After Chu returned to Qin, Bai Yan went to Nanyang County, intending to go up Danshui to Wuguan.
Originally, there were two roads to and from Qin. Apart from the Wuguan road, there was another road that went directly from Chu to Yingchuan, and then from Luoyang to Hangu Pass. The road from Hangu Pass to Xianyang, Bai Yan I have walked through it countless times. Whether I was going to Shangjun or Yanmen in the past, I had to pass through Hangu Pass.
Although Hangu Pass is easy to walk, the distance is much longer. In addition, the cities along the way are prosperous. Most people from all over the world come to Qin Dynasty through Hangu Pass. Bai Yan has many old friends on that road, and Bai Yan doesn't want to go too far. Make a statement.
The relatively quiet Danshui Wuguan is the best choice.
In the past, Nanyang County could be said to be the most prosperous place in the world, not to mention being comparable to the world-famous city of Luoyang, whether it was when South Korea owned it for a hundred years or thousands of years later.
As everyone knows, Nanyang County not only has fertile land, but also is close to Chu State and Yingchuan, and there is also the iron ore-rich county Zhiwan City, so commerce and trade is extremely prosperous.
However, following the rebellion of Lord Changping, the unrest among Chu officials caused panic among the people, and merchants fled for their lives immediately. Then the Chu army attacked Nanyang, causing numerous casualties among the people of Nanyang, and almost even Wancheng was lost. This also made the gentry, merchants, and Dare to return to Nanyang County in a short time.
When Bai Yan arrived all the way to Wancheng, it was already dark.
Fortunately, when Bai Yan entered the border city of Nanyang County, both the Qin officials in the city and the Qin officials at the post stations along the way put aside everything immediately and spread the news of Bai Yan's return to Qin along the way. Go down.
In the State of Qin, there was a post station every thirty miles, and there were even some special places. There was a post station every fifteen miles, which was used for officials running around in counties and counties, as well as for Qin officials who went to small villages and pavilions to rest. In many cases, , there will be carriages and cars.
The efficiency of delivering messages at the post station is much faster than that of Bai Yan riding a horse alone. After all, Bai Yan is alone, and the post stations along the way have Qin officials who specialize in delivering urgent orders. In addition, due to the previous war between Qin and Chu, all Nanyang County The Qin officials at the post station are all on standby.
This was also before Bai Yan arrived in Wancheng, Wancheng had already received the news.
Under the city gate.
Bai Yan stepped out of the carriage and instantly saw Sima Chang and other Qin officials waiting for him at the city gate.
Bai Yan quickly stepped out of the carriage, bowed his hands to Sima Chang and bowed slightly.
"Bai Yan, meet your uncle!"
Bai Yan said.
Knowing that the elder Sima Chang came to the city gate in the cold weather, Bai Yan felt helpless. He had not wanted to go through Hangu Pass before. Apart from the journey, he was most worried about this.
Perhaps in the eyes of outsiders, this is nothing. After all, Sima Chang is also expressing his closeness and importance to Bai Yan.
But for a person like Bai Yan who adheres to the order of elders and younger ones, it is very regretful that Sima Chang, as an elder, should be like this.
"I heard that you led the Qin army, defeated more than 100,000 elite Chu troops, and killed Xiang Yan?"
Sima Chang looked at Bai Yan, whose face was full of exhaustion, and saluted with a humble and polite expression. He quickly stepped forward to support Bai Yan's hands as he saluted.
Seeing Bai Yan's actions, Sima Chang was a little flattered. Even though he had been in contact with Bai Yan and knew Bai Yan's character, Sima Chang never thought that Bai Yan, who led the Qin army to destroy Wei and defeat Chu, would not be able to survive until he established his own destiny. After returning from work, the moment I saw him, he was so humble and polite, without the slightest hint of arrogance or pride.
If Bai Yan's identity had been put aside just now, anyone who saw Bai Yan's behavior would think that it was a junior meeting an elder! Who dares to imagine that it was this junior who made great military exploits for the Qin State and is now a well-known general in the world.
He lifted Bai Yan up with both hands and looked at Bai Yan's appearance. Sima Chang, who was now the guardian of Wancheng, was both amazed and filled with emotion.
"It's a pity that if it weren't for the Bai family, I would have become a good son-in-law, no regrets!"
Sima Xing thought in his heart that he really liked Bai Yan looking at him from the bottom of his heart.
"Bai Yan, fortunately you have not disgraced the king!"
Bai Yan nodded to Sima Chang, raised his hand and replied.
Bai Yan was not surprised that Sima Chang got the news so quickly. Almost all the Qin officials along the way were curious as to why he, as the chief general of the Qin army, suddenly returned to Xianyang from Chu.
Without any orders, the accompanying cavalry officers and soldiers all told the story of the Chu Kingdom with a proud look on their faces. They seemed extremely satisfied every time they saw the shocked and astonished faces of the Qin officials.
Qin officials knew how fast messages could be transmitted between stations, and naturally, Sima Chang also knew about it.
"Yu Qin has made great contributions to the world!"
When Sima Chang heard Bai Yan's confirmation, he shook his head slightly in amazement. Then he wanted to ask something, but noticed that there were too many people here, so he endured it, turned sideways, and asked the Qin officials and some nobles behind him. Old man, introduce me to Bai Yan.
Behind Sima Chang, many Qin officials finally got to know Bai Yan. Under Sima Chang's introduction, they all excitedly raised their hands to salute.
The fact that Bai Yan is a favored minister of Ying Zheng has already spread throughout the world, not to mention them Qin officials. Now that Bai Yan has made great achievements in Chu after leading the army to destroy Wei, everyone wants to take advantage of it. Please curry favor with Bai Yan.
Seeing Bai Yan politely returning the gift, after the ceremony, all the officials of the Qin State, as well as some old men from the Wancheng gentry, looked at Sima Chang with envy. Bai Yan was very polite to them, but they had just seen it in comparison. The difference between Sima Chang's and Bai Yan's anxious and fearful looks was still extremely obvious.
Everyone knew that both Bai Yan's title to Sima Chang and Bai Yan's actions towards Sima Chang were enough to prove that Bai Yan was facing Sima Chang as a junior.
How can this prevent them from being envious.
Sima Chang's mansion.
Bai Yan had to hurry and was tired from the journey, so Sima Chang declined all the banquets from officials and nobles on behalf of Bai Yan.
After ordering his servants to settle the cavalry soldiers, Sima Chang went to the study. As soon as he entered, he saw Bai Yan who was devouring his food.
"No need to be polite!"
Sima Chang saw Bai Yan preparing to put down the bowls and chopsticks to prepare the ceremony, and quickly waved his hand.
The last time we said goodbye, when Mr. Hu was away, I looked at Bai Yan devouring food in front of me, thinking about Bai Yan's previous actions of guarding Mr. Hu's mausoleum. Compared to the time when Bai Yan, who had led the troops outside for so long, could finally do it. I can see how exhausted I am.
"Can I stay in Wancheng for one more day tomorrow?"
Sima Chang looked at Bai Yan and asked.
Looking at the 'Sword of Benevolence and Righteousness' on the wooden table, after learning that Bai Yan had lost the sword, Sima Chang had actually asked the master to prepare another sharp sword for Bai Yan, but when he heard that Ying Zheng actually When Zhanlu rewarded Bai Yan, not only did Sima Chang give up the idea immediately, but even the master who forged the sword was no longer willing to forge the sword.
In the words of the sword masters, no matter how sharp and perfect the sword they forged, they could only have Bai Yan's name engraved on the sword.
However, although the name of Bai Yan, who wears Zhanlu, cannot be engraved on Zhanlu, it can be preserved in bamboo and silk with Zhanlu along with those great sages in ancient times, and is passed down from generation to generation among the people of the world.
Everyone who nominated Jian Zhanlu mentioned Bai Yan's name, and everyone knew about Bai Yan. How could this be compared to an iron sword?
"The sooner Bai Yan returns to Xianyang, the better! Bai Yan wants to see the king as soon as possible and inform him of the news of Chu's victory. He doesn't want to delay even a day!"
Bai Yan bulged his mouth and kept stuffing chicken while chewing.
There are some words that must not be said, whether to Sima Chang or others, because the words will change their taste once they are said.
Just like Bai Yan once blocked Jing Ke's assassination for Ying Zheng and was poisoned, but after waking up, Bai Yan never mentioned Jing Ke's assassination again, even in private.
Too many things in later generations prove that in front of the king, the kindness of protecting the king will be hatred.
This sentence is very intriguing, but extremely true.
"Ah! Forget it, then I will write another letter and inform Brother Yan!"
Sima Chang said with some pity. Seeing Bai Yan so anxious, he finally didn't say anything to persuade him to stay.
Looking at Bai Yan's confused eyes, Sima Chang told Bai Yan that he had already sent the news to Bai Yan.
"Bai Yan will go to see the king first, and see his uncle in Xianyang later."
Bai Yan looked at Sima Chang and said.
Bai Yan has always known that Bai Yan was in Wei, and Bai Yan knew exactly how much grain and grass Bai Yan had raised to give to the Qin army. There were also detailed records in the bamboo slips given by Xiao He, which would be presented to Ying in the future. Review of politics.
In the study room.
Sima Chang and Bai Yan talked for a long time.
I don't know if it was an hour or two hours later, but it wasn't until another friend from the noble family came to visit that Sima Chang came back to his senses and looked at Bai Yan who looked tired as it was getting late.
Sima Chang told Bai Yan to rest early and he would have to rush on the road tomorrow. After saying a few words, he got up and left the study.
Under night.
After finally persuading his friend to leave and promising to make an appointment to visit the Bai family in Xianyang in the future, Sima Chang escorted his friend all the way to the outside of the mansion and watched the carriage leave.
Just when Sima Chang was lamenting that it was difficult to persuade his friend, he suddenly saw flickering firelight and considerable movement on the street in the distance in the dark night.
Frowning, Sima Chang didn't know what happened or who was coming.
For a moment, Sima Chang looked at the servants of the mansion behind him and decided not to leave in a hurry, but to see who was coming first.
Not long after waiting, when dozens of Qin soldiers holding torches and escorting a carriage arrived, Sima Chang was relieved after confirming that there was no danger.
Guessing that Mr. Teng must have returned, Sima Chang took a few steps forward. When the carriage arrived, escorted by Qin soldiers holding torches, he was ready to salute.
But what surprised Sima Chang was that not only Old Teng was on the carriage, but also Old General Wang Jian was there.
"Sima Chang, I have met the governor of Teng County and the general!"
When Sima Chang saw Teng Lao and Wang Jian, he quickly raised his hand to salute.
Beside the carriage.
After Teng Lao and Wang Jian got off the carriage, they returned the courtesy to Sima Chang, then looked at the mansion and asked if Bai Yan was inside.
When they learned that Bai Yan had rested and probably already went to bed at this time, Wang Jian and Mr. Teng looked at each other and laughed helplessly. Seeing that Sima Chang wanted to inform Bai Yan, the two elders stopped Sima Chang one after another.
"Since Bai Yan has rested, let Bai Yan continue to rest! The two of us thought that Bai Yan had not rested before, so we came here. Now that Bai Yan is sleeping, we won't disturb him anymore!"
Mr. Teng said to Sima Chang.
Sima Chang looked confused. It wouldn't take much time to inform Bai Yan, so why did he say not to disturb Bai Yan...
Seemingly knowing what Sima Chang was thinking, Wang Jian nodded after Teng Lao finished speaking.
"The news has been sent to Xianyang. Previously in Xianyang, the king had said that on the day Bai Yan returns to Xianyang, the king will personally go to Wuguan to welcome Bai Yan back to Xianyang. The sooner Bai Yan leaves and sees the king, the better. Your Majesty does not need to go from Xianyang to Wuguan!"
Wang Jian said to Sima Chang that although it was a pity that he did not see Bai Yan, in Wang Jian's eyes, he would naturally be able to see Bai Yan when he returns to Xianyang in the future.
"Ah!!! What? Your Majesty is going to Wuguan to welcome Bai Yan back to Qin?"
When Sima Chang heard Wang Jian's words, his pupils trembled on his usually calm face, and he looked at the two elders in front of him with a look of shock, as if he couldn't imagine what he had heard.
Kings!
He actually wanted to go to Wuguan in person to welcome Bai Yan back to Xianyang!
this……
Sima Chang's heart was full of shock, his Adam's apple moved, and he couldn't help but swallow dryly. His slightly rapid breathing showed that Sima Chang was not calm.
"Words from the King's own mouth!"
Mr. Teng looked at Sima Chang and couldn't help laughing.
Sima Chang probably didn't understand what Wang Jian just said, but Teng Lao knew very well that Wang Jian also had another meaning. The last sentence, the sooner the better, the king does not need to go to Wuguan, what he is talking about is the king, The other also refers to Bai Yan.
Thinking that they had learned that Bai Yan planned to surround the Chu army and get rid of Xiang Yan, he immediately rushed back to Xianyang instead of Shouchun. At first, General Teng and Wang Jian were confused for a moment, but after they quickly understood, they couldn't help it. I marveled in my heart and marveled at Bai Yan's character.
In the battle to destroy Chu, Bai Yan accomplished so many great achievements that shocked Qin and the whole country. Behind each of his achievements, in addition to the earth-shaking changes in the battlefield situation, Bai Yan's prestige in Qin was also getting higher and higher. Qin The country is still like this, not to mention that the Qin army under Bai Yan's command is all elite, not only the brave iron cavalry from the north, but also the side cavalry under Li Mu in the past, plus the soldiers from central Guizhou, the soldiers who destroyed Yan before.
As he continued to defeat Chu in battles, and as Bai Yan continued to lead the Qin army and defeated the Chu army, no one could imagine how high Bai Yan's prestige was among the Qin armies under his command.
Bai Yan sacrificed his life to save Ying Zheng, and Ying Zheng had great trust in Bai Yan before the Yan envoy assassinated him. In terms of Ying Zheng's nature, he should not be dissatisfied or suspicious of Bai Yan.
But whether it is one thing is one thing, and whether there are fleeting thoughts is another.
Now, looking at Bai Yan's actions, not to mention Wang Jian, even Teng Lao was full of emotion. Compared with not being suspicious, compared with fleeting thoughts, Bai Yan directly made Ying Zheng not even have a thought!
Both Teng Lao and Wang Jian knew that Ying Zheng had never been suspicious of Bai Yan, so they would not worry too much about Bai Yan's eager return to Qin. However, Ying Zheng would definitely be very happy because of Bai Yan's actions.
such a pity!
If Bai Qi was like this back then, able to see fame and fortune clearly, and after the Battle of Changping was over, he could let go of the idea of personally leading troops to capture Handan of Zhao State, maybe King Qin Zhaoxiang would have had a different attitude, maybe. Even Fan Ju will no longer stop the Qin army from attacking Handan, let alone the period when the Qin army was unable to attack Handan for three years.
Even Bai Qi has a hard time letting go of his reputation. At such a young age, Bai Yan was able to let go of the fame and fortune of personally leading the troops to attack Shouchun, the capital of Chu. He put down the fame and fortune of personally leading the troops to complete the final blow to destroy Chu. The King's Palace has a reputation that has been recorded in books for centuries. How can this not surprise Mr. Teng?
To be able to do this at such a young age is indeed far more rare than talent. Throughout the ages, there have been many rare and talented people who died based on their reputation.
"When Bai Yan wakes up tomorrow, there is no need to tell me that I am in the city, lest Bai Yan stay any longer!"
Elder Teng looked at Sima Chang, who was looking lost, and ordered softly.
Mr. Teng knew very well about Bai Yan's character and knew not to mention the favor he helped Bai Yan last time. As far as Bai Yan was concerned, if he knew that he was back in Wancheng, he would definitely visit him tomorrow and wait for him to wake up outside the mansion. .
Therefore, Mr. Teng knew that it was important for Bai Yan to return to Xianyang, so he told Sima Chang that there was no need to tell Bai Yan that he had been there.
Teng Lao also had many, many things he wanted to talk to Bai Yan about, especially the art of war and the matter of breaking the formation, but compared with returning to Xianyang, Teng Lao still felt that it was more important.
"The same is true for Wang Jian!"
When Wang Jian heard Teng Lao's words, he nodded and explained to Sima Chang.
"promise!"
Sima Chang raised his hand to salute Teng Lao and Wang Jian, and then watched the two elders turn and leave, riding in a carriage.
Thinking that the two elders did not want to disturb Bai Yan's rest because of Ying Zheng, Sima Chang felt a little emotional about the two elders' thoughts. Looking at the carriage leaving under the protection of many Qin soldiers, Sima Chang sighed.
Thinking that Ying Zheng actually said that he would go to Wuguan to welcome Bai Yan back to Xianyang.
Sima Chang didn't know what Bai Yan would think if he knew about Hui. Sima Chang only knew that as an outsider, he couldn't even imagine that scene, Ying Zheng! Go to Wuguan in person, wait for Bai Yan, and ride back to Xianyang with Bai Yan...
Sima Chang thought about it, his heart was full of fear, and his legs were a little weak.
After coming back to his senses and looking at the dark night, Sima Chang turned around and walked back to the mansion under the illumination of his servants.
………………………
Xianyang, Qin State.
At dawn, he would go to court and go down to court at noon. Then he would deal with the bamboo slips and affairs of the counties and counties of Qin State until night. During this period, Ying Zheng would have to deal with important matters, such as news from Chu State or any major events. Take time to summon the ministers to discuss in the study.
Ying Zheng's encounters and experiences since childhood made Ying Zheng completely different from the kings of other countries. Before the kings of other countries succeeded to the throne, most of them were young masters and lived a comfortable life, but Ying Zheng grew up in a dangerous environment. , after returning, if he is not willing to be a puppet, he not only has to face other countries, but also has to watch out for the internal affairs of Qin and find ways to get the king's rights back.
This resulted in Ying Zheng developing the habit of doing everything by himself, being hardworking and humble, both when he was a child and after he succeeded to the throne. Many of these qualities are actually the same as those in ancient books about those wise kings who made the country from weak to strong during the Spring and Autumn Period. How similar.
"Get down!"
Ying Zheng watched a concubine arrive with soup. Looking at the appearance of the soup and smelling its smell, he instantly lost his appetite.
The concubine's behavior not only did not make Ying Zheng feel relieved, but also made him more tired. Since the rebellion of Lord Changping, Ying Zheng was not very willing to see Princess Mi, and Concubine Qi, whom Ying Zheng loved most, was in Qi State.
"Your Majesty, this is a bamboo slip sent from Longxi. Whether it is Commander Li or General Li Yao, it seems that they feel that the Qiang people are becoming more and more out of control. It seems that they have been divided into two factions..."
Meng Yi took a scroll of bamboo slips, presented it to Ying Zheng, and said to Ying Zheng.
When Ying Zheng heard this, he frowned, took the bamboo slips and opened it. When he saw that Yang Jin, who had been sent to the Qiang people, not only returned to rule the Yueshi, but also gradually began to win over a large part of the Qiang people.
This made Ying Zheng very uneasy.
Fortunately, the Yue clan has the Xiongnu to check and balance it. Even if Yang Jin rules the Yue clan, Ying Zheng is not worried. However, the Qiang clan is a must pass on the way to the northwest of Longxi. If something goes wrong with the Qiang clan, Qin will be like a knife hanging behind its back. sword.
"Qiang tribe!"
Ying Zheng put the bamboo slips on the wooden table, thinking about countermeasures, and whether to summon Feng Quji, Wei Liao, Li Si and others to discuss it.
At this moment, he suddenly heard hurried footsteps coming from outside the study. Although Ying Zheng did not raise his head, he heard faint footsteps walking into the study not long after.
