On March 11th, in the early morning, the stars were just shining in the east. There was a rapid sound of horse hooves outside the east gate of Daizhou City. The gate guards seemed to have received military orders, and they did not dare to delay at all and immediately opened the city gate.
A cavalry of more than a thousand people galloped into Daizhou City. Although their faces were covered with wind, frost, and smoke, they were all wearing armor. They had spears, swords, and axes in their hands, and bows and arrows on their backs. There were even more horse saddles on the left and right sides. Hanging gun.
The rising sun shines on the knights' armor and weapons, flashing with dazzling light and shadow, like heavenly soldiers and generals, rushing towards Daizhou City.
Not a single soul could be seen on the street. Everyone was frightened by last night's movements and were in panic. How could they dare to go out when the news was unknown?
In the shops along the street, especially those in the east gate, the people who stayed to watch the shops last night used the gaps in the door panels and window panels to look out at this strange military force.
These knights seemed to be very familiar with the streets and alleys in the city. As they gradually penetrated deeper into the city, they either ran in teams of a hundred people or in teams of more than ten riders, rushing towards various streets.
Anyone with a discerning eye has already seen that the direction they were going was actually the officials' mansions and offices that caught fire last night, as well as... the direction of the governor's office and the general's office...
…………
"Who are the people outside the office?"
A yamen servant whispered back: "Replying to my words, I asked, and I said that they are men from the Qinglong Camp of the Yongyi Army. They entered the city to capture the Tongnu rebels under the orders of Uncle Yongning."
"Tongnu?"
Huang Jing had a look of disbelief on his face: "Even if he is a slave, Daizhou City will have its own judges to deal with it. Besides, this is the Zhenwu Wei flood area in Shanxi. His brave army is far away in Xuanfu, how can he come to Daizhou to get people?"
He opened his eyes angrily and yelled at the Yamen: "It is lawless and lawless, and it ignores the rules of the court. Open the door, I want to see what is different about the Yongyi Army..."
Huang Jing was established before he was young, and he was a Jinshi in the dynasty. He always regarded himself as a noble person, but you can't see that he was usually arty and hung around various stages. He was even seen in Goulan tile houses.
But in Daizhou, a third of an acre of land, he was used to being arrogant and ignored the military attachés such as Ke Zhenyu and Bai Daxuan. He had never even looked at Jiang Mingwu, the deputy commander-in-chief of the guard.
He never thought that today a group of Qiu Ba from Xuanfu would block the gate of the state government office. How could he endure this?
If we can even endure this, then where is the dignity of the officials and the dignity of the scholars?
From now on, how will we act as the governor of this generation, and how will we face the deputy generals, guards, commanders and many other military officials in the city?
"I can't help you, can I?"
When Huang Jing saw that the officer was still standing there, he became even more angry: "Come here, tie him up and beat him to death."
He continued to shout even more arrogantly: "Open the door, sir, I will definitely confront these ungrateful Qiu Ba today and let them know how powerful I am!"
The officials looked at me and I looked at you, but no one moved their legs. Finally, their eyes all focused on the housekeeper.
This old housekeeper, whose surname is also Huang, is over half a century old.
He had served the old master of the Huang family for many years before, and was quite good at all matters concerning the state government's documents. Only then did he follow his young master to serve in the state, thinking that he was taking care of him and being the housekeeper, but he was actually like a relative.
At present, perhaps he is the only one who can calm down the furious Huang Zhizhou, so the eyes of all the government servants focus on him and place their hope in him.
Butler Huang looked at everyone's ardent expectations and didn't understand. At the same time, he also knew that he must not go out to argue with Qiu Ba from the Xuanfu group at this time, so he immediately stepped forward.
"master……"
Huang Guanqiao gently tugged on the sleeve of Zhizhou Huang Jing and continued in a low voice: "Master, you didn't see the commotion last night. Qiu Ba of the Yongyi Army entered the city today. Don't you think there is something fishy in this?"
"You mean..."
Huang Jing stared at the old housekeeper dumbfounded, full of questions, but couldn't say a word.
"What's more, 'When a scholar meets a soldier, it's hard to explain why.'"
The old housekeeper continued: "There is no movement in the city now. It seems to me that Judge He and Ke Shoubei are in trouble. It is better for us to wait and see first, and we cannot make hasty decisions, otherwise the consequences will be unbearable."
"But if you allow this group of Qiu Bahu from Xuanfu to come, where is the prestige of the state government? Where is the prestige of my official?"
"master……"
Butler Huang continued to persuade with sincerity: "You have also heard about Uncle Yongning's deeds. It is really a blessing for you that he is not serving as the commander-in-chief of Shanxi Province.
Although he is the head of the military attache in the town, he is different from the magistrate who was born as a Jinshi. However, with his status as an earl and a senior official, even the governor has to kowtow to him, so what can we do? "
Seeing that Huang Jing, the governor, had persuaded him, the old housekeeper continued: "Kang Xuanfu's army and horses are passing through Shanxi to assist Henan in suppressing bandits. This is actually done in accordance with the order. There are announcements and documents from the governor's yamen. The state governments along the way contacted each other and provided sufficient supplies of food, fodder and horse feed.
Now, as a guest soldier, when he was passing through Daizhou, he carried out arrests under our rule. Although it is inconsistent with the laws and regulations, the matter has come to this point. Even if he goes out to argue with him at this moment, it may not be the end of the matter. No help. "
He pulled the sleeve of Zhizhou Huang Jing and walked to the back office. As he walked, he continued to preach: "Master, please think about the fire and the sudden riot between Judge He and Ke Shoubei's office last night. A sign is a miracle;
However, despite the great commotion, there was no sound from the guards in the city. So far, although the fire between Judge He and Ke's garrison office has been extinguished, there is still no news coming to the government office. This is two strange things;
Furthermore, Deputy Commander-in-Chief Jiang Mingwu went out to suppress the military guards and was responsible for guarding the territory. Although there was civil strife in the city and he had no authority to intervene without receiving orders from the government office, he still turned a blind eye to such commotion and did nothing. The strangeness can be imagined. "
"you……"
Huang Jing, the magistrate of the state, suddenly stopped and looked at the old housekeeper in surprise, saying: "...are you saying that Jiang Mingwu secretly liaised with the soldiers of the Xuanfu and massacred the officials and people of Daizhou?"
"My master's words are serious... His words are serious!"
The old housekeeper took him to the back office and continued: "To say that Deputy General Jiang knew in advance that something would happen last night and that he had some connection with the border troops from Xuan Mansion, I'm afraid this wouldn't be possible Unjustly accused him.
However, to say that he colluded with outsiders and massacred the officials and people of Daizhou is out of the question, far from it. Besides, you are still here in Daizhou, so given his courage, he would not dare to do so. "
At this time, the two of them had entered the left hall of the back office. The old housekeeper poured a cup of herbal tea for Huang Zhizhou, handed it to him, and then said: "Who knows the evil reputation of Uncle Yongning?
Deputy General Jiang was right in Zhenwu Guard, but how could he compare with Yong Ningbo, who had killed less officers and generals such as the envoys and garrison officers in Xuan Town?
Just say that now, if they dare to arrest the state magistrate He Wenshan and the guard Ke Zhenyu, are they still afraid of arresting another magistrate?
At that time, just like Hezhou Juan and Ke Shouwei, they will accuse the master of being a slave and chop him with a knife. At that time, even if his mouth is full of words, he will have nowhere to express his grievances. Even if he jumps into the Yellow River, he will not be able to wash it away. ah.
Not only will the body be dislocated, but the ancestors will also be insulted. The master needs to think carefully about how to deal with it! "
Huang Jing was also angry for a moment just now, and in front of a group of subordinate government officials, he always had to take into account his Zhizhou's face and had no choice but to do so.
At this moment, when he returned to his back office, he felt like a defeated rooster. He no longer had the courage that Shicai had. Not to mention bringing up the office to question Qiu Ba who came from the Xuanfu, he was unwilling to leave this side hall again.
Now, after listening to the old butler's words, especially seeing his last gesture of wiping his neck, he felt a chill in his heart. He sat slumped in the chair, his eyes no longer sparkling, and murmured: "What should I do? ? Is it possible that I just watch and do nothing?"
"No."
Just listen to the old housekeeper continue: "I can just watch like this, but the master can't do this."
When Zhizhou Huang Jing's face was full of doubts, the old housekeeper clarified his doubts and said: "Not only can I not just watch, but I also strongly support the Xuanfu soldiers and provide them with sufficient transit food and grass."
"this……"
Huang Jing didn't understand the old housekeeper's words very much, and he was also very reluctant.
"Master, the way to be an official is nothing more than humaneness and sophistication."
The steward patiently explained to him: "Uncle Yongning has tens of thousands of soldiers and horses under his command. He is very powerful, and now the matter in the state and city is a foregone conclusion. Why bother fighting for other people's wills? Instead, it is better to use this to show favor to Uncle Yongning. Isn’t it wonderful to think of it as a ladder to advance in the future?”
"But this feeling in my chest is hard to swallow." Huang Jing was still a little unwilling.
The old housekeeper looked at Huang Jing for a long time, then sighed and said: "It has always been like this in officialdom. If you want to get ahead, you have to vassal the powerful. Never do anything based on your whim."
Seeing the unwillingness in Huang Jing's eyes, he finally softened his heart, and continued: "Even if you don't want to in your heart, you can't offend Uncle Yong Ning now.
What's more, both governors and governors have written documents. Yongyi's army passed through various prefectures and counties to make good contacts and provide them with food and grass. There must be no mistakes, so the master is just doing his duty in providing them with food and grass.
But at this moment, it is inconvenient to care about these things last night and this morning. What reason can be said in front of those tired soldiers Qiu Ba?
When things are done here, they will always go to Henan to suppress the bandits, and they will not stay in Daizhou for long. At that time, they can collect evidence and report to the two governors how the Xuanfu border soldiers slaughtered the imperial officials and looted the imperial offices. "
"Okay. That's it."
…………
The actions of the Qinglong Battalion of the Brave Army in Daizhou left no doubt. The elite soldiers who sneaked into the city in advance successfully captured the two guards, Ke Zhenyu and the judge He Wenshan, as well as their capable minions. After confiscating the property in their houses, they burned them Gotta be clean.
At the same time, a den for counterfeit military invoices was also discovered in Taihe Ridge, ten miles northwest of Daizhou City, where all management personnel, technicians, equipment, and templates were seized.
Soon, Daizhou City was restored to its original state. Except for some large street intersections, there were still Yongyi Army soldiers wearing armor stationed and patrolling, and most of them had withdrawn and gathered outside the city.
At the beginning of the day, Zhang Guodong, the commander of the Qinglong Battalion of the Yongyi Army and the counselor of the Xuanfu, accompanied by Jiang Mingwu, the deputy commander-in-chief of Shanxi Town, came to Daizhou Zhizhou Yamen Office to visit the Zhizhou Huang Jing.
As for the fact that Daizhou judge He Wenshan and guard Ke Zhenyu had an affair with slaves and copied Yongyi Army military tickets in an attempt to destroy the Xuan government's economy and plunge Yongyi Army into chaos and destroy themselves without a fight, there is a mountain of ironclad evidence , Huang Jing naturally had no objection.
He even scolded He and Ke for not wanting to repay the emperor's salary without thinking about serving the country. What is even more hateful is that he secretly collaborated with the slaves in an attempt to harm the pillars of the country and destroy the pillars of the Ming Dynasty. It is really a thousand cuts. Even cutting him into pieces can't relieve the hatred in his heart.
However, Huang Zhizhou immediately asked where He and Ke were now, whether they were still alive, what the next step would be, whether they could stay in Daizhou Prison, etc.
In response to his questions, Zhang Guodong only said: The lives of the two thieves He and Ke are not worried. However, their property and assets have been confiscated and stored in Zhenwuwei's arsenal. As for the two thieves, they have been taken to Xuanfu Town. , Bo Yongning will personally report to the imperial court to request the decree to be issued.
After hearing this, Huang Jing felt both regret and relief.
It is a pity that He and Ke worked in Daizhou. After several generations of accumulation, their wealth was extraordinary. Unexpectedly, Jiang Mingwu was the first to take advantage of it and put it all into the arsenal of the Wei Department, leaving not a penny for himself.
Thinking of this, the eyes he looked at Jiang Mingwu became filled with envy and hatred, and he cursed secretly in his heart: No wonder there was such a movement last night, and I didn't see any reaction from your Zhenwuwei. Today, Xuanfu soldiers entered without any reason. City, it’s because your kid is full!
What comforted him was that although He Wenshan was taken to the Xuan Mansion, Yong Ning Bo still had to ask the emperor for an order. This process took a long time, and other changes might not happen.
The He family has lived in Daizhou for generations, specializing in court laws and almost monopolizing the criminal and prison litigation in Daizhou. Not only has it accumulated huge wealth over several generations, it has also formed a huge local power. It can be said that it is like the underground governor of Daizhou. That's why I dare to do whatever I want.
However, He Wenshan himself is also exquisite and clear, and he is indeed capable of sophistication in people. He respects Huang Jing very much, gets along well with him, and is very friendly with him in private, so Huang Jing also cares about him very much.
In Huang Jing's view, as long as the person is not dead, this matter will turn around. He Wenshan is relying on the big businessmen in Shanxi, and he has heard about it. The power behind it is even more terrifying. As long as this matter is postponed indefinitely, If it goes on, it won’t end in the end.
But in front of Zhang Guodong, Huang Jing acted and spoke very appropriately, and did not inquire too much into He Wenshan's affairs.
Finally, according to the agreement between the two parties, the state government issued a proclamation to inform the people of what happened last night. The proclamation naturally enumerated the crimes of He Wenshan and Ke Zhenyu and made them public.
Next, Huang Jing, the magistrate of the state, expressed his admiration for Zhang Guodong for leading the army to aid Henan, and ordered his scribes to hand over the grain and grass passing through Daizhou. He even kindly tried to persuade Zhang Guodong to stay, but he politely refused.
…………
In just over ten days, incidents like Huairen, Xinkou Village, and Daizhou happened frequently in Datong and Shanxi, whether it was rescues, arrests, assassinations, kidnappings, etc., in any form. Although there are differences, bloody killings are inevitable without exception.
There is He Kuan in Datong Town, Chen Dakuan in Shanxi Town, and Liu Quan who was previously sent to Liaozhou. He followed Qin Shizheng to Liaozhou and formed the Liaozhou Battalion with two troops under his command.
In this way, plus the soldiers and horses of Chen Zheng's White Tiger Camp who set out early, as well as the secret brothers who have been hiding in various places in Shanxi, there are more than 10,000 troops.
In the entire Shanxi and Datong areas, not to mention wars and wars, there is also a tense situation. A life-and-death battle is doomed to be inevitable. (End of chapter)
