The next morning, outside Linchen City.
Zhao Hao, wearing a large soap-colored cloak, stood at the gate of the city and bid farewell to Ying Zheng.
In order to show the emperor's majesty, under Zhao Hao's planning, the motorcade also served as a guard of honor for the princes' patrols.
At this time, Ying Zheng stood on a four-wheeled carriage pulled by six horses, wearing a gorgeous black dragon robe, talking freely with the generals and officials of Nanhai.
"The overall situation in the South China Sea has been decided. The soldiers have worked hard over the years and have made great contributions! The great cause of the old Qin people to conquer the world will be accomplished by pacifying Baiyue. No matter which country they were from before, the people of the Qin Dynasty can go home and live a good life from now on. Will stop the troops and return the people to cultivate themselves!
As the King of Qin, in the name of the old Qin people, I would like to thank our officers and soldiers of the three armies of the Qin Dynasty! "
After speaking, Ying Zheng bowed deeply to the black-crowded generals and officials in Nanhai in front of the carriage.
"Unify the world, long live King Qin!"
"Unify the world, long live King Qin!"
"Unify the world, long live King Qin!"
Thunderous shouts could be heard all the time.
Ying Zheng took the exquisite porcelain bowl handed over by Zhao Hao and said loudly: "I came in a hurry on this trip and did not bring Old Qin wine to reward the soldiers!
However, this Nanhai Wuliangye is also the latest brewed good wine, and I like it very much. I will use this Nanhai Wuliangye today to drink and congratulate you with all the soldiers and officials! "
"Dry!"
The generals and officials in front of the carriage cheered, raised their wine bowls, and drank down the wine.
After they finished drinking, Ying Zheng sighed a few more words, then said goodbye to them and returned to the carriage.
During this period, Ying Zheng didn't say a word to Zhao Hao, and the same was true for Zhao Hao.
In this way, after a trip to the South China Sea that lasted more than three months, Ying Zheng embarked on his return journey safely in front of all the generals and officials in the South China Sea.
Accompanying him were the Xianyang envoys who greeted him this time, Yang Duanhe and Zhao Cheng.
Although Ying Zheng experienced the unpleasant incident last night, Yang Duanhe and Zhao Cheng acted like nothing happened and continued to escort Ying Zheng back to Xianyang.
And this was specially arranged by Zhao Hao.
Watching Ying Zheng leave Linchen City, Zhao Hao narrowed his eyes, then turned to look at the Nanhai generals and officials behind him, and said loudly: "Everyone, on the day that my father goes north, it is a great blessing for me. This is a great blessing for China! We bow our heads and bow again!"
"Long live the King of Qin, may the King of Qin be safe!"
After hearing this, everyone bowed deeply towards the direction where Ying Zheng's motorcade left.
"Brother Hao, what is going on? Why don't we follow our father?"
Seeing Ying Zheng's motorcade fading away, Gong Ziliang, who was wearing military uniform, looked at Zhao Hao with a puzzled expression.
Zhao Hao glanced at him lightly and said, "Why are you in a hurry? We'll leave later!"
"What do you mean late? Could it be that you have to walk at night?"
"What's wrong with walking at night? Are you still afraid of the dark?"
"Is it a matter of being afraid of the dark or not?"
Gong Ziliang said dissatisfied: "We have made a lot of achievements in pacifying the South China Sea. Isn't walking at night equivalent to walking at night in brocade clothes?"
"What Jin Yi Ye Xing, do you think you are the King of Chu?"
Zhao Hao rolled his eyes at Gong Ziliang speechlessly, turned to everyone and said: "Go back, everyone, do whatever you have to do!"
"this"
Everyone looked at each other in confusion, not knowing what the young master was planning, so they had no choice but to leave the city gate and walk into the city.
"Hey, Brother Hao, you...hey."
Seeing Zhao Hao leave immediately without giving any explanation, Gong Ziliang looked at the other three brothers depressedly.
This time, Young Master Ronglu, who had always had a sharp tongue, did not say a word. He just glanced at Zhao Hao silently and then followed him on horseback.
"Okay, go back quickly!"
Young Master Gao smiled, stepped forward to comfort him, and then followed him into the city.
"Okay, you want to play like this, okay, I'm not in a hurry, I'll just hang out with you here!"
Seeing this, Gong Ziliang simply broke the jar and immediately got off his horse and walked to the stall beside him: "Waiter, here's a bowl of tofu pudding and hot dry noodles!"
"okay!"
As the sky gradually darkened, Ying Zheng's motorcade had already left Linchen County.
As soon as he passed Linchen County, Zhao Cheng's heart began to pound.
Zhao Cheng has been nervous every moment since he set off from Linchen City. If Yang Duanhe hadn't been by his side calmly, he might have collapsed.
"General Yang, I think the sky is a little unusually dark, like dark clouds gathering. How about we find a place to camp and rest for tonight?"
Zhao Cheng glanced at Yang Duanhe beside him and said cautiously.
Yang Duanhe snorted coldly and ignored him.
Suddenly, strong winds and dark clouds rolled in from the sky. It became increasingly difficult for the soldiers to support the ceremonial guard that symbolized the emperor's majesty. People were constantly being blown off their horses, causing the horses to be frightened and scurry around in the convoy. Several soldiers were actually squeezed out. cliff.
Seeing such a chaotic scene, Yang Duanhe couldn't help but feel a little palpitated. He was afraid that something might happen to the First Emperor, so he immediately left Zhao Cheng and headed towards the direction of the First Emperor's carriage.
At this time, Ying Zheng happened to lean out of the window and heard Yang Duanhe say: "Your Majesty, it's going to rain heavily soon. Why don't you find a place to take shelter and leave tomorrow?"
"This is halfway up the mountain, where can we take shelter from the rain?"
Tang Sui, who had been waiting beside Ying Zheng's carriage, frowned and asked.
Ying Zheng also said hesitantly: "General Yang, does he know where there is a shelter from the rain?"
Yang Duanhe thought for a while, then reluctantly shouted behind him: "Zhao Cheng, come here!"
"coming!"
Zhao Cheng was overjoyed when he heard this, but looked a little flustered on his face. He quickly came to Ying Zheng's carriage and saluted him.
"No need to be polite."
Ying Zheng waved his hand and said, "Do you know where to take shelter from the rain?"
"Your Majesty, Wei Chen is mainly responsible for route planning for this mission to the South China Sea. There is a big pine tree covering the sky and sun a few hundred meters away from here. We can go there to take shelter from the rain!"
Zhao Cheng bowed and replied.
Ying Zheng glanced at Tang Sui and then at Yang Duanhe, thinking that this strong wind came unexpectedly. If a heavy rain came later, he would be as embarrassed as the soldiers. Wouldn't it undermine the emperor's dignity?
"Okay, just take shelter under that big pine tree for a while, wait until the rain stops, and then find a suitable place to set up camp!"
"promise!"
After hearing Ying Zheng's decision, Yang Duan and the three of them agreed in unison.
Soon, Ying Zheng and others arrived under the big pine tree.
As soon as they arrived at the big pine tree, a heavy rain suddenly fell.
Ying Zheng carefully looked at the pine tree in front of him. It was as big as two environmental protections. The branches and leaves were lush and spread out in all directions. They were so dense that no gaps could be seen, and they looked like a big unfolded umbrella.
When it rained heavily, the convoy was even more panicked. Seeing that there was still an open space under the tree, Ying Zheng ordered Tang Sui generals Wang Jian, Xia Wuji and others to come over to take shelter from the rain.
After a while, he saw Wang Jian, and Xia Wuqi rushed to the tree dripping wet.
Seeing their embarrassed looks, Ying Zheng was secretly glad that he had come a step earlier and said with a smile: "Hahaha, my dears, come here and take shelter from the rain!"
Wang Jian and Xia Wuqi basically didn't pay much attention to etiquette in front of Ying Zheng, but a heavy rain soaked them to death, which still made them feel embarrassed.
After thanking Ying Zheng for calling them to take shelter from the rain, they all stood silently under the tree, no one spoke.
Ying Zheng said in a funny tone: "The weather in the south is really unpredictable. If we were in the north, it would probably take a long time for such rain to come down!"
"It should be snowing in the north by now, right?" Wang Jian suddenly asked.
"Well, it should snow."
Ying Zheng nodded and said: "After spending the New Year in the south, I almost forgot what snow looks like. When I go back this time, I should be able to catch the auspicious snow in early spring."
"Haha, I haven't seen the snow in the north for many years."
"Old General, you have worked hard for your country, and it's time to take care of yourself! When you go back this time, I will arrange a special courtyard for you, with picturesque scenery and beautiful mountains and clear waters!"
"I appreciate His Majesty's kindness. I want to go back to my hometown Pinyang more than anywhere else. I don't know how many of the folks there are left." Wang Jian shook his head with a smile.
"this"
When Ying Zheng heard this, he was stunned.
Everyone looked at each other, as if they didn't expect Wang Jian to reject Ying Zheng's kindness.
In order to obtain benefits from Ying Zheng, Wang Jian did everything possible and even threatened not to lead troops to fight if he did not receive benefits.
Now that Wang Jian refuses Ying Zheng's kindness, it always gives people the feeling that he has a bigger plan.
However, facing Wang Jian's rejection, Ying Zheng was not angry and just nodded with a smile.
The heavy rain came and went quickly, and it didn't take long for the sky to clear up.
But looking at the muddy road, Ying Zheng finally did not let Yang Duanhe find another place to camp. He set up a tent and lit a fire around the pine trees.
Some soldiers are responsible for drying clothes, some soldiers are responsible for living and cooking, and some soldiers are responsible for guarding.
It didn't take long for it to get dark.
Except for the patrolling soldiers, the remaining soldiers got into the tents to rest.
As for Yang Duanhe, he personally led his own soldiers to guard outside Ying Zheng's tent.
The lights were still on in Ying Zheng's tent.
Under the light, Ying Zheng is writing something with a brush.
"Duanhe, let the soldiers go down and rest. Tang Sui is here, there will be no danger. Rest early, we have to go on the road tomorrow."
Ying Zheng, who was sitting in the tent, glanced at the shadows outside and said with a smile.
"Your Majesty, the general is not tired. It is the general's duty to protect His Majesty."
Yang Duanhe's voice came from outside the tent.
After hearing this, Ying Zheng smiled and shook his head.
It's not that he ordered Yang Duanhe not to move, but that Yang Duanhe blamed himself very much because of Zhao Cheng.
According to his idea, evil thieves like Zhao Cheng should be dealt with in accordance with national laws, otherwise it would be difficult to feel at ease on the way back. However, Ying Zheng let Zhao Cheng go and asked him to escort him back to Xianyang, which really made Yang Duan and Depressed.
However, since this was Ying Zheng's decision, no matter how confused he was, he could only act in accordance with Ying Zheng's decision.
"Tang Sui, take my tiger-skin cloak to hold it in check. He was also caught in the rain just now, so he probably hasn't even dried out his armor yet!"
"promise!"
Tang Sui, who was standing next to Ying Zheng, immediately agreed, took off the coat hanger and handed it to Yang Duanhe outside the tent.
Yang Duanhe took the cloak, his body suddenly stiffened, and tears welled up in his eyes.
"Duan He, don't think too much. His Majesty doesn't mean to blame you, so don't force it too much. Just put this on and let the soldiers take turns to rest!"
Tang Sui and Yang Duanhe were old acquaintances, and they had a very good relationship with each other. While helping Yang Duanhe put on his tiger skin cloak, he comforted him.
"good."
Yang Duanhe, whose heart was extremely warm, nodded vigorously, turned around and saluted Ying Zheng in the tent, and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, you should also pay more attention to rest. You will have rough skin and thick flesh, and your Majesty gave you The tiger skin cloak is not afraid of rain, sleet or snow!"
Ying Zheng smiled slightly, stood up and came to the bed without saying anything.
After a while, the lights in Ying Zheng's tent went out.
Under the moonlight, the camp became silent, with only the sounds of soldiers patrolling back and forth and the sound of armor rubbing against each other.
Yang Duanhe, on the other hand, stood motionless outside Ying Zheng's tent like an iron sculpture.
Half an hour, an hour.
As time continued to pass, the camp became increasingly quiet.
However, in a small tent in a quiet corner of the camp, Zhao Cheng's closed eyes suddenly opened, and then he listened to the sounds of people moving around him.
When he noticed that a patrol team had just passed by his tent, he immediately stood up, quietly walked to the tent door, lifted the tent curtain, and looked sideways.
Except for the crackling lights, there was no other movement around. Immediately he rolled his eyes, and a special flute was placed in his mouth, making a "woo woo woo" sound, like the sound of wind.
Then, he slowly retreated to the tent curtain and lay down on the bed.
I don’t know how long it took, but shadows in black clothes gradually appeared from behind the trunk of the pine tree.
One, two, three, four, five, six dozens of figures appeared under the dense branches and leaves of the pine trees.
After all the black figures were revealed, a middle-aged man with gloomy eyes, holding a sword on his waist, emerged from behind the giant tree.
Under the moonlight, you can clearly see traces of fire on his eyebrows and forehead.
Yes, they were the Wuchang assassins who escaped from the siege alive last night under the surprise attack of Chen Ping and Guan Ying.
Although the heat lamps released by Chen Ping almost wiped out all the assassins under their command, there were still many assassins who used their special skills to escape.
Of course, even if they escaped, they still had some injuries on their bodies.
"Yin Yu, we must succeed this time. If we fail like last time, even if we can go back alive, we will suffer unimaginable punishment. Do you understand?"
The young palace attendant who was originally fair-skinned now turned gray and his eyes were full of blood.
Obviously, the gunpowder bomb attack last night caused him a lot of damage.
But I heard Yin Yu whisper: "Stop talking nonsense, let's get started!"
After saying that, he immediately pulled out his sword and rushed towards Ying Zheng's tent.
Seeing this, the other assassins pulled the ropes around them.
Huge logs rolled down from the hidden places of the pine leaves, making a rumbling sound.
Such a loud sound quickly attracted the attention of the patrolling soldiers.
"Enemy attack! Enemy attack!"
"Enemy attack! Enemy attack!"
There was a burst of shouting in the camp.
The soldiers, all of whom were still wearing their armor, grabbed the weapons beside them, rushed out of the tent, and then gathered towards Ying Zheng's tent at extremely fast speeds.
Ying Zheng, who had just fallen asleep for a short time, was awakened by shouts outside.
"What's wrong?"
Ying Zheng sat on the bed and asked with a frown.
Tang Sui walked over with a smile and whispered: "Your Majesty, the assassin is here."
"oh?"
The corners of Ying Zheng's mouth raised slightly, and then he shouted: "What's going on!?"
"Don't worry, Your Majesty, General Youmo will be guarding outside, everything will be fine!"
Yang Duanhe outside the tent said confidently.
The reason why he was confident was not because he was arrogant, but because he had already imagined the dangers on the road the night before he returned.
Detailed response measures have been formulated for this purpose.
However, Ying Zheng ignored him and shouted again: "Zhao Cheng! Let Zhao Cheng get out of here! I have something to ask him!"
"His Majesty!"
"Didn't you hear what I said? I want to see Zhao Cheng!"
"this"
Yang Duanhe hesitated for a moment, thinking to himself, why would your Majesty see that traitor Zhao Cheng at this time? Could it be that all this has something to do with Zhao Cheng?
Thinking of this possibility, Yang Duanhe's face suddenly turned pale, and without saying a word, he directly sent his own bodyguard to capture Zhao Cheng.
at the same time.
Ying Zheng has taken off his gorgeous black dragon cannon and put on the armor of an ordinary soldier (end of this chapter)
