In fact, when Han Zhen led his troops into the Xu family's residence, some brave people secretly opened the window.
Unfortunately, it was too dark. Looking around, I could only see a dark figure.
The people in Changzhi County believed that the thief was a stone treasure from Songshanling.
Because the stone treasures in Songshanling are famous in Linzi County.
They have been plundering official roads in recent years, causing the people and wealthy households in the county to suffer greatly.
Moreover, it seems that only Shi Bao has the strength to rob these three families.
After all, the nursing staff of these three families are not easy to mess with.
Two years ago, the previous magistrate had led troops to suppress the army twice, but in the end they all failed.
Seeing that Shi Bao had been guarding the mountain stronghold in Songshanling and had done nothing else, the magistrate and Chief Xu didn't bother to take care of it.
As for recruitment...
Not all bandits are worthy of recruitment.
Otherwise, there are no less than a thousand bandits, large and small, in the entire Jingdong Road. How could there be so many officials for these bandit leaders?
The problem of redundant officials in the Northern Song Dynasty was extremely serious. Nowadays, countless Jinshi are waiting in line to fill the vacancies.
Only rogue bandits and peasant uprisings that have a major impact will lead to recruitment.
Bandits like Shi Bao, who dominate the mountain and are kings, are not even qualified to recruit people.
During the Taizong and Zhenzong periods, the problem of redundant officials was not that serious. Therefore, after recruiting people, they would generally serve as the chief registrar of a lower county or a middle county.
Later, the problem of redundant officials became more and more serious, but the number of rebellions and uprisings increased instead of decreasing. The court had no choice, and the treatment for recruitment changed from civilian officials to idle military attaches in the Xiang army.
This time, the difference is huge.
After all, no matter how good the chief clerk is, he is still a ninth-grade civil servant, which is not comparable to Qiu Bawufu in the Xiang Army.
Why did Song Jiang rebel again and become a bandit not long after he accepted the recruitment?
Don't you just think that the position of an idle military attache is too useless?
Therefore, many bandits have learned to be smart now. If the recruitment package offered by the court is not for civilian officials, they will directly refuse it.
How can you be as happy as a mountain king if you are a Qiu Ba in the Xiang army?
…
Standing in front of the Xu family's house, a strong smell of blood suddenly hit his nostrils.
Chang Zhixian suppressed the turmoil in his stomach and tried to pretend to be sad and angry.
Seeing more and more people watching, Changzhi County started his own performance.
He raised his sleeves and wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes, and said sadly: "Hey, the disaster that happened to the Xu, Zheng, and Wu families tonight is really my fault."
Liu Yong on the side saw the opportunity and hurriedly said: "Why should the magistrate blame himself? Before the magistrate took office, Shi Bao had already occupied the mountain and became the king, and he has a great reputation."
"First there were thugs who attacked the county government and killed officials to rebel. Then there were strong men who broke into the county at night and killed families and looted. These bandits really deserve to die."
After Chang Zhixian rebuked angrily, he looked around at the crowd and said righteously: "Don't worry, everyone, this county is sworn in with these bandits. Tomorrow, the county will order all the archers to go out of the city to suppress the bandits, and we will definitely give you a peaceful world." !”
These words, coupled with the passionate and upright tone, immediately attracted applause from the onlookers.
"Master Qingtian!"
Such a voice suddenly appeared in the crowd.
The next moment, the people watching also shouted together.
Listening to the people's heartfelt chants, Changzhi County's heart surged.
Money has been made, fame has been gained, bandits have been suppressed, and political achievements have been achieved.
This is the way to be an official.
In comparison, country bumpkins like Master Xu, who only know how to bully the people and steal money, don't know what it means to be an official.
Oh, it's really ridiculous.
…
…
In the dark night.
A team of ox carts drove through the jungle along a rugged loess path.
After crossing a hilltop, Han Zhen was riding on his horse. He turned his head and looked in the direction of the county town with a smile on his lips.
His plan was successful.
Using the Xu, Zheng, and Wu families' businesses as bait, Changzhi County was successfully hooked.
First, he took revenge and eliminated hidden dangers.
Secondly, without the obstacles of these three companies, he no longer has to be timid about doing business with Changzhi County.
Third, Changzhi County promised to send troops to suppress the bandits and feigned a frontal attack, while he led his troops to attack Huanglong.
As long as he kills Shi Bao and captures the stronghold, Changzhi County will gain its name and political achievements, and he will have thousands of fugitive households and a grain-producing land.
In short, both he and Changzhi County won.
Bandits don't use their brains, they will remain bandits all their lives.
The cattle walked with heavy steps, dragging the goods loaded with gold, silver and jewelry forward step by step.
When everyone returned to Xiaowang Village, it was already late at night.
"who?"
As soon as I entered the village, I heard a vigilant inquiry in the dark night.
"it's me."
As soon as Han Zhen finished speaking, a little fire lit up in the forest beside him.
The next moment, Ma Sangou held a torch and led Xiao Chong out.
The two of them had been guarding the entrance to the village since they left. At this moment, their heads were covered with mosquito bites and they looked like they had smallpox.
Seeing this, Han Zhen couldn't help but ask: "Why didn't you light the mosquito smoke?"
Ma Sangou smiled bitterly and said, "It's too smokey, I can't stand it."
Mosquito-repellent incense was already available in the Northern Song Dynasty, and its names were Wenyan and Axiang.
Ouyang Xiu once wrote in "Hating Mosquitoes": "The bitter smoke burns the wall and burns the candle."
The main materials of mosquito smoke are mugwort and realgar, then carbon powder is added to support combustion, stirred together into a big ball, and finally squeezed into small strips.
The mosquito repellent effect is good, but it is far inferior to modern mosquito coils, and the smoke after burning is very strong and the smell is overwhelming.
Some high-end mosquito smoke will add mint powder and clove to it to blend the aroma.
After scratching the bump on his face, Ma Sangou asked with expectant eyes: "Brother Han, is tonight going well?"
Han Zhen said nothing and pointed to the bullock cart behind him that was loaded with goods.
After looking at the ox cart, Ma Sangou sighed: "It's a pity that I couldn't go with him."
After all, he felt a little regretful that he couldn't take revenge with his own hands.
"Don't worry, there will be a fierce battle tomorrow."
Han Zhen comforted him and then ordered: "We'll talk about it when we get back."
Six bullock carts stopped in front of the house. Under the command of Han Zhen, the soldiers moved boxes of treasures and copper coins into the warehouse.
This movement woke up the people in the house.
"Uncle is back."
Mrs. Han Zhang walked out of the wing, her soft tone sounding like a woman from a Jiangnan water town.
Seeing her tired face, Han Zhen knew that she had not slept all night, so he advised her, "I have nothing to do, sister-in-law, please go and rest."
"Um."
Mrs. Han Zhang gently tapped her chin, turned around and walked into the side room.
After Han Zhen left, she had been worried about where she could sleep.
At this moment, seeing his uncle return safely, fatigue suddenly surged into his heart.
…
More than thirty soldiers were whispering quietly while moving things.
"What do you think the village chief wants these stones for? They are heavy and heavy."
"If you ask me, it would be more practical to move two more baskets of copper coins."
"Wow, I thought so too."
"..."
For them, things like agate, pearls and jade have no other use except to look good.
It can neither be eaten nor used as money, so there is no real way to get the golden copper coins.
As for gold and silver, are those things they can use?
In this era, there were clear distinctions between classes.
You ask a farmer to go shopping with a piece of silver collar and try it.
Someone will immediately report you to the police and arrest you.
The reason is simple. Poor people have no access to things like gold and silver.
It was either stealing or robbing. Anyway, it was definitely not a normal way of getting here, and he would definitely not arrest the wrong person.
Therefore, in the hearts of these soldiers, agate, jade, gold and silver have nothing to do with them.
The only real seizures were the three carts of copper coins and silk and satin.
This is why the soldiers complained privately.
