.......
Jinluan Palace.
Emperor Longqing sat on the dragon chair, frowning.
Just when he received Han Li's reply and knew that a war between the two countries was inevitable, he had already begun to prepare for the battle.
But at this moment, there are still several hidden dangers that must be eliminated, otherwise it is very likely to be attacked from both sides.
One of the biggest hidden dangers is the banditry in Chuzhou.
"They are just a bunch of bandits, why are they becoming more and more violent?"
Emperor Longqing looked down at Yang Shangshu of the Ministry of War with a hint of anger in his eyes.
Today, nearly one-third of Chuzhou's territory has fallen under the influence of a bandit named Heifengzhai.
"The Holy One doesn't know that this Black Wind Village only occupied one county in the early days, but it was recharging its energy and recruiting troops in the mountains. Especially since last year, it has begun to carry out activities down the mountain."
"At the beginning, it was only in one county. Later, it became more and more intense and expanded to three counties."
"The most important thing is that I don't know what kind of magic they used. The local people are extremely supportive of them and even act as their scouts."
"A large number of officers and soldiers have arrived. They have already fled long ago. If thousands of officers and soldiers encounter them, they will make dumplings for them. It is so slippery..."
What Yang Shangshu of the Ministry of War meant was not that the officers and soldiers were incompetent, but that the bandits were too cunning.
At this time, Liu Yong, the Secretary of the Ministry of Revenue, came out and said with a smile: "It is because the imperial court has repeatedly suppressed the bandits and failed to wipe them out, but it gave Black Wind Village its name."
"It is said that the leader, Zhang San, nicknamed himself an outlaw. He is really very arrogant."
When Yang Shangshu of the Ministry of War heard this, his face suddenly turned dark. On the surface, this guy was saying that Zhang San was rampant, but in fact, he was saying that the Ministry of War was ineffective in suppressing bandits.
He quickly explained: "Wei Chen has written many times, suggesting that the troops from the three surrounding states should be gathered to encircle and suppress the bandits. Unfortunately..."
He did not say the rest. Emperor Jiaming was not interested in these matters at all. Without Emperor Jiaming's approval, Yang Shangshu did not dare to mobilize troops without authorization.
Emperor Longqing rubbed his brows. He didn't need to think about it, but he knew that it was the mess that his dead father had thrown at him. He couldn't help but sigh: "My dear friends, now that we are about to start a war with Nanhuang, if there is internal unrest, it will be easy." You will be attacked from both sides."
"Now, we don't talk about old scores, we just talk about how to deal with them."
Yang Shangshu of the Ministry of War said: "Your Majesty, I suggest that the army is gathering now, and this Black Wind Stronghold is a good opportunity to train troops. It is better for the Duke of Zhen to lead 300,000 elite soldiers to pull out the Black Wind Stronghold in one fell swoop. It can also be regarded as a good start for sending troops to southern Xinjiang!"
Although the Black Wind Mountain disturbed a state, the number of bandits was only one hundred thousand. As a first-class monk, Zhenguo Gong was sure to win as long as he led his troops out.
"Your Majesty, I think this is inappropriate."
At this moment, Liu Yong came out: "Now that the two countries are at war, there is already a shortage of food and grass."
"If we succeed in suppressing the bandits here, once we fall into a quagmire, the current food and grass in the treasury will not be enough to cope with two wars in a row."
When Yang Shangshu heard this, he immediately raised his eyebrows, pointed at Liu Yong and cursed: "You old man, you don't know how to suppress bandits, you just need to ensure good food and grass."
Being tripped up by Liu Yong again and again, Yang Shangshu could no longer control the anger in his heart.
When Liu Yong saw that he actually cursed him in front of Emperor Longqing, he couldn't bear it. He was frothing at the mouth: "Young man named Yang has the ability. If you don't use food and grass in the war, I will naturally have no objection..."
.......
Friends on both sides tried to stop the fight, and pulled and pulled, and suddenly there was chaos in the Jinluan Palace.
Emperor Longqing couldn't help but put his palms on his forehead and looked at everything in the audience speechlessly.
These veterans are not good at anything, and they are the first to argue.
At this moment, Zhuo Yungui, the Minister of Rites, who had been watching with cold eyes, came around from the crowd, stood under the stage, bowed and said: "Your Majesty, I think there is another way that we can try."
"Perhaps we can easily capture Black Wind Mountain without wasting a single soldier."
Upon hearing this, everyone in the audience was stunned for a moment, and then stopped the commotion.
Yang Shangshu let go of Liu Yong's long beard in his hand, and wiped a mouthful of Liu Shangshu's old phlegm from his face.
Liu Shangshu retracted his half-kicked leg, and managed to straighten out his torn pants. Only half of his pants were in a mess, and most of his butt was exposed.
...
"impossible!"
"How can this be?"
"If there is such a method, I will walk out of the Golden Palace today while standing on my head!"
Yang Shangshu of the Ministry of War took the lead in attacking and said with disdain, thinking that Zhuo Yungui was talking nonsense.
Liu Yong also had a look of disbelief. Although they looked down upon each other, they shared the same hatred when facing Zhuo Yungui.
Yan Shoufu asked tentatively: "Could it be that they sent out experts to conduct a beheading operation?"
Yang Shangshu of the Ministry of War sneered and said: "If you behead someone, you are seeking death. Back then, it was said that a second-grade master also sneaked into Black Wind Stronghold, but he never returned. Instead, he damaged a master and a flying boat in the Palace of Immortality."
What he was talking about was how Qin Zining, the Fang Xiandao sent by Emperor Jiaming, went to Heifeng Village to capture the medicine tester, but was killed by He Ping'an.
After hearing this, the three cabinet bachelors headed by Yan Shoufu thought hard and seemed to be unable to think of any suitable solution.
Liu Yong shook his head and said it was not a beheading operation.
"Oh, there is such a way. My dear, please tell me."
Emperor Longqing's eyes lit up and he gave instructions.
Zhuo Yungui glanced at the people around him and was very satisfied with the current effect, and then slowly said: "That's it, recruit people!"
"What, recruiting?"
"Do not make jokes."
"Don't you think the imperial court is embarrassing enough?"
When all the civil and military officials heard this, they burst into laughter.
Taizu Daxuan established the country with force. When encountering bandits such as bandits, the method Daxuan always adopted was to eliminate them.
The method of recruitment has never been used.
In the eyes of Daxuan officials, the method of recruiting people was extremely shameful. It was equivalent to the court admitting that it was unable to exterminate the bandits, so it would use the method of recruiting people.
Zhuo Yungui looked at these people with disdain, "You have almost lost your dignity, why do you still care about face?"
If the Black Wind Village incident is not handled well, it is very likely that it will affect the war in southern Xinjiang and even affect Daxuan's national destiny.
On the contrary, Emperor Longqing was extremely interested and asked: "Zhuo Aiqing, please tell me in detail."
"This matter is simple, just send someone familiar to Zhang San to Black Wind Mountain to recruit people."
Zhuo Yungui said with a smile: "If it succeeds, not only will the crisis in Heifeng Village be solved, but the Holy Lord can even organize the people from Heifeng Mountain into a team to become the vanguard of the war in southern Xinjiang..."
At this moment, Yang Shangshu sneered and interrupted him: "Haha, Zhuo Shangshu said it lightly, do you know who Zhang San is?"
"What kind of person?"
Zhuo Yungui asked.
Yang Shangshu had already studied Zhang San's origins and was very clear about it. He talked about it eloquently: "Zhang San was a butcher in Qian County, Xuanyang, Gyeonggi Province. He joined the drug testing department because he killed an adulterer and an adulterous woman... ..."
"He has brought my mother to Heifeng Mountain. Now there are no old friends in Qian County who can talk to him. Tell me, who is familiar with Zhang San and dares to go to Heifeng Mountain alone?"
After Yang Shangshu finished speaking, he looked at Zhuo Yungui coldly, waiting for his answer.
When Emperor Longqing heard this, he immediately frowned. If Yang Shangshu said it was true, it would indeed be difficult to recruit Zhang San.
But if Zhang San can be recruited, it will not only solve the banditry problem in Chuzhou, but also help the war in southern Xinjiang. These benefits are really exciting.
Zhuo Yungui didn't panic at all. The old man said calmly: "Since Yang Shangshu knows, Zhang San has been in the Drug Testing Department for many years."
"Did you know that there is a drug tester in the Drug Testing Department who has been testing drugs for ten years?"
"Ten years of drug testing? Drug tester?"
Yang Shangshu frowned, thinking hard, and seemed to have thought of something.
"You mean, how safe is the alchemist of the Alchemy Department now?"
Liu Yong, the Minister of Household Affairs, asked.
He occasionally heard Liu Ding mention a few words in his ear, and the legend of He Ping'an's ten-year drug trial was indeed amazing, so he had some impressions.
"It's this person!"
Zhuo Yungui said.
"But, what is his relationship with Zhang San?"
Liu Yong asked doubtfully.
"When Zhang San was in the Drug Testing Department, he had a close friendship with He Pingan. It is said that He Pingan even saved Zhang San's life."
"So if He Ping'an is willing to share the worries of His Majesty, the matter will be half done..."
Zhuo Yungui has a good idea.
After hearing this, the officials below immediately started talking. Most of them felt that this move seemed feasible.
Upon hearing this, Emperor Longqing was overjoyed and said: "Shang Shuo is indeed my humerus. With one action, he has solved my urgent need!"
Liu Yong came out at this time and said slowly: "He Pingan saved Zhang San back then, but it has been many years. Now, it is not known whether Zhang San still recognizes him."
"Besides, if we recruit troops, we will definitely have to spend some money. With the current emptiness of Daxuan's treasury, I'm afraid it will be difficult to maintain the military rations for these extra 100,000 people."
As soon as these words came out, everyone's expressions suddenly froze. Although Liu Yong poured cold water on them, he made sense.
Hearing what his son said, he was extremely unhappy with He Pingan, and naturally he didn't want to let He Pingan get ahead.
"Your Majesty, whether the recruitment is feasible or not can only be determined by doing it. At this time, we are here to discuss whether it is successful or not. Is it too much to just talk on paper?"
Zhuo Shangshu said in a deep voice, but his words were actually ridiculing Liu Yong.
At that time, Zhao Kuo talked endlessly about the art of war, but who knew that Southern Xinjiang had fallen, and not even a little news came out, not to mention resistance.
From then on, the reputation of armchair tactics spread.
Zhao Kuo, who guarded southern Xinjiang, was the person Liu Yong recommended to Emperor Jiaming.
"Zhuo Shangshu's words are reasonable."
Emperor Longqing nodded. Whether the recruitment was successful or not can only be known after trying it.
The only real danger is the alchemist He Ping'an.
But then he looked embarrassed and said: "Zhuo Shangshu is one of our own, so I won't see him outside."
"The Daxuan treasury is indeed unable to make ends meet now. I'm afraid it won't be able to provide much supplies!"
Zhuo Yungui nodded, and then said with a sincere expression: "Your Majesty, I understand."
"Wei Chen has a suggestion. I wonder if the Holy One agrees with it."
"Zhuo Shangshu just said it doesn't matter."
"If the recruitment is successful, Black Wind Village will form a brand new army and name it Black Wind Army."
"The Black Wind Army is self-sufficient in food and fodder for all soldiers, horses, and horses. All they need to do is give each of them a set of Daxuan armor."
"And ordered them to rush to southern Xinjiang from now on."
Zhuo Yungui said solemnly.
"So Easy?"
Emperor Longqing looked shocked and uncertain. To him, Zhuo Yungui's request meant that with just a promise, he could get an army of 100,000 people who would fight for him through life and death. How could he not be surprised?
"It's that simple."
Zhuo Yungui said confidently.
"Okay, I'll play it right!"
After Emperor Longqing solved his serious problem, he breathed a sigh of relief, paused, and then said: "Tell that alchemist He Ping'an that if he can facilitate this matter, I will definitely reward him heavily!"
"Yes, Weichen obeys the order!"
Zhuo Yungui took the order and left.
Liu Yong stood at the bottom, his face extremely ugly.
The Black Wind Army does not need food and grass, so as the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, he has no reason to stop it.
...
After coming to court, the civil and military officials discussed a lot, and everyone gave up hope on what Zhuo Yungui suggested.
Because, as long as Zhang San is not stupid, he will not agree to such conditions.
It means that the Daxuan court did not pay anything, but only gave the name of the Black Tiger Army, and wanted the Black Tiger Army to fight life and death for the court.
How can it be?
In southern Xinjiang, to put it bluntly, if there is no transcendent realm to lead the team, it will basically be a narrow escape.
Especially Yang Shangshu of the Ministry of War, who kept mumbling: "What I promise is that I will stand on my head and walk out after the recruitment is successful..."
...
Seven days later.
Chuzhou, Heifeng Village.
"Report!"
A minion ran into the hall from the bottom of the mountain and knelt down in front of Zhang San.
Zhang San was sitting on the big tiger-skin chair in Heifeng Village, with a majestic look on his face, and he looked at the man with a focused look: "What's the matter?"
"Reporting to the head of the family, a group of government officials came down the mountain. One of them claimed to be your old friend and wanted to go up the mountain to see you."
The subordinate quickly said that Zhang San's cultivation has now reached the third level of martial arts.
There was a sense of majesty in his movements, and just staring at this minion made him feel a little short of breath.
'The only people I know in the government are enemies. How can I have any friends? '
'It must be a spy who the imperial court wants to sneak into the mountains. '
Zhang San thought for a moment and suddenly felt that someone must be trying to sneak up the mountain. He looked stern and shouted: "I have never had friends in the government. Drive him away and disappear!"
Liu Hu, the second boss on the side, picked up a ghost-headed knife and stood up with a cry: "If you dare to pretend to be eldest brother's friend, I will kill him."
At this moment, a hearty laughter was heard outside the hall: "Brother Zhang, is it possible that you don't even see your younger brother?"
"Huh......"
When Zhang San heard this voice, he immediately fell into thinking. Why is this voice so familiar...
"Who is coming?"
In the Juyi Hall, Liu Hu was the first to shout and ask.
All the mountain bandits in the Tang Dynasty were shocked. They set up a dragnet at the foot of the mountain and used formations specially taught by Luo Xianzun to prevent masters from breaking into the mountain.
How powerful is this person? He can actually ignore so many formations and sneak up the mountain.
Moreover, are those bandits outside the palace just decorations?
"Qiang..."
In the Juyi Hall, the sound of drawing a sword kept coming, and at the same time, people looked outside the hall following the sound.
I saw a slender and handsome man with a ghost-like figure flashing in from outside the palace.
"Master, be careful!"
Liu Hu shouted loudly, and slashed at the handsome man with the ghost-headed sword in his hand. The sword was fierce and the blade was erupting. His cultivation had reached the fourth level of martial arts.
When the handsome man saw Liu Hu slashing with his sword, he didn't even look at him. Instead, he looked at Zhang San who was sitting on the big tiger-skin chair with burning eyes.
"How dare you be so arrogant!"
Seeing that this person ignored him, Liu Hu was furious and couldn't help but increase the strength in his hands by three points.
The strong wind blew the green gown on this handsome man loudly.
Seeing that Liu Hu's sword was about to hit the man's forehead, everyone on the scene saw a blur in front of their eyes. Then Zhang San suddenly appeared in front of the ghost head sword. With a "Peng" sound, he held the ghost head sword in his hand. .
"Brother, what do you mean?"
Liu Hu was immediately shocked and quickly took back the ghost head knife.
However, Zhang San slapped the visitor on the chest hard and laughed: "Hahahaha, peace, long time no see!"
"Brother Zhang."
He Ping'an said with a smile, taking a step back. After so many years, Zhang San's habit has not changed. He would slap his chest whenever they met. If this were an ordinary person, he would be killed with just one slap.
"We really know each other..."
Liu Hu and other bandits on the side suddenly understood that the visitor was really Zhang San's old friend, so they temporarily lowered their guard and put away the weapons in their hands.
"The Sword Comes"
"Peace, I haven't seen you for many years, how are you now?"
Zhang San and He Ping'an exchanged greetings and sat down respectively.
"It's not bad. I'm still working as an alchemist in the Palace of Eternal Life."
He Pingan took the cup of tea brought by his subordinates and said with a smile.
I swept around and saw that there were probably nearly a hundred bandits in the Juyi Hall, and their cultivation levels were all high. Most of the leaders were in the middle third grade, and some were basically in the lower third grade.
Even a few minions have a solid foundation and a solid gaze. Although they are not in the first grade, they are close to the ninth grade.
This is Black Wind Village. Currently, more than half of the 100,000 bandits are close to the ninth-level martial arts cultivation level.
Moreover, the bandits present were bright and orderly. It was obvious that they were not just a ragtag group, but a team with strong combat power.
"Oh, I didn't expect that after we said goodbye, you would actually become a member of the government."
Zhang San let out a long sigh and couldn't help but sigh that things have changed and people have changed. The two prisoners who were subordinates now have their own opportunities.
"No matter where I am, Sange Zhang and I will always be brothers."
He Ping'an smiled and said, not taking it seriously.
"Ping An is right."
Zhang San nodded, seeming to recall the scene in the drug testing department, with a hint of warmth on his face.
"Today, the Drug Testing Department no longer exists."
He Pingan said slowly, introducing the current changes in the Palace of Eternal Life, and by the way introduced the current emperor, Emperor Longqing, saying that he was a wise king, very different from the previous Emperor Jiaming.
Zhang San, who was in charge of Heifeng Village, naturally knew a little about the changes in the imperial court. After listening to He Pingan's story, he focused his eyes and asked, "By the way, Pingan, why are you here today?" ?”
He Ping'an glanced at the people in the hall. Zhang San understood and immediately ordered everyone to go down. Only the second master Liu Hu was left in the hall.
"This is my good brother Liu Hu. I can trust him. He's safe, but it doesn't matter."
Zhang San introduced Liu Hu to He Pingan and continued.
He Ping'an nodded, glanced at the majestic hall, and said straight to the point: "Brother Zhang, I am here today because of Emperor Longqing's order to invite you to visit."
－－－－－－Digression－－－－－
It seems that it has been reviewed for a day, and the number of subscriptions has also dropped...
