In the central military tent, Cheng Ruzhi and Xu Qingyi were divided into senior positions on the left and right sides. The generals who followed Zhang Cheng in the battle were all lined up behind them. They gave in and gave way at first, but in the end it was Zhang Cheng who made the final decision.
During the banquet, Zhang Cheng took the lead in toasting to the two of them, and the generals also came forward to toast one after another. All of them were generals who would be in charge of the party in the future. Naturally, they did not dare to neglect them. However, after a while, they were already drunk and their ears were full of wine. Frequent occurrence.
What surprised Cheng Ruzhi and Xu Qingyi even more was that Zhang Cheng purchased a lot of furs, herbs and other items in Ningyuan, so that they would not have to empty their bags when they returned, so they would make money on both trips.
Moreover, there were more supplies in the capital, especially salt, iron, herbs, etc., which needed their help to be transported back to Xuanzhen.
They followed the army from the east road and passed Juyongguan and Shanhaiguan successively. Especially when they arrived at Ningyuan, armies gathered together. But in their eyes, although the soldiers and horses in other towns were quite capable, they were incomparable to the Xuanbei army. Compare.
Along the march, not only were the formations neat and orderly, but the orders were consistent, and there was no disturbance to the people. Comparing it now, it was even more different. The other military camps were full of chaos, and noises could be heard from time to time.
On the other hand, when Zhang Cheng's camps were stationed, all the sergeants performed their duties, the camp fires and everything were in order, and there was no noise. The military morale was indeed the best among all the armies.
During the banquet, they expressed their loyalty and stated that they would do their best to do errands for Zhang Cheng whenever he needed it.
…………
On the second day, Zhang Cheng ordered his adopted son Zhang Chengfang to take his token and name card, and ten more elite cavalry to escort Cheng Ruzhi and Xu Qingyi out of Shanhaiguan. They were not allowed to return until they passed Juyongguan.
Before noon arrived, Zhang Cheng led Zhang Jintai to visit Yang Guozhu, the commander-in-chief of Xuan Town, who was his real superior officer in name.
But for some reason, Zhang Cheng always felt that Yang Guozhu was not treating him as warmly as before. Fortunately, his general Guo Yingxian treated him as always, which resolved a lot of embarrassment.
However, today he also met a young general, who was none other than the new Xuanzhen guerrilla He Zhenxiong. He and Tang Xiancheng, another capital commander, were in charge of the five thousand infantrymen who had been newly recruited.
He Zhenxiong is less than thirty years old. He is very muscular and has a strong body, but he has a thin voice, like a woman's, so he usually doesn't talk much.
Tang Xiancheng was several years younger than He Zhenxiong. Like He Zhenxiong, he originally served as General Qian under Guo Yingxian's Central Army. After Yang Guozhu trained the new army, he promoted them both.
Taking advantage of this opportunity to organize and train the new army, Yang Guozhu not only filled up the number of men in the main barracks under his command, but also organized them all into cavalry.
Although more than five hundred of them are auxiliary soldiers and are not allowed to fight in battle, if the enemy army retreats before the battle, they still have the ability to ride and chase the enemy.
Although Yang Guozhu was not as enthusiastic about Zhang Cheng as he was before and after King Qin, he sincerely persuaded him to have dinner with him, and even asked Guo Yingxian, He Zhenxiong, and Tang Xiancheng to accompany him.
In fact, for Zhang Cheng, he still likes this feeling. He is more temperamental and eats and drinks together with his friends. This is life.
On the other hand, the big banquet at the governor's palace the night before was not that interesting. It was like the various entertainments he had in later generations. He obviously didn't want to participate, but he had to go. Dozens or dozens of people ate, drank, and watched. It was indeed very lively.
But the entire banquet was kidnapped by various rules. Even the order of drinking was strictly regulated. What's more, there were more and greater interests hidden there, so be careful.
It's not like today. Although there are fewer people, the atmosphere is not so intense and lively, but the food and wine are more peaceful and comfortable to eat.
During the banquet, Yang Guozhu didn't know why, but he still drank as much as before, but his mood was a little bad, and he didn't talk as much as before. Zhang Cheng drank several toasts, but he drank them all in one gulp.
Upon seeing this, Zhang Cheng did not talk to him about the Liaodong military affairs. He just recalled everything about King Qin with Yang Guozhu and Guo Yingxian, and he sincerely thanked Yang Guozhu for his love and care.
However, the newly appointed guerrillas He Zhenxiong and Du Si Tang Xiancheng respected Zhang Cheng very much. They knew Zhang Chengqin's deeds as king by heart, and they implicitly regarded him as their own role model.
Guo Yingxian, however, showed no trace of melancholy. He toasted and drank heavily, and he was the most lively person on the table. However, Yang Guozhu surprisingly did not mention him today.
After the party was over, Yang Guozhu accompanied Zhang Cheng to the door. A big hand hit him heavily on his shoulder, with a very complicated expression in his eyes.
He said slightly vaguely: "Zhang Cheng, it's so happy that you and I can kill slaves side by side again today."
Zhang Cheng said with a serious face: "Being able to follow Yang Shuai and fight slaves is Zhang Cheng's lifelong wish, and he will have no regrets in life or death!"
Yang Guozhu seemed to have regained his energy, and suddenly stared at Zhang Cheng with bright eyes, but said in a slightly low tone: "Zhang Cheng, you must serve your country loyally!"
Zhang Cheng was stunned. He couldn't understand the meaning of Yang Guozhu's sudden words. However, he looked at Yang Guozhu with unusual firmness. He cupped his fists and replied in a deep voice: "Shuai Yang, Cheng has long been loyal to the country. I will never fail Yang Shuai’s high expectations!”
Yang Guozhu stared at Zhang Cheng, looking like he was hesitating to speak, but finally said nothing more. He waved his hand and asked Guo Yingxian to send Zhang Cheng off for him, and then turned around and went back.
Zhang Cheng looked at Yang Guozhu's retreating figure and saw him walking unsteadily, as if he had aged a lot in the past two or three years. Suddenly, his eyes became wet and he shed a few tears.
Looking at Yang Guozhu's back at this moment, he actually thought of his uncle Zhang Yan, Lu Xiangsheng, and Hu Dawei who was far away in Baoding...
Among the people who worked for the king together back then, only Zhang Cheng was growing up, while Yang Guozhu and Hu Dawei were getting older. The world is really ever-changing.
Zhang Cheng suddenly wanted to rush up and hug Yang Guozhu, and had the idea of getting close to him, but Yang Guozhu's figure also turned away at this moment and disappeared from his sight.
"well……"
At this time, Guo Yingxian sighed deeply and said softly to Zhang Cheng: "Yang Shuai's son Yang Zhen was ordered to rescue the Jin Guofeng tribe in Songshan Fort the year before last. Unfortunately, he was ambushed in Lu Hongshan and the entire army was lost. Yang Zhen was also there. Died in battle."
Zhang Cheng turned his head and looked at Guo Yingxian. He seemed to know why Yang Guozhu was in a bad mood.
Yang Guozhu originally had two sons, but unfortunately they both died in the battlefield and sacrificed their lives for the country. Another brother, Yang Guodong, also died in the war. The last single son of the Yang family was Yang Zhen. He was the deputy commander-in-chief at the time and had great potential. He had a bright future, but unfortunately he died for his country.
"Yang Shuai just burned paper money for Mr. Zhen yesterday and went to the northeast to pay homage to Mr. Zhen's spirit."
Guo Yingxian patted Zhang Cheng's shoulder and continued: "Yang Shuai is in a bad mood today and talks less. It's not because he blames you."
Zhang Cheng nodded heavily and said, "Brother Guo, don't worry, I understand!"
