Chongcheng was filled with silk and linen clothes, and every family went to funerals to say goodbye to fathers and brothers, or to say goodbye to children. Not one person was sad, and cries of mourning were the mainstream sound in these decades.
Since Deng Jiugong entered the city, Meng Chang immediately used Deng Jiugong's military power to cut off the prison camp, forcibly tattooed the rebels, and distributed supplies to the major merchants and nobles in the city.
The sorrow of the common people, living people and slaves outside the city filled the hills. Many nobles in the city happily drank and celebrated the "big victory". The two divided emotions formed a sharp contrast, which made Mengchang extremely uncomfortable and left Mei behind. After Wu dealt with the nobles who were smiling at the sight of their strong slaves, Mengchang completely returned to Mengcun, the village where he had given birth.
Sitting quietly in front of his father's grave, Meng Chang, who was now full of vitality and blood, could not get drunk from a pot of weak wine.
"A real man should have great ambitions!"
Meng Chang smiled and said nothing. When he was a child, he often told some strange stories to his friends in the village behind the house. For example, he would tell the background of the story to an ancient and unforgettable era, and replace the protagonist with a fictional powerful tribe. Chief.
This sentence was exactly what my father accidentally heard while telling a story about the decline of the Liu clan and its split into three tribes fighting against each other.
Children, everyone likes to listen to the stories of Ding Dong's Lu Bu, Liu's Zhao Yun, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei.
But as the stories progressed, adults also began to become enthusiastic about these wonderful "illusory stories". They often came to listen to the story of the Romance of the Three Tribes under the big tree behind Meng Xiong's house after their busy work in the farming season.
The storyteller was changed from a village elder to a child. The village elder was not angry, but followed the villagers with great interest, listening to the magnificent story.
For Meng Xiong, his favorite thing in the story is Liu Xuande, the leader of the Liu clan, who is truly a benevolent king to whom all his subjects swear allegiance to the death.
But as Mengchang grew older, Meng Xiong changed his family and began to like Cao Mengde, the patriarch of the Cao clan. Perhaps, in his heart, his son became more and more outstanding, and he was no longer satisfied with seeing his son as a human being. The retainers of the minister even hope that he can create a city and win the title of Jin Dynasty in the future.
In his opinion, only by becoming a person like Cao Mengde can he achieve great achievements!
As for some infamy and cruelty? Massacre the city and bring down the world, this is what a qualified prince should do. He admired Liu Xuande, but hoped that Mengchang could learn from Cao Mengde.
"A true man should act in this way before he can build great achievements, and women cannot be kind."
Days and nights, Meng Xiong earnestly advised his second son to work hard and achieve promotion as soon as possible.
But Mengchang has been escaping, escaping from reality, escaping from a life of shouldering responsibilities and feeling overwhelmed.
He didn't understand Cao Mengde, but in his opinion, neither Liu, Cao, nor Sun were happy. If possible, he would have liked Tao Zhugong's comfortable life.
Of course, it would be great to spend the rest of your life with Xi Shi.
But it doesn't matter to him now. Ever since he left Chongcheng and embarked on the Northern Expedition, he has never been happier.
Meng Chang now wants to tell his father: "On the trip to Beihai, I have found my own way. I am no longer confused. I know what I want to do and how to do it."
It's a pity that he "grew up" and became "sensible", but his father could no longer hear the child's voice.
In this world, the only person who was worthy of his happiness, like a naughty boy who put down his guard and poured out his heart, has left forever.
Xin Ping and Lian Yong couldn't do it because they were loyal, and no one else could do it. Only his father could make him say everything in his heart unconditionally.
Everyone has their own purpose, Jiang Ziya wants to become a god, the Zhong brothers want to make achievements, and Wu Gan wants to be a victorious general.
Everyone has their own dreams and pursuits. Only his father is different. All his love is given to Meng Chang. Only such a person can make Meng Chang put down all the guard in his heart and face each other calmly.
Maybe, there is another one?
At least it's not that time yet.
Chongcheng has banned alcohol, so this pot of weak wine was taken from Mei Wu's table, but it turned out to be tasteless and failed to make him drunk.
I really want to think about it, I don’t have to worry about anything, I just lie quietly in the vast world, I don’t have to think about anything, when I wake up from the dream, I am still the young man practicing literature and martial arts.
The dark yellow wine was poured in front of his father's grave. Meng Chang knelt on the ground and couldn't stand up, remembering his father's past in his heart.
Deng Chanyu walked behind him for a long time, never daring to step forward to interrupt. It wasn't until Meng Chang's emotions cleared up that he spoke calmly: "Chan... General Deng, why are you so anxious?"
Only then did Deng Chanyu exhale. First, she walked forward and knelt in front of Meng Xiong's tomb and kowtowed heavily. Meng Chang felt mixed emotions in her heart and didn't know how to deal with it.
"The Marquis of Chong has returned to the city and has entered the Marquis' residence. I have called you back to the city to report on your duties."
"well!"
The peaceful life was interrupted. Meng Chang stood up and patted the dust on his body. Looking at the grass roots stained on Deng Chanyu's hair, he finally couldn't hold it back and gently picked it out, then slowly put it behind his ears.
"How are the mood of the soldiers?"
"The passion for revenge is high and waiting for you."
"That's very good. This revenge must be avenged. I don't care who Su Hu is. Blood debt must be paid with blood. Neither Su Hu nor Zheng Lun can escape."
Looking at her beloved husband who was suppressing his anger, Deng Chanyu couldn't help it. She took Meng Chang's arm and frowned and said: "Chang, you once said that those who raise armies out of anger are called strong. Marching in anger will lead to war." Unwise. You have always been wise, you should know how powerful it is!"
Mengchang took a deep breath for a while, and then patted Deng Chanyu on the shoulder: "I would like to be taught that although we are an army of revenge, we are benevolent and righteous teachers. If we attack the enemy, we will be safe."
The two of them mounted the war horses beside them and headed towards Chongcheng at a galloping pace.
As winter approaches, a small bright yellow flower grows tenaciously in front of Meng Xiong's tomb. Following the sound of horse hooves, it sways and nods its head, seemingly dancing happily.
Chonghou returned to the city and stepped into his capital with murderous intent and unwashed blood-stained armor.
When Mengchang arrived at the Hou Mansion, the main hall was already full of generals. On the main seat was Chong Guojun, Chonghou Hu, the Lord of Northern Xinjiang. Sitting firmly on the left hand below was Deng Jiugong.
Seeing Meng Chang's arrival, everyone got out of their way and motioned for him to stand forward.
Meng Chang was not polite and stood at the top of his right hand without hesitation, followed by Mei Wu, Fang Cheng, Zhao Bing and other Chongcheng generals. The one lying on the ground with blood coming from his neck was the one who abandoned the city that day. Mei Luan, the guard of Ximen who escaped, also had a bloody human head. Meng Chang was blind and could not recognize the head.
However, Mei Luan's death here surprised him, and it relieved his depression.
"Everyone is here, let's discuss it!"
Chonghou Hu kicked the head off the ground with an evil look on his face, and said bitterly: "The head of Su Quanzhong, the eldest son of Su Hu in Jizhou is here. This boy's martial arts skills are still good, but he underestimated me too much and wanted to take advantage of him. He entered empty-handedly and was killed by our formation outside Binzhou City."
"However, Su Quanzhong's head cannot relieve the hatred in my heart. Now I am returning to Chongcheng. You should be rewarded for your merits in defending the city!"
"Where is Meng Chang, the guard of Gu City?"
"The general is here!"
Chonghou's tiger eyes softened. It would be a great shame and humiliation for his country to be invaded. Since the establishment of the four princes, he has never heard of the leader of a territory being defeated to the point where the country's capital was destroyed.
"Mengchang was promoted to the first rank and became a baron. He was granted the land of the four cities of Zuo, Mao, Chu and Fu in the outer Beihai area. He was appointed as the vanguard of the expeditionary army and was responsible for conquering Jizhou to defeat the enemy and open the way."
"Mengchang accepts the order!"
Chonghou Hu immediately looked at Mei Wu: "Mei Wu has done meritorious service in defending the city. He has been appointed as the general of Chongguo and has jurisdiction over the three cities in the southern region of Chongguo. From now on, he will serve as the barrier of our southern region."
"Mei Wu obeys the order."
"Zhao Bing..."
The northern border was turned into a puddle of mud. After the 72 princes of Beihai rebelled and were suppressed, there must be countless people who have seized the title.
This was not only a turmoil, but also reshuffled the cards in Northern Xinjiang.
In the past, the major princes who had been inherited from the ancient clans, as well as the various princes who were enfeoffed during the Xia and Shang Dynasties, except for the bitter Liaodong Bo. The nominal three princes and two uncles basically all suffered heavy losses and began to enter a period of dormancy. For at least ten years in the future, they will be the stage for this group of young people in the hall.
The northern border is large enough to withstand their wanton and arrogant force. Otherwise, if you go further north, there will be numerous nomadic Rong tribes. On the west route, there will be the Western Zhou Dynasty with many elite soldiers. How can you maintain this family fortune?
With the deliberate support of Chonghou Hu, Mengchang, a group of young princes from the "Meng" clan who would occupy the Outer North Sea in the future, was rising rapidly.
Deng Zhizhong, who continued to serve as the guard of Qingyang Pass, also assigned Dacheng and Tuncheng in the outer Beihai to Zhao Bing and Wu Gan. This can be regarded as being separately spun out from Mengchang's command, and was located in the cities around the outer Beihai, directly blocking the inner and outer Beihai. The passage is at an angle with Taicheng at the same time. After leaving Daizong, it can connect to Liaodong in the north and help Chongguo in the south. When retreating, Daizong can be a natural danger and Qingyang Pass can be a retreat.
As soon as the reward and appointment came out, the generals were in an uproar and looked at Meng Chang with different expressions.
As for Bian Ji, after the transfer order was issued, his father Bian Jinlong refused to agree, and the boy refused to leave, so he could only continue to serve as deputy general.
After everyone was rewarded, Mei Wu formally proposed the matter of slaves defending the city, and directly took over the task of guarding the city ineffectively, and apologized to Chonghou for the fault of the slaves guarding the city.
Chonghou Hu had a sullen face and did not answer. He just suppressed the matter and did not mention anything about the slaves going to Gu City. He silently let Mei Wu shoulder all the responsibilities and interrupted it forcefully with his power as a prince. discussion on this matter.
After everyone retreated, Chonghou Hu left Mengchang alone.
"What do you think about using slaves?"
"Master Marquis, Chongcheng was in crisis at that time and the defenders were weak, so..."
Chonghou Hu didn't have the patience to listen to the story of what happened in Chongcheng again, and interrupted Meng Chang's reply forcefully, staring at him fiercely like an eagle.
"But what I said was not clear enough? What I am asking is, what do you think?"
Mengchang lowered his head and remained silent, but he kept thinking about the deep meaning of Chonghou's words.
"It is impossible to return the prisoners of Jizhou back. It will cost a lot of money to raise more than 20,000 people. Moreover, maintaining the stability of the prison camp also requires a large number of troops to guard it. It is better to divide them into slaves among the clans and nobles to reduce risks and expenses. , this is one of them.”
"The North Sea has not been leveled, the population has been greatly reduced, and slaves have been used to fill the population. The North Sea can be restored to life within three generations. This is the second method."
"Third..."
When talking about the third one, Meng Chang hesitated a little, raised his head and looked at Chonghou Hu, his eyes full of sharpness.
"Mengchang wants to attack Guifang, send down the Quanrong, conquer the four barbarians in the northern border, expand the army, and stabilize the border. These Rong slaves are still of great use. Mengchang wants to capture the Rong tribe in our northern border to promote peace for all ages. !”
Chonghou Hu smiled and nodded happily.
"Although you are a bit ambitious, if you are still as tactful and withdrawn as before, you will have wasted the expectations and cultivation that I and the Grand Master have placed on you."
Chonghouhu didn't pay much attention to Mengchang's growth. Most of them found out some of Mengchang's trajectories from the mouths of Xingshang.
The deeper he got to know him, the more he admired this young man. In him, he seemed to be able to see the second son who always liked to look down on others and was full of strategies.
No, he is better than Ying Luan, has a bigger heart, and is more cruel than Ying Luan.
If Ying Luan had been as flexible as him at that time, he would not have sacrificed himself in Feng Yang in vain and let himself die in humiliation and worthlessness.
"I will suppress this matter for you, but you must remember that a slave is a slave. You can die for the pioneers, but you cannot overstep your identity."
"I know you always have fantastic ideas. Now you can do extraordinary things in Beihai, but you need to deal with the relationship well afterwards, otherwise the princes will criticize you with words and words, and surround you with criticism. Even I can't protect you."
Chonghou Hu turned his back, not wanting to see Meng Chang's young face. Every time he saw him, he would always feel a rush of memories.
And his words were not final. Di Xin gave him three years to restore his vitality, but now it was only the first year, but he suffered heavy losses. He didn't know whether Di Xin would let him secure his position as Beibei Hou in the future.
Now that Northern Xinjiang is in chaos, no one can stabilize the chaotic Northern Xinjiang except Chonghou Hu. But what if he dies?
"The situation in the world is quite strange. You should be careful. The situation is unclear now. I always feel that someone is stirring up the situation behind my back. It is difficult for me to protect myself. If you are so provocative, I am afraid there will be a crisis later. Everything should be done with my own safety as the top priority. Heavy!"
Meng Chang listened to Chonghou's endless concern, and was a little confused for a moment. He didn't understand why the change in the Marquis's attitude was so drastic.
I had to bow my head and make a promise first, and then kept thinking in my mind.
"Go on, this matter ends here. Don't overstep the bounds of slavery. Think twice before you act."
"Prepare your armaments, gather your subordinates, and follow me to attack Jizhou in three days!"
Mengchang bowed and retreated. When he reached the door, he suddenly heard the deep voice of Chonghou Hu.
"Mengchang, I heard... your father is dead?"
Mengchang said nothing, turned around, looked at Chonghou calmly, and nodded a little lonely.
"Hey, Ying Biao has always been reckless. He is not a person who can hold a high position and control the chaos in northern Xinjiang. You should work harder in the future."
Meng Chang understood and nodded in agreement. He didn't understand Chonghou's intention for a while, but he just hoped that he would be loyal to Chong Yingbiao and maintain the situation in northern Xinjiang in the future.
"Are you willing to join me and have the Chong family name? With the Chong surname?"
"…………"
Why does this plot look so similar to Ding Dong Lu Bu?
Mengchang hurriedly bowed down and said, "I don't want to, but the father of the family has just died, and Changchang is the only son in the family. He should serve his mother and inherit the Meng family. This... I hope Marquis Chong will think about it again!"
I'm feeling dizzy, but fortunately it's the weekend tomorrow, so I can have a good sleep. Work has been really annoying lately. I can’t hold back my inspiration without taking a few deep breaths before writing. I need to adjust my mentality.
(End of chapter)
