In the fifth year of Emperor Xin's reign, spring.
This year's heavy snowfall is still being postponed, and the King Master of Liaodong is still blocked in Liaodong City, making it difficult to move. The officiant has not arrived, and the wedding invitations cannot be carried out, so the wedding date can only be postponed.
Fortunately, Deng Chanyu is usually very carefree, but when it comes to national affairs, she is still very open-minded.
Looking at the snowflakes all over the sky, Meng Chang and Jiang Ziya were a little worried.
As the saying goes, auspicious snow heralds a good harvest, but too much snow can be a disaster, delaying spring plowing and delaying the farming season. This is a fatal thing for large businesses with low productivity.
Meng Di was okay, but what they were worried about was that other princes in northern Xinjiang, including the territories of Chaoge and Donglu, would also be affected by the heavy cold and snow. Well, that includes the Rong tribe, they are all having such a hard time, the Rong tribe will only get crazier, the Four Borders of Dashang will only tighten their belts and live a life, and the Rong tribe will go crazy and fight to the death with Northern Xinjiang.
The more abundant the food is compared with other areas, the easier it is to receive the attention of the Rong people. People with food will think about expansion, and people without food will think about desperate efforts.
"Xiang Jiang, let the armored cavalry with strong energy and blood go to Yancheng and Liaodong to give a warning. I'm worried that when the snow melts, it will be an opportunity for the Rong people to go south. Let them be careful. If the situation is critical, they must defend the city and wait. reinforce."
"My lord, I'm afraid we won't be able to climb up to the Taiping Peak of Daizong. Now that the snow is falling heavily, the top of the mountain will only get colder. The ministers of the alliance suggested that we can go to Taicheng instead of climbing the mountain to offer sacrifices."
Jiang Ziya and Meng Chang were drinking freshly roasted tea leaves around the stove in the Marquis Mansion. Jiang Ziya couldn't help but spit it out after just one sip. He didn't understand what strange thing the master was playing with, and asked him to taste some tea, but his mouth was filled with tears. It's bitter and astringent, almost like poison.
Mengchang also couldn't stand the taste, and he didn't know the expertise. He didn't know much about tea roasting, and good tea seemed to require improvement of varieties and tea selection. He didn't understand any of this, so he recognized it. Wild tea trees, do some reminiscing about the past.
Under the heavy snow, it is difficult to carry out any activities. Since Jiang Ziya and Ksitigarbha have been born, his burden has become much lighter. This is because Ji Dan is not in Meng Ji, otherwise he, the lord, would really have the meaning of a king who does not go to court early, and there will be nothing to do every day. , to strengthen their muscles and practice their postures, the dignified Lord began to patrol the city-state with his bodyguards, going to the mountains and countryside to express condolences to the soldiers and civilians.
Or is this what a qualified monarch should do? Not to mention, it really smells like a constitutional monarchy.
"Let's go to Taicheng. Taicheng is the largest in the whole outside world, and it looks more majestic. Next year, the expansion of Mengcheng will be put on the agenda. I have recently seen that many guesthouses are overcrowded, and many business travelers are staying at the common people. At home, the scale of Mengcheng will only get bigger and bigger in the future. Only by widening the roads and building the city well can we accommodate more people."
"This is a big project, and the cost of renovation is probably not small."
"It doesn't matter. We can expand around Mengcheng. The original city wall will be used as the old city, and the new city outside will be used as a new development area. This is also good."
Wu Cheng, who had been quietly listening to the conversation between the two, immediately interrupted and asked.
"If there is an invasion from foreign enemies, the new outer city may be in danger!"
Beat Mengcheng? Meng Chang smiled. Mengcheng was behind the Daizong Mountains. If he wanted to attack Mengcheng, he had to capture Taicheng first. The experienced Deng Zhizhong went to Binzhou, and Xin Ping was replaced by Xin Ping, who was known for his conservatism. He relied on Daizong's natural security. Taicheng is impregnable!
If one day the enemy really reaches outside Mengcheng, it will be his death.
The emperor guards the gate of the country, and the king dies in the country!
A hundred years later, it is still unclear whether the old Meng family will still be in the land of Mengji.
"Don't worry about it. Gather the princes who have arrived. Let's go to Taicheng to form an alliance first!"
"promise!"
Mengcheng's military force was mobilized again, and countless nobles set out together with tens of thousands of troops. Many of them were not qualified to form an alliance, but this did not prevent them from going to watch the ceremony.
The princes in this land have always gone to Chongcheng to gather alliances. Even if it snows heavily and blocks the roads, it cannot stop them from watching the first ever Taicheng Alliance ceremony.
Daizong has always been the place where kings worshiped the emperor since the time of the First Emperor. This time, I was not able to go up the mountain. It is a little regretful to be the first prince in the history of the world to worship heaven at Daizong.
But it doesn't matter, Daizong is right next to his base camp, and there will be many opportunities in the future.
I just don't know if God Haotian can respond to his sacrifice and give the blessing of Meng Ji's land when he really sacrifices to heaven.
A huge flow of people surged towards Taicheng. This majestic pass ushered in its glorious moment in the heavy snow at the beginning of spring.
The palace of the Lord of Tai City was filled with distinguished guests, accompanied by music and dancing. It was a rare occasion for the princes who usually fought with each other with swords to gather together to exchange cups and cups and talk about the ideas of governing the country.
As the leader of the alliance, Mengchang was naturally the focus of the princes' attention. The warm wine in his stomach made him feel as if time had intertwined, just like in his previous life, he drank and ate with customers in order to discuss orders. When accompanying the leader while drinking and smiling.
In the past, he was a lackey, an unknown person, and a foil. Now, he is the highest-ranking protagonist in the hall.
"Congratulations to Marquis Meng Bo for his great military power and prosperity! The Kingdom of Meng Ji will live forever!"
"Hahaha, you are so courteous. Meng's today's blessings are all due to your help. I was born as a soldier in civilian clothes. I am lucky enough to be favored by the king and treated with the courtesy of Chonghou. From now on, I will be in Northern Xinjiang. The things are many and complicated, and I hope you will continue to support me and help us prosper in the northern border. We will work together as one to fight against the barbarians in the north and fight against their regrets outside!"
"Everyone, drink to win!"
There are only 200 princes in the northern frontier of Dashang after Yuan Futong's rebellion, the Binzhou Three Sons Rebellion, and the Jizhou rebellion. There are only a hundred princes left. The high-ranking ones include the Tantai clan, the Yancheng clan, Rangguo, and the low-ranking ones also have the title of Yiwei, and soldiers. Only three thousand, there will be no two.
The main palace was filled to the brim.
"Gentlemen, why didn't I see Binzhou Man, Liaodong Bo and Guo Bo? Does anyone know the reason?"
Come, come, everyone suddenly woke up, and Yu State, who was approaching Guo State, was even more excited and gearing up.
Generally, new princes who are promoted to nobles are most afraid of trouble caused by other princes and neighbors within the country. Meng Ji Kingdom is different. It has strong soldiers and horses, which is most suitable for this kind of drama of asking for disobedience.
If we don't actively respond to the call to attack the feudal lords at this time, how can we have the nerve to join in and divide the territories of these princes afterwards?
Rang Bo stood up despite the attention of everyone. He met Guo Bo on the road and persuaded him to speed up his journey and not miss the time for the alliance. Old Guo Bo was also stubborn and felt that he was an old prince. , Mengchang was a newly promoted young nobleman, so he despised his master.
He had no choice. As a prince in the in-law alliance, he could only try his best to explain.
"Honorable Bei Bohou, Guo Bo is old and the road is windy and snowy. It is inevitable that he will encounter some roadblocks and delays. I hope you will..."
"Uncle Rang, what you said is wrong. In the past, when Dayu controlled the floods, the Fangfeng clan who had done great work in controlling the floods also missed the order and was killed by Dayu to sacrifice to heaven. Now, this is the first time that Meng Bohou has summoned an alliance. The meaning is of course It’s extremely significant.”
Baron Yucheng immediately jumped up and shouted: "Today he dares to delay the alliance meeting, and tomorrow he dares to disobey the order. Lord Meng, Yucheng, please be the vanguard and I am willing to fight for you."
Mengchang smiled and looked at the princes in the audience who were asking for a fight. Without saying a word, he raised his finger to Meng You, who was in charge of guarding the door, and asked softly.
"What's the reason for Liaodong and Binzhou?"
"My lord, Uncle Liaodong has been demoted to the rank of Weijue by the Grand Master. I heard that he was seriously ill a few days ago and I'm afraid he won't have much time left."
"The Marquis of Binzhou was also demoted to the rank of Guard by the King. According to the report of the scout who sent the message, the Binzhou Guard refused to accept the judgment of the King. He believed that he had suffered an unreasonable disaster and he was the one who suffered the loss, so he refused to make an alliance."
"Tsk, tsk, tsk!"
The princes looked at Meng Bohou's aura gradually rising in the seat. They suppressed their thoughts and sat upright, waiting for Bohou's wrath.
Alas, Guo Bo and Binzhou Wei are confused. Although Meng Bohou is young, he is still a man who fought in the battle with swords and spears. He can still rise step by step in Chaoge City, how can he be a good person?
"Where is Jiang Xiang?"
Jiang Ziya stepped out and bowed: "I'm here."
"Call Zhao Bing and Deng Zhizhong, if Mr. Tao doesn't want to be the Wei Lord, then don't do it. For the sake of the former prince Tao Fang, our Binzhou Wei will be respectfully invited to Mengcheng. Meng will ensure that he lives a happy life. No worries.”
"I confer Deng Zhizhong as the General of Zhenxi, commanding the military forces of Binzhou and surrounding countries, and guarding Binzhou and Hexi!"
"Order Dangwei General Zhao Bing to deploy defenses along the Luoshui River and build high fortresses to guard against changes in Hexi and the invasion of Zhou."
"I, Meng Ji, will defend the territory that Tao cannot hold for him. Binzhou, which Tao cannot suppress, I, Meng Ji, will suppress for him. If you have any difficulties in the future, you can ask me, Meng Ji, to make the decision. Prince Bohou Grant, to seal the territory on behalf of Shang, this is my duty, Meng Ji, and what I, Meng Chang, have to do, gentlemen, do you have any objections?"
The princes were as silent as cicadas. Meng Chang's aura suppressed the princes in the hall, who were a little breathless. He was not young and had a strong aura. Suddenly, he suddenly changed from having fun to being so serious and accountable. Even the drunken princes kept silent, for fear of attracting artillery fire. to yourself.
After all, Tao of Binzhou used to be a marquis, and after being demoted, he still maintained his power. However, with just a few instructions, the new prince turned an old marquis clan with outstanding achievements into an Le Gong. Isn't he afraid that Tao will rebel again? ?
It seems that they are really not afraid. If they were in Mengchang's position, they would be eager for a crippled prince like Binzhou to rebel, which just gave them a suitable reason to send troops.
"As for Uncle Guo, do you have any advice?"
Everyone looked at their noses and hearts and remained silent. What kind of wisdom could they have? Of course, I hope that you will kill Uncle Guo, and then everyone will sit in a row and share the benefits of the Guo Kingdom!
I thought so, but few people dared to say, and no one was sure what this person was thinking. I thought it was just a drink to whitewash the prosperity of Meng Ji, and then everyone sang praises, and it passed. The atmosphere is now so awkward that everyone is afraid of accidentally saying the wrong thing and getting burned.
"Mr. Yucheng, I have just ascended to a high position. Northern Xinjiang is full of leaks and leaks. I really have no time to care about the affairs of Guo State. After the alliance is over, you will ask Uncle Guo on my behalf to see if he wants to make up for his mistakes. Or does it really have any personal rift with me?"
"Uh~ Bohou, if Uncle Guo doesn't obey the order, what should we do?"
"Then please let Yu Chengnan go his own way. If you can't handle it, ask Meng Ji for help!"
"promise!"
Yu Chengnan looked excited. Who in this world doesn't want to make progress? The Guo State has been suppressing Yucheng for hundreds of years. Today, justice is on the line. Even if the Guo State is right, it is still wrong. The princes in the northern and southeastern areas of northern Xinjiang have come forward to cater to them, saying that they will hold accountable the Yucheng men together and strengthen their power. Momentum.
Mengchang picked up the wine cup again and signaled to everyone. Only then did the princes realize that the thunder had passed and they could drink as much as they wanted now.
The Guo Kingdom was actually insignificant. He could just pretend that nothing happened and let Uncle Guo off. After all, the old man was trying to catch him because he wanted to maintain stability.
It's just that Uncle Guo overestimated his own strength. He simply didn't need too many pioneers as Marquis Meng. The world was bustling with people, and everyone was seeking profit and gain. Removing a prince from Binzhou was a killing stick, and the Guo Kingdom was what Meng Chang threw to the princes. Meaty bones. These meat-smelling wolfhounds would spare no effort to plunder the population, divide the territory, and split the Guo Kingdom into city-states directly under their rule.
Will the princes lose their tail after being fattened? No. In five years, Meng Ji's granary was full and his swords and armor were fully equipped. Meng Bohou had already made a slightly rich family fortune. When the Second Battalion of Water and Fire returned, Meng Ji's country was as solid as gold.
"Xiang Jiang, now that Binzhou and Guo have been dealt with, what do you think we should do about Liaodong?"
"My lord, when you were out, Ziya made his own decisions and obeyed the order of the grand master. He asked Lian Yong and Zhong Ji to take charge of the generals of Zhenbei and suppress Liaodong. At the same time, he gave Chunxiong the rank of Xiongnu general to wipe out the bandits in Liaodong! As the matter is urgent, please also ask my lord. Forgive me!"
"Very good, very good! Ziya deserves to be my Prime Minister Meng Ji. Meng Chang is too late to thank you, so how can I blame you?"
The two complemented each other well. Meng Chang was away from Mengcheng most of the time, and many matters were implemented by Jiang Ziya. Meng Ji became stronger and stronger, and Jiang Ziya took the most credit.
At this time, a ray of sunlight poured into the hall along the window lattice, shining like gold. Could this be the light of the right path?
God is beautiful, and even the weather will change according to people's hearts. The sunshine at this time has coated the snow-white earth with a golden color, like the waves of wheat during the harvest, and like the golden pavement of gold. The warmth surges up, Meng My back was sweating a little due to the alcohol, and my mood became brighter.
Meng Chang stood up and gently put down his wine cup, carefully arranged his clothes, raised his hands and said to the princes.
"Everything has been decided. Gentlemen, the light from the sky breaks through the clouds. This is a sign of good luck. Follow me up to the high platform, behead the deer, and make an alliance through blood!"
A group of people stood up in a hurry. Except for a few idiots who were too drunk to stand up and were secretly remembered by Meng Chang, the others all dressed in order and followed them out of the hall and walked to a high terrace.
I saw Meng Bohou holding a golden axe. He swung the ax and chopped it down, and the deer's head separated immediately.
Meng You stepped forward to receive the deer blood in a pottery cauldron, poured it evenly into the wine vat, and then filled each empty wine baron with deer blood wine.
Mengchang raised his glass and shouted loudly: "Today, Meng Ji is the master, and the princes of the northern Xinjiang are serving as guests. Mengchang is acting as the king of Shang Dynasty, and we salute God. This cup is a win, and we pay tribute to heaven!"
"Today, Mengchang is the prince, and he will lead the princes in the northern border to pray for the peace and prosperity of the country and the people. There will be no more disasters in the northern border, and the warehouses will be full of crops. I drink this cup and pay tribute to my mother-in-law!"
"Today, Bohou is acting on behalf of the king. Under the witness of the Emperor and the Empress, we will ceremoniously form an alliance and swear an oath. The lower state will obey the edict, and the upper state will do justice. This cup is worth drinking, and it will be turned into soup!"
"Gentlemen, if someone breaks the oath during today's alliance, tell me how to deal with it?"
"Fight together! Fight together! Fight together!"
(End of chapter)
