That is Youzhou Jiedushi, the head of the Zhou clan.
When Zhou Xu came in, the twenty or so people in the room stood up in a hurry. The armor on the generals made a sudden clang and they clenched their fists. The scribes and senior officials bowed and bowed, swallowing up half of the land in Hexi. Bowing your head successfully is also a gesture of clasping your fists.
"Everyone, please sit down." Zhou Xu sat at the front seat and pressed his hands down.
Everyone took their seats at the long table, and Zhou Xu slowly looked at these old and new faces. Under the flickering candlelight, his face was majestic and cold, his narrow eyes were as sharp as blades, and under the black light armor, he had a strong back and a strong body. Despite years of fighting, he is still strong and strong. This is the best golden age for a general, who holds great power and has plenty of energy.
Zhou Shenzhi sat on his father's left hand side, concentrating and closing his eyes.
Seeing the lord's solemn expression, everyone got ready. This time, there was no shortage of civil servants who were really in charge of each county. They came quietly. The civil servants were led by Zhao Qingshan and Cui Shizi, and the rest took their seats in batches. There were more military attachés. , with Zhou Xuan, Zhou Lingzhi, Zhou Bin, Jin Ben, Yu Wenqian, Lin Wenjue, Li Xun, Dai Chenggong, Lin Dong... the generals took their seats in turn.
Behind Zhou Xu is a topographic map.
He sat at the head of the table, put the map on the table, and said, "I believe everyone is confused as to why I suddenly called you here. Wen Rao, please tell me first."
Lin Wenjue, the general of the Long Xiao Army, thought for a while and said: "My lord, are you going to discuss the position of the general marshal of the world's soldiers and horses? The last general heard about it, and the old dog of the Duan family ordered the emperor to grant this position to Wei Yanshan. "
"If it is really sealed, Wei Yanshan will have the right to order the other Jiedushi armies, Yongping Army, Anguo Army, including the Shenwu Army in his hands, plus several troops in Huainan, the number may not be less than one million Number." Li Xun frowned.
To be honest, their territory in Youzhou is too small. Although they occupy the north, there are less land and fewer people than in the south. Wei Yanshan is indeed a tough nut to crack, with his own extraordinary methods and outstanding abilities.
What's more, the big families in the south are Wei Yanshan's natural allies. If they want to attack, they will face crazy counterattacks from the families.
"Why destroy your own prestige and boost the ambition of others." Beifu General Yu Wenqian leaned back on his chair, with two Youzhou knives hanging on his waist. His face had the unique ruggedness of the Northlanders, and his voice was loud: "We also have many people. , after so many years of recuperation in the Thirteen Counties of Youzhou, I have long been impatient to wait!"
"General Yuwen is right." Lou Hai, the governor of Luncheng County, cupped his hands and said to his lord: "The battle at Huiyi years ago gave us enough food and drink. Now we have a strong army and strong horses. In the south, there were many floods and droughts last year. Small places There have been countless mutinies, bandits and bandits are everywhere, and the people have long been in dire straits.”
Jin Ben listened to them and had no opinion to express. Anyway, in the end he just had to follow orders. However, the Tuoba Agu brothers were still returning to Yicheng and could not attend this meeting.
"In my opinion, it's still early. Those aristocratic families are not vegetarians. They can wait for another two years." The civil servant who was cautious by nature said.
"It is better to strike first. If the Holy Emperor really makes Wei Yanshan the Grand Marshal of the World's Arms and Horses, then we will have more enemies than we do now. It is better to attack them unprepared and catch them off guard."
"That's right, when can we not attack Chu now?!"
"They are all reckless! Once we act rashly, do you believe that the emperor of the family will immediately join us and turn against us?"
"You eggless coward! Didn't they deal with us more than ten years ago?"
"What did you say?! Big dog Wang!"
Soon, people with different opinions started to quarrel.
Cui Shizi coughed and said, "Everyone, let's calm down. You might as well be quiet and listen to what the lord thinks."
As soon as these words came out, everyone calmed down and looked at their lord one by one.
Zhou Xu slowly looked at these people, and suddenly took out a dagger and stuck it on the map. The dagger, which was as sharp as clay, instantly penetrated the wood three-thirds of the way. The land of Taiyuan was completely covered by sharp blades, and the cold blade was reflected in Zhou Xu's eyes.
This move made the belligerent people present instantly understand. Yu Wenqian's face flushed with excitement and he loudly said: "My lord, we are going to use troops against Taiyuan! The last general is willing to lead the troops into battle!"
"Lord, don't be too hasty in everything. Taiyuan is the base camp of Wei Yanshan, and it is run like an iron barrel by him. Moreover, Taiyuan is surrounded by mountains on three sides..." Li Xun felt that something was wrong and advised.
Zhou Xu looked at his excited subordinates and said slowly: "I am determined to win Taiyuan, but I am not asking you to come here this time to discuss how to attack Taiyuan, but to ask you to prepare in advance."
"The general/lower officer obeys the order!" Everyone responded loudly.
"Then there's another thing I want to say." Zhou Xu continued.
Zhou Shenzhi took out the prepared brocade box, placed it on the table, and opened it.
Except for a few people who knew about it, everyone else was completely confused. They saw a few round black iron ball-like objects placed in the wooden box.
"This object is called Heaven's Punishment." Zhou Xu picked up a black/fire/powder and said: "It is extremely powerful, so not many of them are distributed to each army. As the commanders of each army, you should familiarize yourself with this object first."
Zhou Shenzhi first explained the precautions when using Heavenly Punishment, and then gave one to each person.
Lin Wenjue's nose twitched a few times and he looked at several generals. They had been in the army all year round and smelled the familiar smell of gunpowder, but since it was the master who was with them, there must be something special about him. If nothing else, just It can be said that this shape is completely different from ordinary gunpowder.
"Lord, I want to try the power of this heavenly punishment first?" Li Xun said, Dai Chenggong and Yu Wenqian also said one after another. Everyone is curious, and everyone present also looked over curiously. They couldn't imagine this round black... How powerful something can be.
Zhou Xu: "Shenzhi, take the generals to the back mountain."
"Lord, I also want to go." Lou Hai said.
Zhou Shenzhi led everyone to the remote dense forest in the back mountain. After walking for half an hour, the Jiedu Mansion Office was far away from the residential areas. It was late at night and there were few people in the mountains. After Zhou Shenzhi personally experimented, the thunder exploded. There was a loud noise, and he led the shocked generals and civil servants back to Jiedufu Yamen amid landslides and ground cracks.
Many military generals have touched this round black ball like a treasure, their eyes are too happy to see it, but the literati think more deeply.
"It's really a punishment from heaven." Some people lamented.
When everyone returned to the hall, many people were still excited.
"Congratulations to my lord for getting this artifact." Yu Wenqian laughed loudly and said, "With this thing, the whole world will be in my lord's possession!" After saying this, he was the first to kneel down, and instantly everyone on the ground knelt down.
Zhou Xu calmly looked at his fanatical subordinates without getting carried away.
"Everyone, get up. It's too early to say this now." Zhou Xu smiled and helped up his confidants who had been with him for many years: "You are all old people who have been with me for many years. You are as close to each other as you are. Brothers, this is why I revealed the heavenly punishment to you."
"Don't worry, my lord, no one else knows about what happened tonight except those present." Lin Wenjue knew the seriousness of the relationship and quickly clasped his fists, everyone assured him.
"Making the raw materials for Heaven's Punishment requires mineral deposits. I have looked at several suitable locations, all of which are within the Thirteen Counties. Qingshan is now responsible for the excavation and transportation of mineral deposits in various places." Zhou Xu pointed to several mineral deposits scattered in Youzhou County. A mineral deposit site.
"I obey," Zhao Qingshan said seriously.
"As for those in the imperial court asking to make Wei Yanshan the Grand Marshal of the World's Arms and Horses, let's hold our troops for now and see how the Holy One responds before making a decision." Zhou Xu sat back in his seat, thinking about how to get Wei Yanshan to fight the emperor first. Even better.
Everyone responded, and with the Lord speaking, most people's hearts were settled.
"Lord, you can give more of this heavenly punishment to our Beifu Army." Yuwen Qian said, "Our Beifu Army..." Before he could finish his words, he was preempted by the commander of the Xuanjia Army: "Fart! It's obviously our Xuanjia Army who wants more. Have some to spare.”
Lin Wenjue's face turned dark: "You all mainly use cavalry. According to me, soldiers are easily frightened. God's punishment should be to divide more of our infantry."
"Okay, stop fighting. Every army has a share. Qingshan will distribute it to you after the end." Zhou Xu said with a smile: "Now the Heavenly Punishment is still in the research and development period. It should have greater power in the future. It's never too late for you to fight." The Gongsun family has already begun to study how to make the best use of this weapon.
"Lord, how come I haven't heard of Heaven's Punishment before? Could it be done by Gongsun?" Dai Chenggong smelled the Heaven's Punishment and was really curious.
"No." Zhou Xu shook his head. He looked at the things in everyone's hands and said in a deep voice: "The Heavenly Punishment belongs to my wife and daughter. It is not available to ordinary people. It is a gift from the immortal."
Everyone looked at each other, their eyes were surprised, and their hearts were shocked. It was actually the mistress. They remembered the mistress's various actions in the past in giving out prescriptions, and boiled medicine for the injured soldiers with her own hands. Everyone present was not stupid, and their thoughts changed. Completely agreeing with the Lord's words, in this way, Mrs. Xiao's military advisor, Zhonglang, will be able to take on the full responsibility, even worse.
When the sky turned pale, everyone from last night had left, and only Zhou Xu and Cui Shizi were left in the venue.
There was some pity in Cui Shizi's voice: "Actually, it would be better if the master of the punishment is the lord."
"The imperial power is granted by heaven, and the lord can do justice for heaven and overthrow the tyranny of Chu."
Zhou Xu took a sip of cold tea and chuckled softly: "In all dynasties, there is no world that was defeated by real swords/guns and rivers of blood. If you don't fight with your hands, you can't win the world in the name of God."
"God's punishment is very good, it is the icing on the cake for me, but it is even better for my wife. Mortals respect her like a god. What's more, my wife and I share weal and woe, we share weal and woe, so there is no need to care about the status of heaven's punishment."
Cui Shizi was startled, then turned to admire deeply.
Chapter 183 (Revision)
The weather in the north is always cold, even in March. Mist covers Langge, strong winds roar and wake up this sleeping city, and the voices of people hawking gradually sound on the streets.
The avenue in the inner city of Langge is extremely wide. It was originally a war fortress, and it is still like this now. It is like a giant sword guarding the north and threatening the border. Zhou Shenzhi's eyes swept across the street corners that were much wider than ordinary lanes. Horseshoes The sound of stepping on the stone bricks was particularly clear. Two figures on horseback came one behind the other. His eyes involuntarily fell on his father in front of him, a little absent-mindedly.
His father's back was still tall and majestic. When he returned home in the morning, the figure elongated by the sun shrouded him half-obliquely. It seemed no different from when he was a child, except that the cold wind could not dissipate the color of frost and snow on his father's temples.
Zhou Shenzhi felt that the bright colors were a bit dazzling. He lowered his eyes and followed his father, imitating his father's example, clasping his hands in his sleeves and looking ahead. The old horse knows the way and can find its way home even without the reins of its master.
Zhou Xu turned his head and said, "You can go to Li Ji later to buy four pieces of donkey meat and burn it home."
Zhou Shenzhi nodded and said, "Okay."
He knew that this was what A-mei liked to eat. Not only A-mei liked it, but his mother also liked it, and everyone in the family also liked it. Just like A-mei’s whimsical caramel milk tea, which became popular in Langge, as long as it was It has its shadow in restaurants, teahouses, and Qin Lou Chu Pavilion. In the cold winter, the faint aroma of milk tea is always floating over the inner city of Langge.
Zhou Shenzhi also liked it.
The hands in the young man's sleeves were put together. The young man was very angry. After a while, his hands were like a stove, and his heart was also heated up. The fire was burning, and he recalled what his father said to his confidants last night.
Zhou Shenzhi knew most of the generals and civil servants who had followed his father for many years, and they were also familiar with him. They respectfully called him "major general" and he called them uncles.
After last night, Zhou Shenzhi used to think that he knew his father well enough, but now it seems that it is far from enough.
"What are you thinking about with your frown?" Zhou Xu glanced at his son and didn't understand what he was doing with his serious expression so early in the morning. Why not just let him buy a few sesame cakes.
Zhou Shenzhi exhaled heavily, unable to hide his frustration and the sudden sadness in his heart, and murmured: "Dad, I think I may not be able to be as good to my mother as you are in the future."
Zhou Xu could hear some uncertainty in his son's words. He raised his brows, looked him up and down, and said with a natural and conceited tone: "Isn't this inevitable? It depends on your feelings. Of course I have to Better than my son."
Zhou Shenzhi's face heated up at being insulted by his father, and he refused to admit defeat: "Everything is not certain, I'm just saying it's a possibility."
He looked at his father's indifferent face and blurted out: "When I get married, I will definitely be good to my wife." As soon as he said the words, Zhou Shenzhi regretted it again. The meaning of these words was quite controversial, and it had an allusion to his father. suspicion.
Zhou Xu reined in the reins and said nonchalantly, "Isn't that great?"
Zhou Shenzhi immediately stepped forward. He couldn't help but observe his father's expression, and he felt uneasy. He didn't know when he couldn't understand his father's thoughts. They were harmonious last night. After Zhou Shenzhi's in-depth analysis, Zhou Shenzhi discovered that maybe his father was In his heart, the uncles he respectfully called were no different from General Song Deyu Song in Chang'an. Note: Yasukawa’s previous article was revised to Song Deyu.
As for why Zhou Shenzhi had this speculation, you can see that his father did not let any generals with real power know about the creation process of Heavenly Punishment.
The distribution is completely decided by their father, and what they receive are their father's rewards or thunderous punishments.
That is the absolute power that belongs to the superior and cannot be interfered with by others.
Even if someone's news was leaked last night, so what? He didn't know what was added to the raw materials of Heaven's Punishment and what the proportions were. One step for this kind of thing would mean one step for another.
Wei Yanshan and his father were always life-and-death rivals. It would be an unbelievable and strange thing if his father gave up Taiyuan one day.
Does father trust those generals? Naturally, he is trusting, but this does not hinder his father's cold reason.
If his father's cruelty and determination can last forever, then after Zhou Shenzhi sees clearly the nature of his father's relationship with others, Zhou Shenzhi will not be unable to accept it, but will he really like someone as much as his father does? It simply goes against his nature.
"Li Ji's Fire Shop is here. If you don't go and buy something, what are you looking at me for?" Zhou Xu took out a soft whip and pointed it at the long queue of people not far ahead.
Zhou Shenzhi was stunned. He followed his father's whip and looked at the people queuing up. In this long queue, there was no time to buy. Seeing that his father didn't care about what he just said, Zhou Shenzhi felt a little disappointed but also a little happy.
He dismounted and queued up, and soon fell into the noisy people around him. His ears were filled with the constant ups and downs of shouts from some parents.
In this lively environment, Zhou Shenzhi calmed down. He still respected his mother, but he was timid about love that he had never met before.
Yes, he is a coward.
Zhou Shenzhi thought about this, twitched the corner of his mouth, and smiled to himself. Father, mother, and A-mei are going to Jiangnan. They seem to be a real family. Even Zhou Shiliu is a part of it. In fact, he was also left behind before. Most of the time, he has always been the one left behind, and he also has reasons why he has to stay, like a caged bird that can only stay in Langge.
Zhou Xu was not far away, looking into the distance. The fog was about to be melted away by the gushing sun. Wuxie Mountain had already revealed the pitiful green spots on the peak. Spring in the north came too late.
Spring flowers are blooming in the south of the Yangtze River, but winter is still in the tail end of Langge.
The cold weather in spring can kill young people.
