In Du Zhixian's handbook, he not only recorded every Shanrong raid during his tenure, but also wrote in detail the time and location of each raid, as well as the number of casualties among the villagers.
Lin Yuanqiu calculated that in six years, a total of 972 villagers were killed or injured, including 113 fatalities.
When he saw this number, Lin Yuanqiu almost gritted his teeth. Not only did these people steal food, but they actually killed people, so these bandits definitely deserved death.
After Lin Yuanqiu listed the times one by one, he found that the Shanrong people's raids were irregular. They would come at any time as long as winter came, especially after snowing. However, Lin Yuanqiu noticed that Shanrong people had been here on five New Year's Eves in the past six years. The reason why the other New Year's Eve did not come is probably the reason that Duzhi County came up with, because on this day, Duzhi County wrote in his handwritten note: In the Year of Wuxu, on the 30th of the twelfth lunar month, there was a heavy snowfall.
I guess it was because of the heavy snowstorm that the Shanrong people stopped thinking about crossing the Tuzi Gorge.
Lin Yuanqiu guessed the reason why the Shanrong people came here every New Year's Eve. They must have thought that the people of Da Jing Dynasty were celebrating the New Year on this day, so they must be the least prepared.
So this time I was prepared to take advantage of him.
Zhong Rong initially disapproved of his son-in-law's impromptu idea. He felt that such a fire attack was too simple and the Shanrong people would not be fooled.
But later, after listening to my son-in-law's analysis, I felt that it made sense. The simpler things in this world, the more careless people would be. Just like what my son-in-law said, the Shanrong people had never been dealt with like this before, and they would never have imagined this.
"Just use strong kerosene. It burns easily and is not afraid of water. Let's put the kerosene in a pottery bottle, stuff a cloth rope into the mouth of the bottle as a fuse, and then just light it and throw it in."
Zhong Rong is proficient in fire attacks. Clay pots are fragile, and the ignited fire oil will definitely splash everywhere, and the entire yard will soon be on fire.
Lin Yuanqiu nodded, preparing to buy kerosene and pottery bottles right away.
However, just to be on the safe side, Lin Yuanqiu felt that it was necessary to add more firewood, but before he could ask for it, he heard Zhong Rong say, "Tomorrow I will arrange for the soldiers to take those miscanthus mounds to Maoyan Village."
By the way, the dried miscanthus was still piled in the military camp hay shed after it was cut. I originally wanted to add it to the horse feed, but the horses didn't like eating it, so they kept it piled up for use now. It's perfect for starting a fire.
Maoyan Village was the site for the fire attack decided by Lin Yuanqiu and Zhong Rong after discussion. It was also one of the villages that had not been raided by the Shanrong people so far. The two of them chose this village to start. In addition to the concentration of houses in Maoyan Village, the biggest reason was that every household there had a yard.
It turns out that Maoyan Village is backed by a mountain, and wild animals often come down to look for food on the mountain. I was worried that it would hurt people, especially the children at home, so the houses here were all fenced.
Precisely because it is close to the mountains, Maoyan Village has many groves and ditches and slopes, which makes it easier for the soldiers and guards to hide.
As for how to hide in the snow in winter, Lin Yuanqiu quickly had a plan in mind.
So on the next day, the people of Yongzhou City saw the government officials beating gongs and walking through the streets collecting quilts. Yes, you heard it right, they were collecting quilts. And the requirements given are enough to make people's jaws drop. The older the better, a quilt is two hundred yuan, but the quilt must be covered with white cloth. As for the material of the white cloth, it can be anything, a tattered old one. Patch's best.
Many people thought they had heard wrongly and quietly followed the government officials for several streets. After hearing that this was indeed the case, they ran home.
Who doesn't have a few old quilts in their house these days, especially the villagers who have just moved into the city, who have several piles of tattered quilts at home.
No, Aunt Zhang, who lives in Xiongzi Lane, was so happy when she heard the government officials shouting to collect the quilts. She kept saying to her old man, "I didn't expect that the city is so nice, and there are people who even break the quilts." want."
After that, Aunt Zhang greeted her daughters-in-law and went about their business. I don’t know how many tattered underwear there are at home. I originally wanted to save them to make diapers for the baby at home, but now I found them all and sewed them all on the outside of the quilt.
…
It is said that many people talk a lot, but Lin Yuanqiu told no one except his family members about how to deal with the Shanrong people.
Therefore, Yan Tongzhi and He Tongpan, as well as the clerks and cadres in the government office, did not know what their magistrate was planning to do with so many tattered quilts.
They wanted to inquire, but seeing Mr. Lin's serious expression, Yan Tongzhi and He Tongpan immediately took back what they said, thinking that since Mr. Lin spent his own money, they should be less troublesome.
Yes, Lin Yuanqiu paid for the quilt first. Although he was the boss of a state, if he used the money on his account to buy a broken quilt, he would definitely attract criticism. So Lin Yuanqiu planned to take care of it first, and after finishing cleaning up the Shanrong people, he would settle the money to buy the quilt with the government office.
Although he is not short of money, Lin Yuanqiu knows that paying for things out of his own pocket cannot become a habit, otherwise it will make people take it for granted.
Furthermore, it is true that he is doing things for the people when he is an official, but he is not stupid enough to reveal all his family wealth.
I originally thought it would not cost much money, but I didn't know that there were too many shabby quilts in the city. In the end, the common people gave me three old quilts, one for you, and more than a thousand old quilts.
One hand delivers the goods and the other hand pays the money. When they return home, there is no one who is not smiling.
In the afternoon of that day, Zhong Rong led the soldiers to transport the quilt away. Seeing the white cloth wrapped outside the quilt, Zhong Jinan and Zhong Jinhua had to admire their brother-in-law's wit. Putting on such a quilt and squatting in the snow, it was really safe and warm.
…
Sending Spring Festival couplets for three days in a row was like a grand gathering, making the people happy.
After getting the Spring Festival couplets, everyone couldn't wait to post them on the door. These are the words written by the official. With it on it, I think everything will go well in the new year and all evil will be protected.
Twenty-eight handfuls of dough, twenty-nine steamed buns.
On the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month, many fewer people went out. Now that they had purchased their New Year's goods, they were naturally waiting for the New Year at home safely.
Compared with the happy mood of the people in the city, the atmosphere in the back house of the government office was much more tense at this time.
In the main room, in addition to the Lin family, Zhong Rong and his son were also there.
When Mrs. Wu saw her slender and thin grandson, she wanted to say, "Yuan Qiu, why don't we just forget about it?" But when she saw her little grandson's firm eyes, she knew that nothing she could say was useless. , as my old man said, if the bow is drawn, there is no reason not to shoot arrows.
Seeing the worry in Wu's and Lao Lin's eyes, Lin Yuanqiu said, "Master, grandma, don't worry, my grandson will try to be more careful."
"Fifth brother, why don't eldest brother come with you tomorrow?" Lin Yuanfeng always felt uneasy thinking of those Shanrong people who killed without blinking an eye.
Lin Yuansong couldn't help but said, "Fifth brother, second brother will go with you tomorrow."
"And us!"
"Yes, and us!"
Lin Yuanhuai and Lin Yuanbai both expressed their opinions.
There would be no mistakes in tomorrow's battle. Zhong Rong didn't think that Lin Yuanfeng and the others would be more powerful if they followed. On the contrary, it might become a burden by then, so Zhong Rong would never agree to let Lin Yuanfeng and the others follow him.
Therefore, before Lin Yuanqiu could speak, he shook his head and refused, "This operation is not trivial. For the sake of safety and smoothness, it is better for my brothers-in-law not to follow."
To be honest, if this action hadn't been proposed by his son-in-law, and there were many arrangements that had to be made by his son-in-law, Zhong Rong and even Lin Yuanqiu would not have been prepared to let him follow.
"Yuanqiu, remember not to show off. If you can't beat me, then run away. Do you hear me?"
Feng's voice sounded choked with sobs. What's so good about being an official? Not to mention the busy schedule every day, it makes people nervous at every turn.
After hearing what her sister-in-law said, Mrs. Zhou nodded repeatedly, "Yuanqiu, your mother is right, we can just run away if we can't fight. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Saving our lives is the most important thing."
"Yes, yes, yes!" Lin Dazhu couldn't help but said: "Your mother and aunt are both right. The elders said that if you keep the green hills, you won't have to worry about running out of firewood. We can't deal with the Shanrong people this time. We'll do it next time." It’s not too late to clean up.”
Old Lintou also meant the same thing. He took a deep breath of dry tobacco and then said, "Yuan Qiu, listen to your mother and your uncle's mother."
"Yes!" Lin Yuanqiu nodded, "My grandson knows."
Lin Yuanqiu can be sure that if he cannot defeat him, he will definitely run away. In other words, if the Shanrong people weren't really hateful, he wouldn't have to take the risk to deal with them.
After Lin Yuanqiu returned to the room, he remembered that his father seemed to have said nothing tonight.
Seeing her husband come back, Zhong Yurou picked up her son who was babbling on the bed, and then pushed it into Lin Yuanqiu's arms, "My husband, you must remember that there is Bao'er who is under one year old at home."
After saying that, Zhong Yurou couldn't help but sob.
This was the first time Lin Yuanqiu saw his wife shed tears, and he didn't know how to comfort him. He could understand his wife's worry. After all, he was not the only one who had to face the Shanrong people tomorrow, but also his father-in-law and two brothers-in-law. The one closest to me is going to take an adventure, how could my wife not be anxious?
But if the scourge of the Shanrong people is not eliminated, and the people will not live in peace, it is themselves. With this obstacle, it will be difficult to manage Yongning Prefecture and Dinghu County well.
Therefore, Lin Yuanqiu would definitely not miss this good opportunity at the right time and place.
"Don't worry Yurou, dad and I will definitely come back safely tomorrow."
With that said, Lin Yuanqiu put his arms around his wife and kissed her forehead, "Our baby is still waiting for dad to teach him how to read."
…
Because he had to leave early in the morning and was afraid of disturbing his wife and children, Lin Yuanqiu slept in the study last night.
As soon as he opened his eyes, Lin Yuanqiu rolled over and got out of bed. When he saw that it was not snowing outside and the sky was not as gray as before the snow, Lin Yuanqiu immediately felt relieved.
It seems that there is a high possibility that the Shanrong will come tonight.
Zhong Rong, Zhong Jinan, and Zhong Jinhua also got up early. Similarly, after looking at the sky, the father and son were also full of confidence that the Shanrong people would come tonight.
Like most of the family, Mrs. Zhou barely slept last night, and then she thought about how her little nephew cooked all the food for him during the exam, so she jumped out of bed before dawn.
What Zhou was thinking was that the food she cooked would definitely appeal to her nephew. You see, the nephew won the ranking after eating the food he cooked, so if he eats her food today, he will definitely be able to defeat the Shanrong thieves. of.
As a result, when she arrived at the kitchen, she saw Mrs. Feng and Mrs. Liu already kneading dough, and her mother-in-law, Mrs. Wu, was holding a fire sickle, preparing to light a fire to cook porridge.
Seeing her sister-in-law coming over, Mrs. Feng immediately rubbed the flour stuck to her hands and said, "Mom, my daughter-in-law is going to catch a fish. Sister-in-law's cooking of fish is delicious. My family loves fish in Yuanqiu."
Mrs. Wu wanted to say that there is no one who eats fish so early in the morning, but then she thought about it, today is New Year’s Eve, and fish means having more than enough every year. If she eats fish in the late autumn, doesn’t it mean that she can survive until next year? It is so auspicious.
Thinking of this, Mrs. Wu hurriedly waved her hand, "Catch, go and catch a few more. There are also my grandfather and two uncles!"
So, Lin Yuanqiu, Zhong Rong, and Zhong Jinan and Zhong Jinhua had the rare opportunity of having a delicious whole fish feast on the early morning of New Year's Eve.
By the time breakfast was finished, it was only half past three. Ping An brought Hong Dou, while Ping Shi held the bow and quiver of his young master.
Zhong Rong and his two sons soon led their horses out.
The reason why they had to go to the military camp early today was to do some pre-battle drills with the guards. The most important thing is that the state barracks is more than 30 miles away from Maoyan Village, and they can only walk there, so they have to start early and try to prepare everything before dark.
It was getting late, so Lin Yuanqiu didn't waste any more time. After saying goodbye to his family, the four of them led their horses out. After getting on the horse and preparing to set off, Lin Yuanqiu suddenly felt something. When he turned around, he saw his father standing outside the gate, his eyes so red and swollen that they almost turned into lanterns.
When Lin Yuanqiu saw these eyes, he was suddenly touched and had many inexplicable emotions in his heart.
Having been in another world for nearly twenty years, the person closest to me is the person in front of me.
Lin Yuanqiu's mind quickly flashed to a father's affection for his son, as he took out a warm bun from his clothes; the figure waiting at the door of the private school; and the shoulders that were not broad every time he left the examination room.
Lin Yuanqiu suddenly felt that as a son, he must give an account of his father's kindness in raising him.
Although Lin Yuanqiu will try his best to ensure his own safety today. But it is said that swords have no eyes, especially when today he has to face Shanrong people who are good at riding and shooting, so Lin Yuanqiu really couldn't estimate the surprise.
If anything happens, then I will never have the chance to repay this kindness.
Thinking of this, Lin Yuanqiu got off his horse, knelt down on his knees, and said loudly, "Dad, my son kowtows to you. Thank you for your upbringing!"
After saying that, Lin Yuanqiu was ready to kowtow three times.
Lin Sanzhu was wondering what his son was calling him for, when he saw this. He was so frightened that he turned around and ran into the yard, shouting loudly, "It doesn't count. God, you have to see clearly. The dog's kowtow is not received by his father. If he doesn't receive it, it can't be counted. So. , Brat, you still owe your father a favor, so don’t think about staying out here and not coming back!”
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, no matter what, Lin Sanzhu raised his hand and slapped himself in the mouth, "My dog will live a long and safe life!"
…
Chapter 202 Ready
After Lin Yuanqiu allocated the money to recruit soldiers and guards, more than 1,700 soldiers and guards were recruited in less than two months.
Now there are more than 2,600 soldiers and guards in the entire state camp, and many of these soldiers were originally sent back to farm from this barracks, so as soon as they heard about the recruitment, these people quickly came to sign up. .
Lin Yuanqiu was certain that in one month, he would be able to recruit all the original three thousand soldiers and guards in Yongning Prefecture.
Today is New Year's Eve. Although there are no lanterns hanging everywhere in the barracks like the streets and alleys in the city, the New Year atmosphere is still there. No, there are Spring Festival couplets posted outside the door of every barracks. Zhong Jinan and Zhong Jinhua specially asked their brother-in-law to write them.
