Delong

Chapter 381: The Four Fields (15)

From the end of September, the rain began to become denser, washing the whole world layer by layer and occasionally at intervals.

At this time, rumors gradually came out in Jiangling City, saying that Zhang Xing and Zhang Sanlang, the chief of the Dragon Gang, seemed to be in a bad mood recently, or it was no longer a rumor, but a fact recognized by everyone.

To be honest, the impact of this matter is not very good. It is said that both inside and outside Jianglingcang City and the middle and high-level people who participated in the training of the military camp are a little uneasy, especially after this autumn, the outside world is turbulent. The so-called eventful autumn is nothing more than this.

On this day, the preparations for another five battalions will end their training, and they will stay in the general mausoleum or return to the camp according to the proportion. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the restaurants outside the city will of course become lively again.

"Why?" Zhai Qian was puzzled in a restaurant opposite Niu Ma Ying. "Isn't the situation all good?"

"Are you angry because the army formation didn't start?" Niu Da blurted out. "Third brother has always been unhappy with this."

"It's not necessary." Xu Shiren said helplessly. "This kind of thing can be achieved or not achieved. We are indeed not strong enough, and it is always right to prepare for the training of generals and officers. It has also been accomplished. Why should we be discouraged for so long?"

"That's definitely not the reason. The chief is not going to keep haggling over such a foregone conclusion." Xu Shiying said suddenly. "It's certainly not something about Henan that you want to talk about. What is it if Huaixi has taken half of Yingchuan, and Jiyin Xingtai has an extra Liang County? One county is not enough to change the overall situation, let alone Jiyin. That’s it, Xingyang can’t be moved any further...The real future is still in Hebei...Didn’t the Chief also officially issue a document to let Jiyin Xingtai be added to Liang County without any hesitation?”

Most of the people present here are generals from Henan, and they were relieved to hear that.

After all, the conflict between Li Shu and Zhang Xing was always the most sensitive and unavoidable issue for them.In the past, the two were in conflict. Needless to say, now that Zhang Xing became the chief, the problem has not completely disappeared. This is because Chief Zhang chose Hebei strategically, and the east, especially the three counties in the west of the east are the main generals. My hometown and the rear are still important psychologically.Moreover, the change of flag in Liang County is also very beneficial to them, because it gives most of their hometowns a layer of protection.

It would be a headache if there were related internal issues raised for this.

"What's going on?" Zhai Qian asked earnestly. "Xu Dalang, since you know a lot, you should be more straightforward."

"I think it has more to do with Cheng Dalang's marriage to Cui's daughter." Xu Shiying answered seriously.

"Isn't it?" Wang Shuyong frowned slightly. "Third brother has never intended to interfere with the marriage of subordinates. Didn't he arrange your sister to marry Xiong Tianwang? Or is it that third brother dislikes Cheng Dalang's beheading before playing, or followed the way of the Fang brothers?"

"It should be the habit of loathing to climb high when you gain power." Xu Shiying glanced at the other party and added slightly.

"Isn't the chief also married to the daughter of the Bai family?" Zhai Qian felt even more absurd when he heard this.

"So the chief didn't interfere, he was just angry." Xu Shiying replied casually. "In the final analysis, I feel that Cheng Dalang has been more selfish than public in recent years. He has a lot of thoughts, but he has never been serious about his affairs. However, this guy is as slippery as a loach, and he is not easy to get angry. It's true that it took three points, and it's not easy to even be demoted and transferred... And there must be worries that other people will be mixed up with Cheng Dalang. After all, where is this going? The real tough battle must be with Guan Long, Jin Those people on the ground are fighting against each other, and they are first indulging in alcoholic women and businessmen, so how can they win?"

Everyone was stunned, and then they became relieved, but they all spoke out, mocking Cheng Dalang for his lack of ambition.

However, Niu Da frowned slightly, and came back to ask at this time: "Is there no meaning that the leader of the Henan army who dislikes the marriage of the Hebei family will not lose his tail?"

There was a sudden silence in the restaurant.

"There must be." Xu Shiying glanced at Niu Da, and continued to speak casually. "If there are two or three more things like this all at once, the chief will definitely get angry... But in fact, according to the chief's habit, he will go beyond this level when dealing with such things, and only look at the individual."

"What do you mean?" Niu Da was a little puzzled.

"That is to say...the so-called big tail has never been less. Since the establishment of the Dragon Gang, we people have been the biggest trouble. And the reason why the chief can turn the fictitious into reality step by step, the so-called countermeasures, At least it's a countermeasure against us people, and it never meant to hit a large area." Xu Shiying spoke casually. "The three most common strategies...the first one is called pulling people's heads, which is to continuously expand the territory, expand the strength of the Dragon Clan, attract new characters to come in, and equally share the authority and importance of individual leaders and leaders; The second is called building a system, and it is said in an upright manner, and then it is reorganized in an upright manner, and upright rules are established, and you are required to abide by the rules; Coercion suppression, in short, is to make you obey one by one, and what kind of gangs are not all human? As long as the leader is honest and obedient, everything will be solved."

Wang Shuyong, who had been silent all this time, seemed to think of something, and suddenly laughed, but didn't speak.

Niu Da, on the other hand, didn't care too much: "In this way, the third brother still cares most about Xu Dalang, so it can be seen that Xu Dalang is the most powerful among us."

Several people almost couldn't hold back their laughter, but Xu Shiying just snorted coldly and didn't say anything else.

On the contrary, Zhai Qian came back to ask after a while: "If this is the case, do you want to remind Cheng Dalang to slow down?"

"Old Zhai wants to be a good person and do it himself." Niu Da shook his head hastily. "Individuals have their own fate...and, according to Xu Dalang's words, the third brother is either scheming against the public law or discussing the matter personally. What should we remind? If he is really defeated, it is he himself who caused the trouble."

Several people nodded one after another.

"You can't say that." Zhai Qian said disapprovingly. "Who was as smart as Xu Dalang from the beginning? Even as smart as Xu Dalang, didn't he also lose his eyes on private soldiers? These words are obviously hard to say from the chief, so let's tell Cheng Dalang, remind me, If he restrains himself a bit, I'm afraid it won't be the same end in the future... Even Xu Dalang, you should be less pissed now. How old are you, do you still need to be coaxed? People say that you used to speak beautifully, but now It’s reliable in work, but it’s not good to be able to speak beautifully and also to be reliable in work, right?”

Xu Shiying hesitated to speak, never thought that he would be ridiculed by this rough man, and the others would nod their heads one after another...as if everyone can be sarcastic?But you can't care about it... because he knows very well that since he came to Hebei, his mentality has indeed been out of balance, and he hasn't mediated for a long time.

In this way, after talking for a while, Zhai Qianwu went down first, braved the light rain, and prepared to leave, saying that he wanted to go back and ask the clerk to help write a letter to Cheng Dalang.

The rest of the people looked at each other in blank dismay, but no one was willing to go with Zhai Qian to find Cheng Zhili.

However, when Zhai Qian went downstairs, the people on the second floor could see clearly, and a group of people came out of the opposite cattle and horse camp, and the two sides bumped into each other, and it was Zhai Qian who took the initiative to say hello in the rain.

But it was Chief Zhang Xingzhang, Dou Lide, Cao Xi and his wife, who seemed to have just returned from inspecting the Niu Ma Ying.

With the cultivation level in hand, the leaders of both sides talked in the drizzle without holding umbrellas, and then Zhai Qian pointed to the upstairs, and the people upstairs were also embarrassed, so they wanted to go down together.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Xing just cupped his hands from a distance, and turned directly to the city without turning his head. On the contrary, it was Dou Lide who repeatedly looked this way many times.

This made several people even more embarrassed—they said they were aboveboard and sent Niu Da back to the station, but who in their own family didn't know the sensitivity of such a private gathering?Being bumped into today, it's okay for Dou Lide and his gang to think too much about it, but in case Chief Zhang remembers it, he doesn't usually say it, and if something happens and he hangs up, who's to blame?

Not to mention the momentary embarrassment of these people, it is only said that there is a reason for Zhang Xing to return to Jiangling City in a hurry. These days, he is worried about this tattered Dragon Gang.

Passing through the rain curtain and entering Cangcheng, the blue bricks on the ground of Cangcheng had been washed clean by the rain. Chief Zhang went directly into the largest public house, while Chen Bin, Cui Suchen, Xie Minghe, Ma Wei, and Yan Qing were here waiting.

In addition to Dou Lide and Cao Xi who followed, basically the general manager of the daily affairs is in charge.

"How?" Zhang Xing asked as soon as he entered the room.

"It's like this, Chief, I have a plan. We discussed it in private and we think it's feasible." Waiting for Zhang Xing, Chen Bin looked at the chief in front of him carefully, and then glanced at Dou Lide and his wife who followed, before speaking slowly road. "There seems to be some turmoil in the gang right now. If this strategy can be implemented, it may be able to calm people's hearts in a short time... Moreover, it will be done sooner or later, and it is indispensable."

"What do you mean?" Zhang Xing was slightly surprised. "What do you mean there is some commotion in the gang?"

"Because of the situation outside, the whole gang is a little uneasy." Xie Minghe answered first. "Wars are being fought on all sides, and those who are not fighting are also engaging in conspiracies and tricks, which has made them unable to sit still... Sergeants, farmers, and merchants are worried that there will be a war. People took the opportunity to contact in private, or meet relatives or reminisce about the old days, as if they were preparing for something... Even the chief, don't you have a serious face and worry all day long?"

Zhang Xing got stuck, and unexpectedly did not refute: "Then what is your plan?"

"We think we can increase some official positions." Chen Bin took the words seriously.

Chief Zhang suddenly realized: "Add more positions, give some people promotion and decentralization, and let them settle down?"

"That's the truth, but the key to this matter is whether it is reasonable to add more positions..." Chen Bin continued. "Chief, don't you think Bohai County is too big?"

Zhang Xing became more and more stunned.

This is nothing to say.

You know, this world has entered a period of chaos and division since the so-called former Tang Dynasty because of the annexation of land, the rise of tyrannical powers, the dictatorship of eunuchs and relatives, and the rampant clans. Big or small, Guozuo long or short.

Among them, there may be the overall system, law, civilization, and line of inheritance, but the administrative division is undoubtedly a mess.

Even Da Zhou and Da Wei tried to correct it several times, but they didn't call it back.

For example, right now, some prefectures in charge are as big as Dengzhou, which is a combination of three traditional middle-sized counties, such as Youzhou, which is even more terrifying, and big counties like Hejian and Bohai are also somewhat scary, while some states and counties, such as in The ones on the north side of Yanshan Mountain and the south side of Dumo are too small.

The world is known as [-] prefectures and counties, and the Great Wei occupies [-]. It is not a blown out, but this phenomenon really exists.

Back to the present, compared with the several counties in the east except Dengzhou, which are moderate in size and have a long history, the current counties in Bohai, Hejian, and Xindu are actually after the elimination of Eastern Qi. Qina is like the administrative boundaries of the "Fifty Eastern Yizhous", which are forcibly retro-combined and do not match the reality.

"The main reason is that the Bohai Sea is too big." Cui Suchen rarely spoke. "Response to civil affairs documents and administrative regulations is often slow, which is one level behind several states and counties in the eastern border. There is really no need to keep them so large."

Zhang Xing nodded, and he understood.

This is definitely not just a problem of Bohai itself being too big, but also the level of the eunuch Zheng Ting. As the first batch of civil servants when the gang was established, he was squeezed out of everyone to be the last eunuch, which speaks for itself. And Cui Suchen was never willing to get involved in these matters, and Chen Bin's ability to pull him out made the problem even more obvious.

"Then how to divide the Bohai Sea? Is it going to be divided into two?" After thinking up to this point, Zhang Xing couldn't help being curious.

"That's not the case." Chen Bin said seriously. "Our rough plan is to merge several counties south of the Mamian River in Bohai Sea with the northern part of Dengzhou, plus a county in Qi County to form a prefecture... This place is actually the mouth of the great river. It is the people here, and most of them are from the two sides of the strait. Yes, the cultural customs are similar, but there are few differences between the north and the south."

Zhang Xing nodded again and again, this is a very good plan, and the area is also suitable.

"Is this the only preparation?" Zhang Xing continued to ask. "Dividing a county can calm people's hearts."

"There is another one, which means that Cui is in charge. He said that he is in charge of confidential documents. In fact, he is in charge of multiple jobs, and nothing else. The Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Ministry of Punishment should always be separated. Yes, one should be brought out and given to others to take charge of it."

Zhang Xing nodded, there was nothing to say.

In fact, nothing else matters. The development of the so-called bureaucracy is nothing more than specialization and official standardization. As long as it goes in this direction, it will probably be fine.What's more, this is not considered a reform, because the Wei Dynasty already had the embryonic form of three provinces and six ministries, and there was also an excessive attempt from the government military system to the recruitment system, and the Dragon Clan itself followed this model at the beginning... It's just that the territory is small, and military affairs are prioritized. It makes it unnecessary to put some things out too early.

Putting it out now, no one will find it strange.

"In terms of military affairs, we will add a new layer; in local administration, we will add a county; in Xingtai, we will add a civilian department..." Zhang Xing calculated. "It's not impossible. It should be able to calm the hearts of the people inside. In fact, I think that there is no need to limit the division of management. As long as it is professional and useful, it can be set. For example, one of our big problems is corvee labor. , because it needs to be accompanied by the army and civilians and local water conservancy maintenance, this can also be independent... But let’s not talk about this for the time being, do you have any candidates for the civil affairs department and the prefect?"

Dou Lide, who had been silent all this time, suddenly realized that this was the reason for the surprise attack by these people. The matter itself was fine, especially when Cui Suchen handed over a supervisor, which was even more remarkable.

But the problem is that these people, whether they are the initiators of the incident or the so-called insiders of the Xingtai, can always get this follow-up and natural follow-up questioning.

This is the key.

But Dou Lide had no choice but to intervene, not only because of Chen Bin's surprise attack, but also because he had no one in Dou Lide's hands, and there was no leader of this level and seniority in his small circle who could take over.

This is conspiracy.

"If the civil affairs department is in charge, there are quite a few county magistrates who have done a good job, or simply ask the rest of the county guards if they would like to come..." Chen Bin blurted out. "It's okay to include a few local officials who have returned home."

A person flashed in Zhang Xing's mind, and he nodded immediately: "I asked one person first, if he disagrees, then choose someone according to this idea... Where is the new county sheriff?"

"How about Cheng Dalang?" Chen Bintu looked at him poorly.

Zhang Xing immediately laughed—these people saw that his complexion was not good these days, and then they probably guessed or asked about a certain possibility from Yan Qing, so they waited here.

And Dou Lide was suddenly stunned at this time, but he also took a step forward and expressed his support: "I think Cheng Dalang is quite suitable. He is an old man and is good at civil affairs and government affairs... It's just that the chief thinks it's not good for him to serve as the sheriff in my family. , let him exchange with Pingyuan or Jibei, so what?"

Zhang Xing looked back at Dou Lide, who had just inspected the cattle and horse camp with him. There was a loss of livestock manure and damp grass due to the rain. People like Chen Bin did not understand the importance of this kind of thing, but they basically did not understand it. I will go to inspect it in person, but Dou Lide and his wife can go to the manure pile with me to look at it.

However, even such a hard-working person who dares to sink to the bottom of the gang, but also has his own selfishness.

Even, Dou Lide is almost the most selfish among these people, or the one who is the least good at covering up.

Just now this guy kept silent because he couldn't reach those two positions, but now he talks because once Cheng Dalang takes up the position, Cheng Dalang's battalion head will be vacant, there will be leaders who can be promoted to big leaders, and there will be others If he can be promoted to the leader and lead the army, his small team can get a bite out of it.

Who can hide this thought?

However, he is not going to have any rebellious mentality because of this, because these people are more or less doing things, and more or less are doing business while considering selfishness. Compared with Cheng Dalang's demeanor, he is getting more and more dissatisfied with Chief Zhang. .

Zhang Xing didn't believe that a delicate person like Cheng Zhili would not be aware of his dissatisfaction—before he encouraged everyone to congratulate, and then when Cheng Zhili really got married, he had neither gifts nor visits.

As a result, until now, the other party has not seen any voluntary statement.

It is really necessary to give this guy, and also give a clear warning to the gang.

"It's feasible in principle." Zhang Xing nodded, then looked at Dou Lide. "But first ask Cheng Dalang himself what he means."

Everyone was relieved, and maybe they still felt a little "celebrating" in their hearts, but it's hard to say.

After Zhang Xing agreed to this plan, he also returned to his public house. First, he wrote a letter to the "seniority protector Zhang Daxuan" who was far away in Jiyin, sincerely inviting the other party to be the administrator of his civil affairs department. After he hesitated, he replied. I wrote another unexpected letter, but it was actually addressed to Li Qingchen in Yecheng. It was a sincere letter of persuasion.

It doesn't matter whether you write or not write this letter, but considering that you asked Li Ding to forward the message to Qin Er, and then asked Xie Minghe to forward the fortune teller, you suddenly realized that Li Qingchen is now in Hebei. The lonely shadow is gone.

Moreover, he is really employing people here, and he also believes that people like Li Twelve will be more useful once they turn their heads.

After writing the letter, Jia Runshi came in and arranged for someone to send it out, but Chief Zhang looked at the drizzle outside the window, inexplicably remembered many old people, and didn't know where all the people he had experienced in this troubled time were.

Just as he was thinking about it, the autumn rain outside started again, and the sound of the rain woke him up instantly.

Zhang Xing couldn't help sighing, and called out to a guard: "Go invite Chief Dou and Chief Cao."

After a while, the Dou couple, who were already in Cangcheng, arrived together.

"If it continues to rain, will there be floods?" Zhang Xing asked seriously.

"It's hard to say." Dou Lide was a little uneasy, and then looked at his wife.

"There will always be waterlogging, but if the crops are harvested, it's okay... If you are worried about major floods, then only the Qingzhang River may have an accident, and the Qingzhang River depends on the water level of Gaojibo." Cao Cao Xi answered like a stream. "It's the only one along the way that doesn't have a bank."

"Then I'll go there now!" Zhang Xing stood up. "I'm always uneasy if I don't find out about this matter... You and your wife don't have to accompany me. I'll just ask the locals when I go to the place."

Dou and Cao have nothing to say.

However, when the two came out with Zhang Xing, Dou Lide couldn't help asking: "Chairman, these days everyone said that the chief's face is not good, is it because he is worried about the rain?"

"After the drought, it rains again in autumn, how dare you neglect?" Zhang Xing said helplessly. "However, there are too many things to worry about. Ten percent of this matter can account for three to five achievements."

Sure enough, Dou Lide felt lost in his heart.

Although he had long realized that the benevolence and righteousness he was best at often had a feeling of being inferior in front of this chief, but when he met again, he still couldn't help feeling frustrated.

Leaving aside the gossip, Zhang Xing and Jia Runshi and other dozens of riders set off that day, rested overnight in Changhe, and had to be escorted by patrol riders the next day, and arrived at Gaojibo's farming point before noon. Up, the mottled swamp that I saw once in summer has already been connected.

However, the answer given by the local old farmer is a little reassuring - although the water has risen, it is far from the level of a flood, as long as the next rain does not go crazy.

This is mainly because the surrounding water conservancy ditches were cleaned up in time for drought relief in summer, so they were properly dredged.

Zhang Xing felt relieved for a while, and wanted to leave, but at this moment, a person suddenly appeared in front of him—it wasn't a chance encounter, but he heard that he was here, and he just arrived, so he chased after him.

"Xiong Tianwang... why is he in such a hurry that he left Wang Chenkuo and turned back in a hurry?" Zhang Xing couldn't help being surprised.

"About seven or eight days ago, the news came out that the witch tribe invaded on a large scale. There were nearly 30 coalition troops in the central and eastern regions. Eight out of ten of Chen Ling's men surrendered and were heading to Guanzhong." Xiong Bonan of Daijun and Hengshan. "The matter is very important. I came back directly from Dai County... I don't know if Cao Lin will be dispatched this time."

In the drizzle, the surrounding attendants and patrolling riders had already turned pale with horror, and even Dou Xiaoniang, who had always been fearless, was obviously a little uneasy.

But Chief Zhang Xingzhang really didn't change his face: "I have to come... To be honest, I came late, which shows that they still haven't made up their minds clearly."

Seeing the other party's reaction like this, Xiong Bonan felt that he had made a fuss.

"By the way, Hengshan and Daijun have many mountains. Where do you come from, can you see how many flash floods have occurred?" Zhang Xing asked seriously.

"Yes..." Xiong Bonan thought for a while, and there were quite a lot. "There is obviously a lot of rain in autumn, and because of the drought, the rivers are not clean, and the ditches are blocked a lot, so there are extraordinarily large flash floods, and there are reports of towns being washed away."

Zhang Xing finally changed his face. The thing he was more worried about happened—natural disasters had already happened, but the efforts of the Dragon Gang to maintain water conservancy made it less obvious in their own territory, and the impact of natural disasters is actually no less than military disasters. , if the two are superimposed, coupled with this year's poor harvest, it is likely to trigger a real overall collapse.

In this case, the so-called "Hebei order" he worked so hard to maintain may be in vain.

Of course, that's the worst thing to think about, but the best way to think about it. As the only company that still insists on cleaning up and maintaining water conservancy in the troubled times, the Dragon Gang seems to have a slight advantage as long as it is determined.

No matter what, Chief Zhang was momentarily distraught.

(End of this chapter)