Different from the tense atmosphere that had already appeared in Jicheng, Pingxiang seemed much more relaxed, even a little...excited? Or fanaticism.
Because after the captain's office officially announced that it was in a state of combat readiness, many tribe commanders started to think:
Is there any way to get into this Yijun army?
Although raising sheep on the pasture does not worry about food and clothing, you are still a sheep farmer after all.
It is not impossible to raise sheep, but it is definitely not as beneficial as joining the Volunteer Army.
Besides, if you are a barbarian raising sheep, you are still a barbarian after all.
The Hu people at the bottom are stupid, which does not mean that the tribal leaders who are well-informed and often deal with the Han people are stupid.
I want to get benefits from the Han people, or to ensure that I can continue to live without worries about food and clothing.
The first method is to learn from the Huns of the Early Han Dynasty or the Xianbei people of the Later Han Dynasty, and force the Han people to come to their doorsteps on their own initiative.
Over the past hundreds of years, countless Husbands have come up with this idea.
Of course, the death was also horrific, with bones laid out layer after layer.
For example, the Liangzhou Rebellion caused misery to the Later Han court, but the price paid by the Liangzhou barbarians was the disappearance of countless tribes.
Even the Xianbei people, who are now the most powerful, have to submit to the Han people on the surface, and the most they can do is invade the northern border.
Although the behemoth of the Han Empire has fallen, its afterglow still shines on this land, and its residual power still has a strong deterrent effect.
Not to mention that in the land of Longyou, everyone's life is much better now than before.
But when the Qiang Protector's Office was first established, it was also true that many tribes in Longyou were exterminated.
Those who follow me will prosper, and those who go against me will perish. It's nothing more than this.
There was no tribe that took refuge in the Protector Qiang Colonel's Mansion from the beginning and survived by chance. They resisted in their hearts at the beginning, but they couldn't hold up their bodies and lean in so honestly.
If you can't resist, then obey. This is an instinctive choice for survival.
So in this case, if there is a choice, the best strategy is naturally to do what Huhanxie Chanyu of the Huns did.
While maintaining their own power, they expressed their surrender to the Han people.
Not only can we get the support of the Han people, but we can also get benefits from the Han people every year.
But now it seems that this choice was wrong.
Because in the past two years, the tribes with this kind of mentality have been placed in the outermost area north of Pingxiang.
Of course there are benefits, but they have to be exchanged for things like cattle, sheep, horses, wool, and fur.
I can barely survive starvation and freezing, which is much better than before.
But if you want to have enough food and clothing and grow your tribe, that's just a dream.
Now some tribes have begun to regret it and come to look for opportunities with shame.
This road is impassable, so the next best thing to do is to imitate the descendants of Hu Hanxie Chanyu, Ri Zhu Wang Bi, and retain power symbolically, but in reality they are acting as watchdogs for the Han people.
At present, most tribes in Longyou are in this state.
But if you could be a human, who would want to be a dog?
The best option is not available, and the worst option is somewhat unwilling. Fortunately, there is a middle option.
Zhongce has already had a role model in its history: Jin Rixi.
Jin Rixi is the most successful example of integrating into the Han people. Not only is he highly respected by the Han people, but his family is still passed down to this day.
Considering the current situation in Longyou, this road is the best way out.
It is a pity that Han household registration is the most difficult thing in the world to obtain.
Of course, the household registration in the minds of Qu Shuai is naturally not the ordinary private household registration issued by the government.
What they need is a pass to the upper elite, the kind of "status household registration" that can be recognized by the ruling class.
How to obtain this kind of household registration?
The first method is to sacrifice everything you have, including your clan members, kneel down and lick them in all directions, and get the pass first.
As for how to integrate it later, that is something to consider later.
However, this method is too risky.
Although the reputation of the Huqiang Xiaowei Mansion is now good, who dares to say that the Huqiang Xiaowei Mansion can protect itself for a lifetime?
Now we can use money to clear the way, but whose money is unlimited? Can you clear the way for a lifetime?
Giving away too much money will only attract more people to rush in and take a bite.
If he encounters a greedy person and robs him through clever tricks, he is afraid that he will not be able to protect his wealth.
In the past, those wealthy Han families in Liangzhou were the best at doing such immoral things.
So what is the correct way to get a pass?
Liu Hun, a son of the Huns who was named Marquis of Guiyi by the emperor of the Han Dynasty, had already pointed out the way.
Of course, again, it is not unacceptable to act like a dog taking care of things like Duan Muzhe.
Many Qushuai think like this: They are all selling heads anyway, why shouldn’t I choose the one with the best sex and price to sell?
Of course, Hu people don't understand what sex-price comparison means, but that's what it means.
Horse roping men are upright by nature and cannot compete with those who are naughty, but they have a good skill passed down from their ancestors: robbing and killing.
Killing the Cao thief is also killing people, right?
Therefore, joining the Volunteer Army, selling the heads of warriors from your own tribe, and then getting enough credit and then going ashore is the most cost-effective way out.
The craze in Pingxiang City was caused in large part by these Qu commanders who were preparing to sell the heads of warriors from their tribes.
The return of Feng Junhou made this enthusiasm even higher.
Seeing the towering door on the high platform being opened, and the guards surrounding the tall figure wearing a red cloak disappearing through the door, many people observing in the dark breathed a sigh of relief.
Not only the people outside, but also the people in the Huqiang Xiaowei's Mansion, couldn't help but feel relieved when they saw the real owner of the Xiaowei's Mansion returning.
Pass through the first inner door and arrive at the daily office building complex of Xiaowei Mansion.
The two most important departments here are two rows of wing rooms facing each other.
On one side is the secretariat that handles political affairs, and on the other is the staff department that formulates training and combat plans.
Gongsun Zheng, who had received the information a long time ago, stood at the intersection of the corridor and saluted Feng Yong, who was walking in a hurry: "I have met the king."
Feng Yong slightly nodded, pointed to Xu Xun, who had been trotting behind him, and introduced:
"This is Xu Yuande. He is now the deputy chief of staff of the General Staff Department. He will be responsible for the logistics of the army from now on."
Then he turned to Xu Xun and said, "I think you should know the chief of staff, Chief Gongsun."
Xu Xun said quickly, "We know each other. In the past, when I brought food, I had to deal with Chief of Staff Gongsun. I didn't expect that now I have become a colleague."
Gongsun Zheng also became polite.
"Okay, Yuande, you go with Chief of Staff Gongsun to get familiar with it. I have something else to do, so I'll go ahead."
After Feng Yong finished explaining, he didn't plan to stay too long.
"I don't dare to trouble my brother, please."
Feng Yong waved his hand and continued to move forward without looking back.
Although Feng Yong seemed to just bring Xu Xun here along the way, Gongsun Zheng did not dare to neglect at all.
For more than two years, Xu Xun has personally followed Dongfeng Express between Longyou and Shu, delivering the most important materials for the Qiang Guards' Mansion. This shows that this person is highly valued by Feng Junhou.
In addition, Xu Xun was a member of the Xinghan Society.
In Gongsun Zheng's view, this was the prince releasing his own people into key areas of the Xiaowei Mansion.
Because these logistical matters are related to the importance of food and grass in the army, as well as post-war military merit statistics and other important matters.
Those who were in charge of these matters were the students of the princes.
Later, those students were transferred to Nanxiang. Now that the war is going on, it is natural for the monarch to ask people from the Xinghan Association to take over.
The staff department warmly welcomed the new colleagues, but the door to the office of the secretary in the secretariat opposite was closed.
After Feng Yong left, the window that had been quietly opened a crack was finally pushed open.
Xu Xun, who was about to enter the house, heard the noise and turned around subconsciously, and saw Zhang Xingyi sticking his head out.
"What are you looking at?" Secretary Zhang shouted loudly: "It's a confidential place, why are you making so much noise?"
The head of the staff department repeatedly bowed his hands to Secretary Zhang, "I'm sorry, Secretary Zhang, I didn't pay attention for a moment."
Then he hurriedly pulled Xu Xun into the house.
After closing the door, Gongsun Zheng said to Xu Xun seriously:
"Xu Langjun, opposite is the secretariat of the Captain's Mansion. Except for military matters, all other matters are under his jurisdiction. This secretary...ahem..."
Gongsun Zheng was just thinking about what words to use to tactfully remind Xu Xun, but Xu Xun himself spoke:
"I know that Secretary Zhang is a strange woman who doesn't show off her beauty. I will be careful to avoid her when I meet her in the future."
When Gongsun Zheng heard Xu Xun's words, he looked at him in surprise.
Alas? This Xu Langjun seems to be very wise, no wonder he is valued by Feng Junhou.
But he didn't know that when Xu Xun saw Guan Ji and Zhang Xingyi, his legs would always tremble subconsciously.
Of course, this is not just because it was broken back then.
At the same time, because over the years, watching Feng Yong step by step become the leader of the younger generation of the Han Dynasty, Xu Xun felt more and more the viciousness of the two women's vision back then.
Therefore, many people now suspect that the Guan and Zhang families really have some ancestral secret method of observing people.
Otherwise, why would two generations bet so accurately?
Secretary Zhang got angry for no reason, and no one dared to touch her, which made her very depressed.
Thinking of the hurried pace towards the backyard just now, and looking at the sun still high in the sky, Zhang Xingyi's face suddenly felt a little hot for some reason.
Then she made a sound and slammed the window.
Contrary to the closed doors and windows of the chief secretary's office, the doors and windows of the large wing in the backyard of the Principal's Mansion are wide open.
Mrs. Junhou stood at the door and smiled at Junhou, who was walking quickly from a distance, which actually made Feng Yong lose his mind for a moment.
I remember the time when I first met a beautiful woman, as deserted as a plum blossom after a thin layer of first snow.
Now that I am a mother, my body has an extra layer of softness.
"Alang is back?"
Guan Ji stepped forward and greeted Feng Yong in a soft voice while helping him take off his cloak.
"Well, I'm back."
Feng Yong stood still, looking at Xijun's smooth and jade-like face, and said something in response.
Smelling the faint frankincense, Feng Junhou became as restless as a young boy in love.
I saw this person asking a little eagerly: "Where is the child?"
Guan Ji pursed her lips and smiled, pointing inside.
Feng Yong quickly walked into the house and saw his son and daughter crawling around on the floor. He couldn't hold back the joy in his heart:
"Kids, I'm back!"
Then he ran over, stretched out his arms, one in each hand, and took his children into his arms.
"Wow!"
Ah Chong was so frightened by the sudden appearance of the stranger that he cried loudly. At the same time, he stretched out his chubby hand to his mother who was following him, shaking it constantly, hoping that her mother would come and save him.
On the other hand, both of them grinned stupidly, and then with a "bang" sound, they slapped their little hands directly on Feng Yong's face and scratched him hard!
It hurt so much that Feng Yong said "ouch" and hurriedly let go of Ah Chong, so that he could free his hand and carefully pull away his daughter's hand.
Guan Ji, who was following behind, was angry and amused when she saw this scene.
Putting down his cloak, he walked over and complained:
"Alang himself always said to pay attention to cleanliness, but you just came back and your body is covered with dust. You didn't say to wash it first. You just held the baby like this, and you weren't afraid of getting the baby dirty."
As she spoke, she squatted down and patted Ah Chong.
Ah Chong seemed to feel safe with his mother and stopped crying immediately.
"I was impatient. When I saw the child, I forgot everything."
Feng Yong smiled apologetically, raised his daughter with both hands, watched her moaning, and stretched out his chubby hands with great effort, and quickly lifted her farther away.
Guan Ji seemed a little dissatisfied with her children's memory: "Alang has only been gone for a few days, and they can't remember you."
"As a child, his brain...his mind has not yet grown up, so how can he remember?"
Feng Yong didn't care.
"I have already prepared the hot water. Why don't Alang take a bath first?"
Feng Yong nodded: "Okay, it's time to thank you."
"I just gave you an order, why is Alang so polite?"
Guan Ji was a little surprised as to why Alang said these words.
Feng Junhou looked at the door with some guilt. Well, there was no one there.
Then he coughed and said with a serious expression: "I mean, I have been traveling all these days, and my body is covered with a layer of dirt. Please help me later."
"No time!"
Guan Ji had been hanging out with this person for a long time. When she saw him like this, she didn't know what he had planned. She rolled her eyes at him:
"The child is dirty and I want to give him a bath."
"Oh! Just ask the wet nurse to wash their hands and faces. It's not advisable to wash them too much. The children's skin is tender and easily injured."
Feng Junhou worked very hard to popularize knowledge to Mrs. Junhou.
When Guan Ji heard this, her heart trembled inexplicably, and her eyes trembled slightly.
She hesitated for a moment, then bit her plump red lips, seeming to have some doubts: "Really?"
"Of course it's true."
Feng Junhou vowed to do so.
The weather in early September is the most suitable time.
The water temperature is just right, and soaking in it makes people feel so comfortable. They just want to soak in it until the end of time and don't want to come out.
However, Guan Ji, who was temporarily in charge of the Qiang Colonel's Mansion, did not forget the urgent military situation east of Longyou. She urged him several times before pulling Feng Yong out of the bathtub.
Standing in front of the military map and sand table, Feng Yong yawned tiredly, pulled over the rocking chair and lay down on it.
The blush on Guan Ji's face due to the steam evaporating from the bath has not completely subsided. When she saw this person, she closed her eyes and immediately stared at him.
Feng Yong seemed to sense Guan Ji's dissatisfaction and waved his hand quickly: "I have studied the maps of Longyou and Guanzhong hundreds of times and have long memorized them by heart."
Guan Ji knew that he might be really tired after coming all the way, but she didn't force it: "The old general asked the captain's office to assist Xiao Guan on his journey. What is Alang's plan?"
"Naturally, we will capture Yuezhi City and form a rivalry with Xiao Guan."
Feng Yong closed his eyes and said, "Although Xiaoguan has a dangerous terrain, it is mainly used by Guanzhong to defend against the desert in the north and Longyou in the west."
"Now that it is in our hands to defend Guanzhong, it will naturally not be able to exert its danger. If we can get Yuezhi City in our hands, then Xiaoguan will be stable and worry-free."
Xiaoguan is the Han's only stronghold in Guanzhong, and it is separated from Longyou by Longshan. The rescue difficulty is much greater than that of Longguan.
Therefore, how to stabilize Xiaoguan has always been the focus of Zhao Yun and Feng Yong's thinking.
"And if Cao Zhen doesn't want to lose Anding County, he must increase his troops there. We can achieve the purpose of mobilizing the Wei army in Guanzhong to echo Hanzhong."
After Guan Ji heard these words, she walked behind Feng Yong and rubbed his shoulders:
"Where is Jingyang south of Xiaoguan? The mysterious loss of Yuezhi City shows that there are capable people in Cao's army."
"What if Cao Cao's thieves set up an ambush in Jingyang in the south, waiting for Alang's army to leave Xiaoguan and head west, and then attack Xiaoguan?"
Feeling Guan Ji's gentle massage, Feng Yong felt so comfortable that he almost moaned:
"How is the situation over there with Zhao Guang?"
Although Guan Ji didn't understand why Feng Yong suddenly asked Zhao Guang, she still replied:
"It's not bad. I sent a military report back the day before yesterday, saying that the city has been destroyed and is now being completed."
The Jingqi and engineering battalions were sent out from the Xiaowei Mansion. With the few Cao thieves in Hexi, guarding such a small town, it was expected that they would be broken.
"Erlang has finally come out." Feng Yong sighed, "When I went to Jicheng, the old general rarely said anything wrong with him."
When Guan Ji heard this, she finally understood: "Alang means to let Erlang protect the army's retreat?"
The fine cavalry in the school captain's mansion come and go like the wind.
If the Cao thieves really dared to come from the south, they would only need to be dragged by fine cavalry for two days. With the quality of the infantry of Xiaowei Mansion, it would be no problem to quickly turn around and make dumplings.
"When it comes to mobilizing enemies, naturally the more you mobilize, the better."
Feng Yong said nonchalantly, "We are going to attack Yuezhi City with great fanfare. Is it possible that Chang An can ignore this? Do you really not want An Ding County?"
When Guan Ji heard this, she smiled:
"That's what A Lang thinks, but I also have a plan to discuss with A Lang."
"Huh?!" Feng Yong suddenly opened his eyes, "Why do you teach me, Mr. Xi?"
