Delong

Chapter 390: The Country’s Destruction (8)

During the twelfth lunar month, a moderate amount of winter snow fell, froze, and then melted. When the sunny weather returned to the previous one, it became colder and colder. In the areas of Hebei and Henan, the small rivers were already frozen in November. It is now easy to walk through, and now even large rivers like Zhangshui have begun to walk on flat ground, and the real "big rivers" have directly entered this ice-covered period that is barely warm in winter.

But it is not too stable, even the objects on the pontoon bridge can be cut through the ice and put away. Only some areas can leave people, and they can't walk with cars and horses.And then, it still depends on the weather. It is conceivable that as long as there is another north wind or light snow, it is not unusual for the big river to be completely frozen.

Turning back to the present, in the cold weather, compared to the reaction of the surrounding forces, the inside of the Dragon Clan is not as strong as expected for what Chief Zhang did in the first ten days of the twelfth lunar month, because everyone is a little desensitized. They are all used to the chief's boastful words, or they are used to the chief's non-stop doing things that they think are relatively empty.

Of course, this does not mean that they will turn a deaf ear to such things, because according to experience, these "fake signs" of the chief will always have some effect.Only this time, the reaction of the "Law of the People" was too strong among the people, and its effect was too obvious. Therefore, in the next few days, because of the pressure of public opinion, the discussions of the Dragon Gang all focused on this, which made some people I doubted my own conjecture and focus.

But soon, as this wave of upsurge passed, the situation gradually became twists and turns.

The big leaders and leaders of the Dragon Gang, as expected, paid more attention and feedback on "Guo Wei Lun", because it seemed like a letter of war and a call to arms, and many people thought that the chief couldn't hold back and wanted to continue Let’s do it. Of course, there are serious scholars who hold their noses and praise the literary talent of "On Guo Wei", and express that they also think that Wei Wei will perish.

Even Hong Changya, a rebel from northern Shanxi, came to praise him.

Only Li Shu and Bai Yousi wrote letters, expressing their interest in the simple passage of "Bu Liu Tao".

Zhang Xing can be sure that regardless of camp, regardless of attitude, status, or relationship, not only Li Bai and Li Bai will be interested in this, but Li Bai and Li Bai are in the Dragon Sect, so they can express interest, and the rest are interested. Interest, you don't know who it is, and, subject to the current situation, even if you are interested, you can't express it.

Zhang Xing himself is like this.

This winter snow plus cold snap, like the summer drought and autumn rain, has caused some disturbing chain reactions.

On the bare field, hundreds of riders gathered, all got off their horses and went about their own business, but in a place slightly leeward, seventeen or eight whalebone horses formed a circle, but they were all the leaders of the Dragon Gang, In addition, the leaders, such as Fan Wang, Lu Changheng, Jia Runshi, etc. who were in charge of security, escort, and communication, did not take their seats at all, but just patrolled the surrounding area.

Everyone was just chatting at first, and the atmosphere was obviously harmonious, but soon, as a team of scouts with steaming heads and ringing bells around their horses arrived and delivered a document, the atmosphere quickly turned bad.

"Commander Du, what are you talking about?"

The people around were still passing and reading the documents, Chief Zhang Xingzhang did not speak, but his face was slightly ugly, and the same Wei Xuanding next to him was already angry. "Jiyin's grain storage can only last until summer, and Dengzhou has to come to support it. His Huaixi has been in chaos for a whole year, and the harvest will only be worse... The key is that after he arrived in Xuanpao City, he has been in the second half of the year. In a war, military rations are consumed like running water, why do you have to say that your own food is in order?"

Zhang Xing still didn't say anything, just lowered his head and grabbed a handful of soft field soil and kneaded it for a while. Many big bosses and bosses sitting around didn't say a word. Li Zida, who was traveling with Zhang Xing for the first time, had a special status and instinctively wanted to Explain, don't know how to explain,

"What can there be?" At this time, Xie Minghe couldn't bear it as usual, and joined the conversation. "It's nothing more than a series of consecutive victories. I feel that I can support wars with battles. In the previous battle in Yancheng, I captured many cities in the eastern capital and a lot of food and goods. So as long as Shouchun is broken now, It can continue like this... After all, this time, from the perspective of drought and autumn harvest, Huainan has not been affected this year, and he has been to Huainan this year, so he knows the situation there."

"It should be the idea." Wei Xuanding panted out of breath. "But what's the difference between this and a gambler? If he wins the bet, he is wise and mighty, but if he loses the bet, he is completely defeated."

"Gambling." Throwing down the dirt in his hands, he turned his true energy, and easily cleaned his palms. Chief Zhang raised his head to look around, and finally spoke, as if he had another opinion. "Who doesn't gamble in troubled times? The key is what the bet is, what can be won, and whether the bet is worth it."

Next to him, Li Zida was slightly moved. He had been in the world for many years and had real interests involved. He immediately thought of something, but it was a little vague for a while.

But at this time, Xie Minghe seemed to have seen through his mind, but he also sneered: "That's the question, whether it's worth it or not, who decides? From whom?"

Zhang Xing also laughed, but after he finished laughing, he became serious again: "My point is very simple, let's not talk about the situation where there is only one way out when you are cornered. Gambling methods after you have the capital... First, admit the bet and admit defeat, and whoever loses will be held accountable. Risk compensation for those who make bets, at the very least, let these people be willing to gamble with you, and you can’t force them to gamble; third, if you win the bet, you must be rewarded and punished.”

"I believe Du Longtou can do the third thing." Wei Xuanding continued to frown. "It's just the first one. How can he be responsible? He really lost, and the food was cut off again. How can he support his people? I'm afraid he will ask us for help... To tell you the truth, I just met Deputy Commander Chai when I came here." , think clearly about each other, the three counties in the middle of the eastern border are just barely making ends meet, and once they are supported, there will be a gap. And does the transportation not consume food? Before, it was very troublesome to transport food from east to west, whether it was ordinary people or local officials , Seeing the local food going out, it’s all boiling up to the sky... I’m missing a meal at home, I’m hungry, it’s not the same as sending out a meal, I’m also hungry.”

At this point, even the most stupid leader has realized that Wei Longtou's dissatisfaction with Du Longtou is here-if you really say that Huaixi lost the battle, and if you can't get Huainan's food, you still have to buy it. Those who asked for help from the eastern border, and the three counties in the central region, which were already at a critical point at this time, were probably the most violent when they cut their flesh.

"It's not just a food shortage problem." Xie Minghe also continued to laugh. "There is also the second point that the chief said. If you talk about going to fight against the old Huaiyou League who bet on their lives, I believe he is convinced, but the people of Huaixi are also betting. If they lose the bet, they will starve. How can they be willing to accompany He Du Longtou bet? Didn’t the chief say that we want to benefit the world, isn’t the benefit of the common people the benefit of the world?”

"But having said that, these days, the common people have nothing to say, how can they tell Du Longtou that they don't want to gamble?" Hearing this, Li Zida finally couldn't bear it. "Do you have to ask everyone in the world before doing everything? How can you get things done?"

"Brother Li's words are not self-deception?" Wei Xuanding sneered. "Ordinary people always have some basic demands, food and clothing, warmth and less death, needless to say?"

"What about the corvee?" Li Zida didn't know if he was defending Du Pozhen, or if he was genuinely puzzled, or if he was an idiot. "The corvee is something that the common people obviously don't want to do, but there are always people who want to repair the water conservancy, and there are always people who have to maintain the official roads... It's just that the implementation is proper here in the eastern border of Hebei, and the corvee is not expropriated without authorization, and even changed less, but still The old law of the Wei Dynasty was adopted, and [-] days of corvée was stipulated every year, and civilians must be conscripted in wars... If everything is done according to the wishes of the common people, without these, the world will be in chaos."

"This requires scholars to come out and settle the score." Cui Suchen, who had been silent all this time, suddenly said seriously. "Calculate the overall pros and cons, and only then can we continue to share the benefits of the world."

"But if you say that, if Du Longtou won the bet and took Jianghuai, wouldn't he have food? Isn't he also a person who settles accounts?" Li Zida finally said what he wanted to say.

"This is the problem." Zhang Xing finally spoke again. "First figure out who is the fundamental interest, for example, we want to share the interests of the world, then use this to settle accounts and decide where to gamble, then think about how to gamble, who to do things, and then use the corresponding profits to persuade those who do things People, let people be willing to gamble with you... This is the proper process, but no one knows whether they are more selfish or public when they settle accounts, and when they are persuaded, are they convinced or fearful? This kind of thing will never be done. To be clear, I can only say a word of conscience... Let's try to persuade Du Longtou again, explain our difficulties to him, and let him know that if we force the army, if we fail to win, everyone will suffer."

These words were obviously meant to persuade and conclude, so everyone had their own thoughts, but they stopped talking. This topic ends here.

Just like that, everyone chatted for a while, and suddenly, there were horseshoes in the distance, and several people with high cultivation levels raised their heads one after another, and soon the rest of them also raised their heads, and the surrounding knights also immediately dispatched.

Wei Xuanding took the initiative to get up and went to meet him there.But in a short while, the commander-in-chief of Liaocheng Xingtai turned back with one arm in his hand, but it was Yuan Baocun, the prefect of Wuyang County, and beside him were Xiong Bonan, Wang Shuyong, Xu Shiying, and Ma Wei who were going to explore and greet him. In addition to this, there are a group of accompanying officials behind, only one of them is holding a mirror, only showing the back of the mirror. Although the clothes are clean and proper, he is timid. Wang Huaiji, an old friend who met once.

At this time, Zhang Xing and others also got up to greet them, first greeted Yuan Baocun and Wang Huaiji, then led the two of them to sit down on the horse harness in the field, then held Yuan Baocun's hand and spoke first.

The attitude is very polite.

There is no way, this time, it is essentially asking for help from others.

"Since Chief Zhang and Wei Longtou are here in person, I will naturally do my best to do this." After listening to the words, Yuan Baocun spoke earnestly. "And this is what I have explained before... But I have to tell the truth, that is, the situation is gradually different now. My position, Dongdu's side is naturally aware of it, but it doesn't. Right now, the imperial court is restricting the place. Gradually, it is unfavorable, and it is no longer the original idea of ​​being one, and it is Qu Tuda who controls the Liyang warehouse, so it may not be easy to say how much food and linen I can ask for."

Everyone nodded their heads one after another, and Zhang Xing also offered good words to appease them. The situation developed so fast, and the buffer between the government and the rebel army gradually lost its meaning, and there was no way around it.

"Besides that." Yuan Baocun hesitated for a moment, then continued. "In the past, I was the one who focused on controlling the situation in the county, trying to protect myself, and the others had their own ideas. But now, the local officials, noble families, and tyrants are more eager to close the door than I am...mainly because they watch The situation is no longer good, especially this year when droughts and floods have hit consecutively, and the qualifications of the county's property and goods are highly valued... I am worried that even if I take some grain and silk, there will be some transportation problems."

Several leaders and leaders wanted to sneer, but Wei Xuanding's face was a little embarrassed at first, and then turned red, as if at first he felt that the other party thought that he was in charge of the docking, and then he immediately thought of the gaffe of his previous guard , feel embarrassed.

But Zhang Xing immediately waved his hand, and at the same time answered seriously: "This is human nature, Yuanfu Lord don't need to worry... First of all, the reason why I asked Xiong Tianwang and others to welcome you together is to let them go to Liyang at the same time. We have explored the way, let the troops get ready when the time comes, and if we can really get some food, let them go directly to meet them as soon as they enter Wuyang territory, instead of going through the treasuries of Wuyang cities; secondly, we will try our best to bring out some groceries , Ironware, furs, these are also hard currency, and they are sold to Wuyang County, so that there will be less disputes in the county."

This statement is half true and half false. In fact, Zhang Xing came to Liaocheng Xingtai on this trip to do three things together. One is to personally investigate the condition and direction of the official roads in Wuyang County, west of Liaocheng, with a group of military leaders, in case of emergencies. Where is it just a few people from the south of Xiongbo?

Yuan Baocun immediately breathed a sigh of relief, and said with great emotion: "Chairman Zhang is willing to think of this level, so he is worthy of the 'benefit of the same world'."

Hearing this, the people around laughed strangely.

Zhang Xing also laughed.

However, at this time, Yuan Baocun was obviously hesitant to speak, as if he wanted to say something, but he was a little worried.

"Duke Yuan has anything you want to ask, just say it." Wei Xuanding saw it and immediately encouraged him. "My chief is a frank person."

Yuan Baocun nodded, and contemplated for a while, but he still didn't seem to have the guts. After a while, he just pointed to Wang Huaiji, who was in a daze opposite him, and said, "Actually, Chief Zhang, why don't you talk to Mr. Wang about this matter, and ask him to tell you something?" Tell the prince? If the governor of the king is willing to help, it will be ten times stronger than Wu Yang's power, because Li Yang warehouse is in the territory of Ji County after all, and they want to sell the land."

This is bullshit, the whole bullshit.

First of all, everyone knows this truth; secondly, Wang Huaiji was invited here, and I must continue to talk about it, but the Wang brothers' territory, cultivation level, and reputation are all better than your Yuan Baocun. Moreover, you, Yuan Baocun, were defeated once and had a clear commitment to surrender, but Ji County is in the neighboring county of Dongdu, where Dongdu soldiers and horses are stationed in the government, and their political status is completely different... That is to say, we have to talk about it separately , Speak slowly, and you will be unable to speak for a while.

Of course, Zhang Xing still said with a smile: "Yuanfu Lord said very well, so naturally I have to say it."

Yuan Baocun nodded, and Wei Xuanding saw the clue, frowned slightly, and simply stepped forward to comfort him by pressing his shoulders: "Yuangong, if you have any questions or doubts, just tell us, we will never make mistakes here because of words." of."

When it came to this point, Yuan Baocun couldn't hide it any longer, especially since he couldn't hold back at all. Unexpectedly, just opening his mouth made the surrounding quiet down, because the topic was too sensitive.

"Chairman Zhang, I understand that you have not called yourself king. The situation in the world is uncertain. This kind of unrealistic and unprofitable thing is a little farther away. Be the chief and take the title of the entire Dragon Clan to control the situation. I will not be a person who doesn't understand the situation." Yuan Baocun said seriously. "However, a few days ago, I read the article "Bu Liu Tao" written by the chief and all the heroes, and said some words about the "benefits of the same world"... Of course I also agree... But, after all, the Dragon Clan is just a gang, and want to dethrone the 'beneficiary of the world', so dare to ask in the future, if the Dragon Gang wins the world, will it be restructured and return to the right track of the court? Is it going to rule the world with a gang?"

"This matter is simple." Zhang Xing blurted out. "We have actually given the answer a long time ago... gangs are gangs, officials are officials...the two can coexist. We have county guards, generals, and generals, as well as general managers, sub-managers, and general commanders. It is a system of three provinces and six states and counties."

After Yuan Baocun tried his best to finish asking, he felt scared, and no matter what the other party said, he immediately nodded.

However, Zhang Xing didn't know what the other party was thinking, so he just continued to laugh: "I actually know what Yuan Gong means...Yuan Gong just wanted to ask, the Chulong Gang claims to be the 'those who are good at the world', so how can those under the Chulong Gang , Are there any princes and generals? Is there an official system? I also replied directly, of course there are."

Hearing this, Yuan Baocun immediately felt that there was a breath of air on the top of the Tianling cover. Regardless of the cold weather in the wild, he felt much more comfortable on the spot. Many thoughtful leaders of the Dragon Gang around him happened to smell it at this time, and their reactions were also the same as his. No two.

Chief Zhang Da continued to explain: "There are two things to say about this matter, one is 'those who are good at the world'. The world is one, but if you don't raise this banner, those who are good at profit will gather more and more self-interest like Cao and his sons, but let the people in the world lose their lives, so when you encounter "good" people, It must be "removed"; the other is to say that the original intention of "removing those who are good at the benefits of the world" is to "benefits of the same world", just like cutting off the violent Wei is to stabilize the world... and want to "be the same as the world". Li', we were talking about it just before the arrival of the Yuanfu Lord. We felt that this matter always needs grammatical officials to do calculations, and soldiers and soldiers to do suppression. Being able to live a good life and take the initiative to make profits... As for the princes and generals you want to know the most, let me make it clear that in terms of the current production capacity in the world, there is no better move than continuing to link up with the Great Wei system. Asking for full blame will destroy the situation."

When Yuan Baocun heard this, he was completely relieved and even more serious. He really thought about it: "If this is the case, what is the definition of 'good'? What is 'good', and how can we be 'deposed '?"

"After the world is at peace, the law will naturally be in place; before the world is at peace, try to obey the law as much as possible, but you must consider the brutality of the war and the difficulty of survival, and allow the person in charge to be more flexible." Zhang Xing's words were straightforward. "After all, there are always shortcomings in the so-called various states of life. Although it is not perfect, it is enough to try our best... However, since we have established the Dragon Clan, we have created a law. In the banner of stabilizing the world, we should try our best to put the original meaning of "benefits of the world" and "benefits of the world", put them into the law, and try to influence the law as much as possible."

Yuan Baocun nodded heavily: "It should be like this, it should be like this."

Cui Suchen was even more absent-minded.

At this moment, a person suddenly spoke clearly and calmly, and asked beside him: "In this way, I can understand Chief Zhang's meaning, that is, to set a long-term plan, and no one can say anything." The big goal, and then sincerely, seek truth from facts, and try to move forward as much as possible... It can be regarded as echoing Chief Zhang's name."

"Actually, that's what it means." Zhang Xing nodded, turned around Xunsheng, but was immediately stunned, because it was Wang Huaiji who was still in a daze just now who spoke.

The latter, at this time, is still dressed like that person, but has a completely different temperament, which can be called high-spirited and calm.

For a while, even Xie Minghe was on the verge of comparison.

In fact, Xu Shiying, who was diagonally opposite, was already stunned... He had met Wang Huaiji in Dengzhou before, and he had heard Zhang Xing narrate the relevant matters. It's hard to say something about gods and gods?
But the rest, except for Wei Xuanding and Xiong Bonan who had a little bit of origin and awareness, basically didn't know the reason, they were just surprised and had another question.

Wang Huaiji, who was wearing a precious mirror in his arms, didn't care about the expressions of the others at all, and continued to ask kindly, saying clearly: "Then let me ask one more question... Chief Zhang talked for a long time, and naturally he hit the key point of Yuanfu Lord, let me ask you a question." He let go of his heart, but the words may not be appropriate, so I will take the lead and ask again... If the situation is appropriate, will you become king?"

The surroundings were suddenly quiet, but there was not much serious atmosphere, because Zhang Xing had just answered.

Zhang Xing looked at the opponent who was close at hand, suppressed all kinds of thoughts, and answered seriously: "If the situation comes, I should be the king, and I will naturally be the king."

There is always a gap between having this sentence and not saying it directly. For a while, many leaders of the Dragon Clan have survived a lot... But Ma Zhou, Xie Minghe, and Wang Shuyong felt slightly moved in their hearts and remembered What, but suppressed it forcefully and didn't interrupt.

"Then let me ask one more question." Wang Huaiji pressed the mirror on his chest with a half-smile. "If the situation is here, will your excellency be the emperor?"

As soon as these words came out, it was obviously very quiet just now, but it was still as if time had frozen, and the surroundings fell into a layer of silence again... It was as if the wind had stopped, and the heartbeat had stopped, and even the staff officers and cavalry outside They all pricked up their ears and held their breath.

"There is nothing to hide." Zhang Xing was still frank. "I've thought about it a lot...I don't have this ambition, but if the situation comes and I need to be emperor, then I will do it; if I can't do it, it doesn't matter if others do it...I also have my own interests."

The heartbeats of the people around returned to normal, and Xu Shiying also stretched a lot, but felt that something was wrong, and when she turned her eyes, seeing Wang Huaiji, she immediately became tense again.

"You can say that, but it seems that I am a petty wit." Hearing this, Wang Huaiji stood up. "Then I have nothing to ask... How about we stop here today and let's all go back first? I suddenly thought of an old friend and wanted to meet him."

Unexpectedly, the next scene that made Xu Shiying almost panic happened-Zhang Xing suddenly reached out and grabbed Wang Huaiji with his hands.

"Mr. Wang." Zhang Xing spoke earnestly. "You've finished asking, but I have a lot to ask you! You can't go!"

Wang Huaiji immediately pressed the mirror with one hand and laughed: "I probably know what Chief Zhang wants to ask... But it's not bad as I expected. Your Excellency will be busy and hard work soon. When you finish your work, we will meet again if there is a chance. , let’s go into more detail, I’ll answer whatever you ask...but at this moment, if I have to give you any explanation and reminder, I only need one sentence.”

"Mr. Wang, why pretend to be a ghost?" Zhang Xing had already stood up, but still firmly held the opponent's arm. "Answer them together."

"In a word, ghosts and gods are all nonsense." Wang Huaiji put away his smile and spoke seriously. "You want to ask this?"

After hearing this sentence, Zhang Xing was already dumbfounded.

Seeing this, Wang Huaiji broke free from his arms, leaned on the mirror, and prepared to get on the horse. People around him also noticed something strange, but no one dared to stop him.

At this time, Zhang Xing suddenly came to his senses, and hurriedly asked: "Your Excellency, don't make riddles! Do you want to say that everything is governed by laws, except for the misty will of God, even the Supreme True Dragon is just a tyrannical individual who wants to interfere with things , are also traceable.”

"Exactly." Wang Huaiji got on his horse and raised his voice. "What's more, in your eyes, doesn't God's will also follow the rules? Otherwise, how can there be 'answering the call of the world'? And if this is the case, the common saying of 'ghosts and gods' is naturally nonsense. "

Zhang Xing didn't ask any more questions, but just watched the other party go away.

The people around were obviously surprised, but when he came back to his senses, it was straightforward, but he took the initiative to say to Yuan Baocun: "Wang Huaiji has been away from home for many years, and he used a mirror to spy on the world. The Supreme Trace is considered a bit of kung fu on ghosts and gods."

Yuan Baocun came to a sudden: "It's another fortune teller..."

"It's honest, I know I'm a nonsense." Xie Minghe was a little interested. "It can't be more interesting than Ambassador Lu."

People around had mixed reactions, most of them immediately felt relieved, but some of them became dazed like Xu Shiying.

By this time, everyone's thoughts had been dispersed, and they were about to separate from Yuan Baocun and turn to Liaocheng. But at this moment, suddenly, there were horseshoes outside and the ringing of bells, and another team of patrolling horses came galloping.

Everyone was surprised, this is the second time today that this kind of messenger escorted by a whole team has come across... Besides Du Pozhen's reply, is there any important news?

When the scouts came to follow, they were even more surprised, it turned out that besides the scouts, the leader Wang Xiongdan, who was supposed to be guarding the general's mausoleum, was also among them.

"What's going on?" Zhang Xing asked immediately.

"Reporting to the chief, the general had just received the news in the morning. Just three days ago, Cao Lin suddenly summoned three soldiers and horses in the west of the Eastern Capital. With Duan Wei as his deputy, he ordered Han Yingong and Zheng Shanye to gather at Taolin Post. More than a hundred riders left the eastern capital, and only Song Changsheng was left to defend the city." Wang Xiongdan dismounted from his horse, bowed his hands and saluted on the spot, saying solemnly. "Director Chen asked me to tell the chief that Cao Lin should be going to Kansai!"

Zhang Xing was stunned for a while, he didn't know how to deal with it.

But Xie Minghe next to him nodded immediately: "This fortune teller is more accurate than Lu Daobin."

Everyone laughed, but many people's looks and expressions became tense.

At this time, Chief Zhang came back to his senses, glanced at many people with different expressions, and then laughed: "It's a pity, I just forgot to ask that guy, who wrote "Li Yue Biography"?"

(End of this chapter)