.
Everyone was surprised for a moment, but their expressions were different.
Still Zhang Xing laughed and asked: "If the time limit needs to be extended, how long does Mr. Yuanfu think is appropriate?"
"Three years!" Yuan Baocun sighed. "Three years is the upper limit, not the lower limit... If things change, we can make changes at any time, but if things remain unchanged, or three years
I can't do anything in Wuyang to change my thoughts. It's useless to stay here. It's better to go home and retire. "
"Yuan Gong is so young and old, how can he take care of himself in old age?" Zhang Xing couldn't help but continue to laugh, but after he finished laughing, he became solemn again. "Forget it, let's make an appointment for three years... I hope our Deposed Dragon Gang can endure it for three years, lay a solid foundation, and then make further calculations."
Yuan Baocun nodded, noncommittal.
The other leaders were also thoughtful.
Now that the serious discussion has been completed, it is not easy for both parties to hold a banquet, compose poems and recite poems, so Zhang Dalongtou personally holds the Yuan Baocun's hand, holding it tightly all the way, and leads several big leaders who participated in the discussion. In addition, a group of personal guards protected him, and sent the opponent out of the camp, and then headed to the intersection by the river to the west and south... There should be a group of soldiers from Wuyang County waiting there.
Those who were caught along the way listened to some gossips and false lies. Yuanbaocun knew how Wei Xuanding had contracted many diseases after only two or three years apart.
When we reached the intersection, the sun was setting on the river on the first day of summer. Zhang Xing had just put the other party on the horse and said goodbye. Before he could say goodbye for the last time, suddenly, everyone heard a commotion on the river embankment hundreds of steps away to the south. I was also surprised when I saw many soldiers running away.
At first, everyone thought it was reinforcements from the East Border of the Deposed Dragon Gang coming from the other side of the river. Only Xiong Bonan and Zhang Xing just stopped at the beginning, as if they were listening carefully, and for a moment, casually The sound over there gradually became clearer, and everyone suddenly realized that someone was actually roaring wildly on the river embankment. The true energy was endless, like waves and roaring.
Obviously, someone had a chance encounter, or their mind was enlightened, and they suddenly had access to the Ren and Du meridians, and it was no longer a matter of condensing the pill.
"The last person who watched the sunset roar on the river and passed through the second line of governor should be General Youhou Wei and Moyun Golden Winged Dapeng Zhao Guang!" Yuan Baocun's expression changed slightly, no matter what, Ningdan is still It is an important watershed in determining combat power, and it will definitely be used when it comes to Condensation Pill. "The Deposed Dragon Gang is really full of talents."
"Who is it?" Zhang Xing actually didn't recognize the person's voice, and felt it was a little ridiculous.
After a while, Jia Runshi hurriedly turned back and informed clearly: "Returning to the dragon head, it is Liu Heifu, leader of the cavalry of his headquarters, who was washing horses in the river when he suddenly saw the setting sun sinking into the river and howling naked."
Several members of the Deposed Dragon Gang had different reactions, but they all felt a little enlightened. Only Yuan Baocun was still puzzled and a little uneasy: "Who is this hero? Why do I seem to have heard the name but can't remember it?"
Zhang Xing and Wei Xuanding wanted to introduce it, but they didn't know where to start.
"He was a rogue thief from Qinghe in the past." Chen Bin suddenly stepped forward and said with a smile. "This man has always been a rogue, a drunkard, and a gambler. After the chaos broke out, he only walked along the river, sometimes to Henan, sometimes to Hebei, sometimes to the west, sometimes to the east, and repeatedly experienced more than a dozen rebel armies in the east and Hebei. At the beginning of this year, he decided to stay in our Deposed Dragon Gang due to chance. Then he made many extraordinary achievements in a short period of time and became the leader. Now he is even serving as a superintendent and concurrently serving as the leader... Yuan Gong should have seen his previous actions. Is there a reward?"
Yuan Baocun was stunned for a moment, as if he was remembering something, but he could only sigh, and then formally handed him away.
But at this time, the howling did not stop.
The rest of the Deposed Dragon Gang obviously felt uncomfortable after hearing Chen Bin's words, but after Yuan Baocun left, they didn't know how to refute it... because that's what the situation was like.
"Leader Chen is not looking down on Liu Heifu's background and past, but he is using this contrast to intimidate Lord Yuanfu, so that the Dragon Gang can gain power!" It was Wei Xuanding who took the initiative to explain.
Everyone's expressions softened slightly.
At this time, Chen Bin did not follow Wei Xuanding's explanation and further agree. Instead, he respectfully saluted Zhang Xing and then solemnly congratulated:
"Zhang Longtou, the Lord of Yuan Mansion is done, the matter is settled!"
The others were startled, and then Wei Xuanding and Xiong Bonan were the first to wake up. They also suppressed their superfluous thoughts and congratulated them with serious expressions. Wang Shuyong, Niu Da, and Xu Shiren hurriedly followed.
This is of course, the matter between Yuanbaocun and Wuyang County has fallen into the dust, which means that the Deposed Dragon Gang has achieved complete victory in this post-spring expedition.
profit.
Any victory is worthy of celebration, even if this expedition does not have any symmetrical military obstacles.
What's more, as the Qianlong Gang gained control of the three rich and vast counties of Bohai, Pingyuan, and Qinghe, and gained an active buffer zone in Wuyang, it has roughly controlled the area south of the Qingzhang River. Southeast block of Hebei region. And this means that the phased strategy planned by the Dragon Gang has been further completed - with this block and seven counties and one state in the east, the Gang has actually gained control of the Jishui Basin in the lower reaches of the river.
As early as the late period of the Hundred Races Contest in ancient times, this area gave birth to the hegemony of the Human Race-Monster Alliance, which can be called the second dynasty in the world. Until the aftermath of the White Emperor's ascension to the throne, the so-called "The Legend of the Heroine Li Yue" "The revival of the demon tribe in Eastern Chu also relies on these places plus the Jianghuai area.
Of course, as the map becomes larger and larger, this place is no longer the foundation of the imperial hegemony, but it is still rich enough, broad enough, and able to accommodate people's ambitions and ideals.
Otherwise, why would Liu Heifu have been roaring in several counties within three months, with a bright future?
Next, we should be able to temporarily control the pace of expansion. While refining internal affairs, we can sit back and watch as the Wei Dynasty can't support it. Then when the time comes, we can go north to sweep up and seize the hegemony of Hebei.
Zhang Xing must have clearly stated this topic to Wei and Xiong more than once, and also reminded many people in the gang openly and secretly, so the two of them understood it instantly, and the rest of the people also reacted.
And Zhigui knew that compared to others, Chen Bin still seemed a little impatient... But it seemed understandable that he was in a desperate situation that day and was forced to board a pirate ship that he originally disliked. Although he had expectations In my heart, there will still be surprises when things come to pass. What's more, whether it is Hebei hegemony or "intensive internal affairs", he seems to have the position and room for war.
This is also the reason why he took the position many times today.
In this state, even Zhang Xing couldn't say anything. Due to the status of the others, although some people guessed Chen Bin's mentality, it was even harder to say, and it was not even ruled out that some people had the same mentality.
In this way, everyone sent Yuan Baocun away, and Zhang Xing reluctantly accepted the congratulations, but he was not in a hurry to go back, but still stood where he was. After a while, as Liu Heifu's breath gradually became weak, he summoned Uncle Xiong again. Nan and Xu Shiren roared in response together, and after a few reminders, they waited until the sun set completely before leaving.
Back in the camp, Zhang Dalongtou still didn't enter the city. He just picked a weapon himself, and then found some silk and satin. He prepared a gift and asked someone to send it to Liu Heifu, so he put it into his account early. Went to write the death and disability discharge notice.
Because the cavalry fought fiercely in this battle, there were actually many casualties. It was not stopped until the third update.
The next day, the army was packed up and Wei Xuanding, Xiong Bonan and several western front leaders were assigned to separate troops to sit in Liaocheng to deal with relevant follow-up matters, and the rest of the troops split up and returned early.
Among them, a few battalions went north to set up defenses along the Qingzhang River, and then the rest of the main force marched together to Chiping and stayed here for a day or two, intending to split into three and then move forward... One part is going to Changhe County, which has the largest number of field camps and will be the center point of the northern defense line in the future, so it is naturally suitable for setting up a camp; the other part is the Banxian camp, backed by Douzigang, and can be continued up the river to Dengdao. The transportation between Zhou and Qi counties is also convenient, and there are craftsmen camps and many permanent barracks there; there are also some camp heads directly under Zhang Xing, who are preparing to go with Zhang Xing to the general's tomb.
However, it is no longer Zhang Xing's turn to worry about the details of these matters. He usually just looks at the plan and nods.
Here in Chiping, in addition to continuing to write the disability and death notices in the newspaper, he also wanted to meet Cui Suchen and Qinghe County Prime Minister Wanshou.
The meeting place was a high-rise building in the south of the city... It is conceivable that after this war, these high-rise buildings will become lively again because of the north-south access.
As soon as Cui Suchen came up the stairs, Zhang Xing, who was sitting there, only took one look and asked directly: "Cui Erlang, do you want to be the queen of Qinghe, or do you want to be my grammar assistant?"
Cui Suchen was stunned for a moment, but quickly returned to normal. He held up his hands and said, "I want to do grammar."
Assistant. "
"Is it because Qinghe Liuhou is too conspicuous?" Zhang Xing stopped the form in his hand and asked seriously.
"That's why." Cui Suchen also replied seriously. "But more importantly, I want to participate in the revision of criminal laws..."
Zhang Xing was finally surprised.
"I'll tell you Zhang Longtou." Cui Erlang responded with a sigh. "I was attracted by Zhang Longtou's article... I saw that there were several articles in it that lenient the criminal law, and also said that officials should be abolished and private slaves should be replaced by employment... To be honest with Longtou, I was moved at the time and thought Sign that article."
Zhang Xing nodded slowly, then stood up: "So, you have always had this ambition?" "Yes." Cui Suchen answered simply. "The criminal law of the Great Wei Dynasty succeeded the Western Wei Dynasty, inherited from the Great Zhou Dynasty, and originated from the Tang law... The Tang law was too far-reaching and somewhat out of date, but the legal system of the Great Zhou Dynasty drew on the strengths of others and implemented good laws. However, the Great Wei Dynasty could not carry forward the law, and instead had many rough spots. There is even the reality of going backwards and destroying good laws. In this regard, it is not as good as Dong Qi..."
"So, the laws of Wei are not as good as the laws of Qi, and the laws of Qi are not as good as the laws of Zhou. Your distant ancestor of the Cui family was the one who formulated the laws of Zhou. Do you want to inherit the ancestral system for both public and private reasons?" Zhang Xing asked out of curiosity, but was not stupid enough to ask why. The laws of Zhou Dynasty were the best, but they split into the Western Wei Dynasty and the Eastern Qi Dynasty. The laws of the Eastern Qi Dynasty were better, but they were defeated by the Western Wei Dynasty.
With these four words, "Everything depends on people", he still uses people to teach him?
"It's not about public or private matters." Cui Suchen replied sincerely. "I only became interested in the law because of the stories about our distant ancestors. In fact, the Zhou code is indeed far better than the Qi code, and the Qi code is far better than the Wei code... Here is just one example. Zhang Longtou clearly promoted the imperial examination to select literary and legal officials. Everyone I thought I was following the example of the late Emperor of the Wei Dynasty, but as far as I know, in terms of the examination system, scale, and rigor, the Eastern Qi was superior... However, since the time of Emperor Shenwu in the Eastern Qi, the family has had irregular family ethics, absurd ups and downs, and high standards. Relying heavily on the military leaders of Youjin and Jin, all the systems below were abolished. Although there were thousands of people sitting in front of the palace to take the same exam, it could not cover up the devastation of personnel, so it was useless and no one remembered it. As for the laws related to Qi Lv, Copy the Zhou law. The Zhou law enacted this law, which actually originated from the Tang law. However, in the Tang Dynasty, this law was enacted to restrain the rampant clans, but when the law came out, the clans regarded it as nothing, so it was abandoned."
Zhang Xing nodded, he also believed that this was actually the case.
Because among other things, Juntian, the magic weapon that left him speechless no matter what, was actually formulated by the Great Zhou Dynasty, a dynasty that arose from a small mixed tribe in northern Shanxi and once showed great vitality.
On the other side, Cui Suchen hesitated and said seriously: "Actually, this is another reason why I am willing to serve... Everything depends on human beings. No matter how good the law is, it depends on whether it can be implemented and adhered to. All systems, no matter how good they are, The bad ones all came from the Tang Dynasty, but the Tang Dynasty was subject to the literary style and the difficulty of controlling the aristocracy, so that it was forced to go south, and all laws were just playthings for the family's private agenda. Looking back, Zhou was in northern Shan, Wei In Kansai, the land is small and the people are poor, but because of the clear and strict politics, they can advocate fairness and strictly enforce it. Only then can the laws of the two families be implemented regardless of good or bad. Now that the world is falling apart again, and it is falling apart, I want to respect the law. The law also needs to find a place of sincerity. Zhang Longtou abandoned the tyranny of the Eastern Territory and came to Hebei to reopen the world. Although it is only a place of two or three counties, it happens to be the best place to verify the law and implement it... I’m not willing to give up this opportunity.”
"Well said." Zhang Xing sighed, knowing in his heart that a technicalist like the other party was definitely a useful person, so he just waited for the other party to finish speaking, then stepped forward and took the other party's hand without hesitation. "Your Majesty will have to work hard to fulfill the laws and regulations."
Cui Erlang responded proudly: "It's true, I'll enjoy it as sweet as a cake."
Zhang Xing laughed instead.
After such a great victory, Zhang Sanlang easily accepted Cui Erlang's surrender and acted even more relaxedly. He only appointed the Qinghe County Prime Minister Wanshouxing to stay in charge of Qinghe's general affairs for the time being. As the troops further advanced, another three days passed. , and then arrived at Jiangling City.
At this point, there are naturally countless military, political, personnel, laws and regulations, merit measurement, sergeant recruitment and other things to work hard on.
And the request and request from one of these people seemed particularly absurd.
"Longtou, tell me your fortune!" Xie Minghe's words were particularly sincere. "I know you are busy now, but Lu Daobin will be ransomed soon. Let him tell you your fortune. It is a rare opportunity... When you are free in a few days, he won't be around if you look for him?"
This was already the third request. After Zhang Xing signed a document drafted by Cui Erlang to replenish the army's idle men and prisoners to farm along the Zhang River, he couldn't help but sigh:
"Where will the test be taken and when?"
Xie Minghe was overjoyed and said excitedly under the gaze of many civil servants including Cui Twenty-six, Twenty-seven, and more staff officers: "Anytime, anywhere! The beauty of this person's hexagram is anytime, anywhere!"
Zhang Xing nodded, then lowered his head to read another document about veterans and local Changxiang's transfer. He looked at the many lists attached at the back and signed while unable to speak: "In this case, let him leave in a few days. I came here for dinner one night.”
PS: Happy New Year everyone, may you make a fortune!
