big song poppi

Chapter 129 0126 [Betting on both sides] Two in one
"Hey!"

Speaking of this, Gu Song is not sleepy anymore.

While swearing and swearing, he recounted the situation of hunting wild pigs that day with elaboration.

Liu Qi was stunned for a moment when he heard this, and the way he looked at Han Zhen had completely changed.

Even Zhu Ji on the side looked horrified, and said with emotion: "I heard that Li Cunxiao had the power of five horses at the end of the Tang Dynasty. I thought it was just a folk tale based on rumors. I never thought that there is such a person with natural power."

After playing with the horse in his hand for a while, Liu Kai stuck it back to the ground with a complicated expression.

At his age, it is the time when he likes to fantasize.

Seeing Han Zhen's majestic appearance of defeating ten thousand enemies with a hundred riders today, my heart surged for a while, otherwise I wouldn't have come to vote late at night.

It's a pity that although his physique is far superior to that of his peers, he is far behind Han Zhen, and he can't use this horse.

Seeing this, Han Zhen smiled slightly, pointed to one of the resting cavalrymen, and asked, "What do you think of them?"

Looking in the direction of the finger, Liu Kai said seriously: "Sturdy and brave, you should be an elite, not much better than the Western Army."

"Then you know, these soldiers were still farmers with hoes a few days ago."

"This is impossible!"

Liu Qi retorted subconsciously.

He is the son of the general, and he has been in and out of the military camp with his father since he was a child, and even witnessed the battle with the Xixia people.

In his opinion, the cavalry charging today is not much worse than the elite of the Western Army.

Now Han Zhen actually said that he was a farmer plowing the fields a few days ago, how could he believe it.

In fact, Han Zhen's words are indeed exaggerated.

The soldiers under him were carefully selected for their courage and stamina.

And the cavalry went through another round of selection, not to mention one out of a hundred, but they were also selected from dozens of elites.

Three meals a day of dry meals, one meal of meat every three days, plus rewards for meritorious deeds, and the practice of the Western Army is also adopted, so it is not surprising to have such combat power.

Nie Dong, who was on the side, saw that Han Zhen had the intention of soliciting, and deliberately cooperated: "How can it be impossible, there is a Taoist secret technique in our army..."

"Nie Dong!"

Han Zhen pretended to be angry and shouted loudly.

"The magistrate forgives the crime."

Nie Dong hurriedly cupped his fists, then turned and left.

Seeing this scene, Liu Kai's eyes lit up immediately, as if he had discovered some terrible secret.

To be honest, the two of them acted a little deliberately.

If it were people like Xie Ding and Chang Zhixian, they would be able to see through it at a glance.

After all, Liu Kai was young, so how could he stand up to this kind of routine.

The main reason is that in this era, the image of Taoism in the hearts of the people is already mysterious. Not to mention far away, it is said that the ancestor Chen Tuan asked the mountain god to protect him, and the miraculous deeds of winning Huashan in the game against Song Taizu are still circulated among the people and are popular among the people. relish.

Even Song Huizong was still obsessed with the method of cultivating immortals.

Therefore, as soon as Liu Kai heard the secret art of Taoism, he believed it eight percent in his heart.

The remaining two points were made up by his own brain supply.

Liu Kai ate rice porridge in silence, making up his mind that he must learn this Taoist secret technique.

After supper, Han Zhen ordered to continue on his way.

Liu Qi rode on the horse, deliberately lagging behind, and talked to Nie Dong.

He felt that Nie Dong was just a rough guy in the army, he didn't have much insight, and he could make out a few words in a few words.

This scene was seen by Zhu Ji, who wanted to laugh but didn't dare to laugh, his face turned red and his shoulders trembled.

This silly boy!

Liu Kai cupped his hands and said, "What's the name of this soldier?"

"A certain family's name is Nie Dong."

Nie Dong raised his eyebrows, a hint of mockery flashed in his eyes.

"Brother Nie used to be an imperial guard, right?"

When eating porridge just now, with the reflection of the bonfire, he found that Nie Dong and a few cavalrymen had tattoos on their faces.

Although it is not clear what kind of characters are tattooed, the position, paint and craftsmanship of the tattooed characters are the methods of the imperial army.

Nie Dong replied: "A certain family was originally under the family of Mr. Xiaozhong."

Western Army?

Liu Qi suddenly felt close to him, and asked curiously: "Since you are under the three kinds of sects, why are you here?"

Nie Dong said indignantly: "It's not all Tong Guan's traitor who connived at the corrupt officials to rob us of our military exploits and withhold military pay and rewards. He underestimated the enemy and rushed forward, leading to the defeat of the Western Army."

"Tong Guan, that bastard, really deserves to die!"

Liu Qi hit his leg with a fist, and echoed with righteous indignation.

His father had been robbed of military merits by Tong Guan, and now he is being targeted and suppressed.

Nie Dong took advantage of the heat and said, "A certain family has heard of Mr. Liu's prestige, and they admire him very much. It is said that the recovery of Hehuang and the persuasion of Tubo should have been due to Mr. Liu, but in the end he was snatched by the thief Tong Guan."

"Hey!"

Speaking of this, Liu Qi became even more angry, and said angrily: "The emperor in Tokyo is also extremely stupid. He knows that Tong Guan has stolen my father's military achievements, but he still indulges this stray dog ​​like this."

In a few words, the two shared the same hatred and became close.

Unknowingly, Nie Dong also took the initiative and asked, "Xiao Ya Nei is not in the frontier army, why did he come to Shandong?"

Liu Kai didn't notice it at all, but complained bitterly: "My father was suppressed and excluded by Tong Guan. He was worried that it would hurt us, so he sent me to my uncle, abandoned martial arts and followed literature, and studied for the imperial examination."

"There are famous generals in the small yamen. If you don't become a general, it would be too wasteful." Nie Dong praised.

"Wow!"

Liu Kai was overjoyed and said excitedly, "I also feel the same way. If you read a Lao Shizi book, go to battle to kill the enemy, and defend your family and country, you are a good man."

After chatting along the way, he had introduced Nie Dong as his confidant, but fortunately, he did not forget his purpose.

Glancing at Han Zhen at the front of the team, Liu Kai lowered his voice and said, "Brother Nie just said the magic and secret technique, but is it true?"

"Of course it's true!"

Nie Dong nodded.

Liu Qi hurriedly asked, "What's so strange about it?"

Nie Dong added fuel and jealousy: "If you practice this method to a great extent, you will be able to stimulate your whole body's strength with every gesture. The talent in the small yamen is very talented. Although it is not as good as the county magistrate, it is still a dragon and a phoenix. One counts as one hundred, no problem!"

"really?"

Liu Kai was both surprised and happy, and his voice could not help raising his voice.

"A certain family never deceives people."

Nie Dong patted his chest to assure him, coupled with a simple and honest expression, Liu Qi did not doubt that he was there.

"Maybe I can learn?"

"This... the county magistrate said that all brothers in our army can learn from it."

"Then I'll join the army too!"

Liu Kai did not hesitate.

At this time, all he could think about was the heroic and majestic figure that would kill the Quartet on the battlefield after he finished his studies.

Nie Dong didn't dare to call the shots, and said, "The matter of joining the army still needs the nod of the county magistrate."

"County head? What kind of official position is this?"

It was the first time Liu Kai heard this strange title, and his face was puzzled.

"The county magistrate is the magistrate of a county." In fact, Nie Dong didn't know, he just explained according to his own understanding.

"But shouldn't the head of a county be the county magistrate?"

"Then I don't know."

Liu Kai looked at Han Zhen's back, thoughtful.

Although he is young, he is not a fool.

Born in a family of generals, he has an extraordinary vision. He faintly sensed that there seemed to be some problems with Han Zhen and his group, but they were not ordinary bandits or rebels.

Moreover, no matter it is Han Zhen or Nie Dong, they both make him feel good.

Left and right have already escaped, and it is not too late to make plans after arriving in Linzi County first.

……

Walking and resting all the way, until the sky brightened, everyone finally approached Linzi County.

Han Zhen couldn't help but heaved a sigh of relief that no sign of Ganchi Army was found along the way.

If the Ganchi army came, there would be more than 500 infantry defending the city, and the county town would definitely not be breached, but the surrounding villages would be hard to say.

At that time, the people in the village will be coerced away, which is also a huge loss for Han Zhen.

Passing by the barracks, Han Zhen ordered: "Nie Dong, lead the infantry and take the prisoners to the barracks first."

"Order!"

After Nie Dong received the errand, he commanded the little general to take all the prisoners into the barracks.

These prisoners of war walked all night, their feet were sore and empty, and their stomachs were empty. After entering the barracks, they immediately sat on the ground one by one.

Liu Qi did not go to the barracks, but followed Han Zhen.

Seeing this, Han Zhen didn't care, and led a long caravan to the county seat.

The gates of the county seat were closed tightly, and the city walls were full of people.

"It's the county magistrate!"

"The county magistrate is back!"

There was a cheer on the walls.

Immediately afterwards, the heavy city gate slowly opened, and Zhang He led a group of soldiers to meet him.

Han Zhen asked: "Did the enemy attack last night?"

Zhang He replied: "Report to the county magistrate, it was calm last night!"

Hearing this, Han Zhen ordered: "This time, more than a thousand prisoners of war have been escorted back. You lead the soldiers back to the barracks and replace Nie Dong and others to take care of them."

"Order!"

Zhang He clasped his fists in response.

After entering the city, Han Zhen went straight to the county government office.

"The county magistrate!"

"The county magistrate!"

When the yamen servant standing at the door on duty saw Han Zhen, he immediately bowed his hands and saluted with a respectful expression.

Seeing this scene, Liu Kai became more and more curious.

Observing his words and demeanor, he found that these yamen servants were in awe of Han Zhen from the bottom of their hearts.

This is very interesting.

His father had served as the magistrate of the frontier state, and his uncle was the magistrate of a county, so he was very familiar with the prefectural and county yamen.

The honor of a county is the county magistrate, followed by the county magistrate, the master book, and the county lieutenant.

But he had never heard of this so-called county magistrate.

The yamen servants in front of them acted as they should.

Could it be that the imperial court has set up new positions?

It's not impossible.

After all, today's officials are frivolous, and they can do such absurd things as making a stone a marquis. It seems to make sense to set up a new position.

After turning over and dismounting, he handed over the reins to the yamen servant, and Han Zhen stepped into the county yamen.

Chang Zhixian sat in the lobby with a sluggish look, it seemed that he didn't sleep well last night.

"Big brother!"

Zhu Ji stepped forward quickly.

Seeing his brother-in-law and close friend returning safely, Changzhi county magistrate heaved a sigh of relief and said happily, "It's good to be back, it's good to be back!"

"Thanks to Han Erlang's timely rescue this time, the situation was critical at that time. If the rebels rushed into the city, I'm afraid it would be a disaster." Zhu Ji said with lingering fear.

"Han Erlang, thank you very much!"

Changzhi County saluted, with a grateful expression on his face.

Han Zhen smiled and waved his hands: "Why should you and I be so polite?"

Only then did Changzhi County notice Liu Kai beside him, and he said curiously, "This young gentleman is quite nervous."

Han Zhen introduced: "His name is Liu Kai, his father is Liu Zhongwu, the governor of the Luchuan Army, and his uncle Xie Ding works in Qiancheng County. This time, he came here to join me."

Go to you?
A trace of surprise flashed in Chang Zhixian's eyes, but he said calmly: "So he is the son of General Liu, and he really is a tiger father without dogs."

"I've seen Chang Zhi County, my uncle appreciates Chang Zhi County's talent, and often mentions it in front of me."

Liu Kai arched his hands and spoke beautiful words.

After seeing Changzhi County's attitude towards Han Zhen with his own eyes, he no longer doubted Han Zhen's identity.

I just felt that I guessed it right, and the government really set up a new position.

"Just sit down for a while, I will discuss some government affairs with Changzhi County."

After giving Liu Kai an order, Han Zhen and Chang Zhi County entered the study together.

As soon as he entered the study, Chang Zhixian couldn't wait to ask: "Why did you kidnap this little yamen?"

"This matter has nothing to do with me. He came to join me in the middle of the night."

Han Zhen took the tea from Uncle Fu and took a sip.

Hearing this, Chang Zhixian couldn't help laughing, and then looked solemn, lowering his voice and said: "His father Liu Zhongwu is quite prestigious in the frontier army, and his uncle Xie Ding is from the Xie family in Fuyang. He is a benchmark among scholars. If you want to achieve great things, You need to get a hold of this kid."

Han Zhen took the risk to rescue Qiancheng County and rescued Zhu Ji, so he would naturally reciprocate.

In addition, he also kept some careful thoughts.

He could already feel that troubled times were approaching.

In the past, peasants rebelled, but they were not as dense as they are now, and the entire north was full of wars.

This is the case in the north, but the south is not much better. Fang La made such a fuss in the past two years, and the strength of the Jiangsu and Zhejiang four roads was severely damaged.

Domestic wars are raging all over the country, Xixia and Jin people are staring at each other outside, and the Song Dynasty is precarious.

Therefore, he planned to place a bet on Han Zhen and leave a way out for himself.

What if... what if it really happens?

If it is true, with today's heartfelt words, Han Zhen will have to think about some affection.

If it doesn't work, he doesn't lose much, and he will go to Tokyo City to become his rich man.

Regardless of whether Han Zhen wins or not, he will never lose!

Hedging bets has always been the basic practice of aristocratic families.

The world only knows that Zhuge Kongming devoted himself to the Shu Han and died, but how many people know that Zhuge Liang's two brothers voted for Jiangdong and Cao Wei respectively?

Bet on three sides, no matter which one can rule the world in the end, the Zhuge family will be the winner!
Han Zhen shook his head and said, "It's not that easy. I heard that Liu Zhongwu has many heirs, and Liu Qi is just one of them. I'm afraid Xie Ding will not drag the entire Xie family in Fuyang into the water just because of a nephew."

Changzhi County said meaningfully: "Of course not right now."

Hearing what he meant, Han Zhen nodded.

With his current strength, Liu and Xie will naturally not invest in it, but if it becomes big in the future, then it's uncertain.

After the two of them took a sip of tea tacitly, Han Zhen said: "By the way, I brought back more than [-] prisoners of war this time. Among them, the tough-tempered prisoners of war will be selected and filled into the army. I will give it to you."

Sure enough, Chang Zhixian's eyes lit up, he stroked his beard and smiled and said, "I'm worried about the lack of manpower right now, so I will hand over these prisoners of war to me, and ensure that they will be properly settled."

"Is there enough food in the county's granary? If not, I'll pay back some of it first."

The grain purchased this time was [-] shi, which relieved Han Zhen's urgent needs and made him more financially comfortable.

"There's still a lot left in the granary. Let's use the grain for the military camp and Xiaowang Village first. It won't be too late when the grain purchased from the south arrives."

Chang Zhixian waved his hand, and then asked: "Yesterday, Zhao Ting wrote to you again, what did he say?"

Speaking of this, Han Zhen couldn't help sneering: "He really took me for a fool, and each set of ordnance only lost a few bucks. I'm too lazy to argue with him, and I will write a letter later. If it doesn't work, forget it! "

"..."

Changzhi County was silent for a while.

Even he felt that Zhao Ting's operation was a bit outrageous.

……

outside the lobby.

After sitting bored for a while, Liu Qi got up and left the lobby.

He found that there were a lot of subordinate officials in the county government office in Linzi County, and there were more than twenty servants in the Zaobang government office standing guard in the county government office.

There are more than a hundred scribes and tax collectors in the book hall next door, and they keep coming in and out, which is very lively.

Moreover, these subordinate officials are in a hurry, it seems that everyone is very busy, and they look full of energy.

This is strange.

In contrast, those subordinate officials in the Qiancheng County Yamen always looked tired and lazy.

Out of curiosity, Liu Kai stepped up to an official outside the door, and asked curiously, "Why are there so many people in the county government office?"

The yamen servant had just heard Han Zhen's introduction, and knew that Liu Kai's status was unusual, so he replied, "I want to teach the little yamen to know that the county magistrate and county magistrate recruited more subordinate officials a while ago."

"Why expand the enrollment?"

Liu Kai was even more puzzled.

The yamen servant shook his head: "I don't know about that."

Liu Kai pointed to the direction of the book hall next door and asked, "Why are they in such a hurry?"

"The county magistrate has explained the errand."

"What's the point?"

Liu Kai frowned slightly.

He is very clear about the virtues of subordinate officials.

They are all those who steal, rape and play tricks, who deceive their superiors and conceal their subordinates. The matters explained by the superiors will be delayed as long as they can, and they will be perfunctory if they cannot be delayed.

But when it comes to making money, one is more active than the other.

It is better to expect a sow to climb a tree than to expect subordinate staff to work hard.

The yamen officer explained: "There is something unknown in the small yamen. The county magistrate and county magistrate not only increased our salaries, but also re-established the rules, so that we will be eliminated. In short, if we do well, we will be rewarded. If we do poorly, we will be rewarded. , will be kicked out."

"It is said that if you get the first grade in the rating for one year in a row, you can take the lock hall test, and you can become an official if you pass the test. At present, there is still a shortage of masters and county officials in the county. .”

hiss!
Liu Qi gasped, feeling extremely shocked.

Can subordinate staff also be officials?

This Linzi County is really full of weirdness everywhere.

Suppressing the turbulent thoughts in his heart, Liu Kai asked again: "Then in this county government, is it the county magistrate or the county magistrate?"

"This……"

The yamen servant was taken aback.

Obviously, this question touched his cognitive blind spot.

At this moment, Han Zhen stepped out of the lobby.

Seeing him waving at him, Liu Kai hurried to go up.

Looking at Liu Kai again, Han Zhen asked, "Nie Dong said you want to join the army?"

"Correct!"

Liu Kai nodded repeatedly.

"Does Xiezhi County know about this?"

"Uh... my uncle knows." Liu Kai dodged his eyes and laughed.

Han Zhen didn't expose him, and confirmed: "You can think about it. Joining the army is not just for being stubborn. After joining the army, you will be a soldier of my Qingzhou Army."

Liu Kai hesitated for a moment, then nodded solemnly and said, "I've made up my mind!"

"In that case, follow me to the barracks, and call me the county magistrate later."

After Han Zhen finished speaking, he walked towards the county office.

Liu Kai hurriedly followed, and the two rode on their horses and headed towards the barracks.

On the way, Liu Kai asked expectantly: "County magistrate, now that I have joined the army, can I learn that secret technique?"

"Naturally."

Han Zhen suppressed a smile, and deliberately said provocatively: "However, the secret technique is extremely mysterious. If you don't have talent, you can only learn a little bit. Like Nie Dong, who has practiced for several years, it is only barely an introduction."

"I can definitely do it!"

Liu Kai patted his chest, his tone extremely confident.

The barracks was filled with a faint fragrance of rice porridge.

The cook was busy preparing breakfast for the soldiers and the prisoners of war.

"Go eat first."

Han Zhen greeted and led Liu Qi to the cafeteria.

At this moment, there is already a long queue outside the cafeteria.

Looking at the restaurants in the thatched huts, each and every soldier was holding white rice porridge and cooking cakes, and Liu Qi couldn't believe it: "Do you eat refined grains early in the morning?"

Han Zhen said calmly: "If you don't eat enough, where will the soldiers get the strength to practice?"

"..."

Liu Kai was silent.

That's the reason, but it's too extravagant.

You know, the food of the Western Army is already considered the best among the armies of the Northern Song Dynasty.

Even so, Xijun can still eat seventy percent full, a bowl of porridge in the morning and a bowl of wheat rice in the evening.

As for refined grains such as flour and rice, they cannot be eaten twice a year.

"The county magistrate!"

Seeing Han Zhen, a soldier immediately stepped aside.

Han Zhen waved his hand: "Don't worry about me."

After queuing for a while, it was their turn soon.

Without Han Zhen's instructions, the cook packed eight pancakes and a large bowl of rice porridge and handed them to Han Zhen.

Liu Kai at the side saw it, and said not to be outdone, "I also want eight pancakes, and more pickles."

The biscuits made by the cooks in the army are big and thick. Generally, soldiers will be full after eating two and a bowl of rice porridge.

Even those with larger appetites, such as Nie Dong and others, can only eat three or four.

After looking at Liu Kai, the cook turned his gaze to Han Zhen again, with a troubled expression on his face.

Seeing this, Han Zhen reminded: "There is a rule in the army, you can eat as much as you can, but you must not waste it. Once discovered, the consequences will be very serious."

Liu Qi didn't know what the so-called consequences were, but he could hear the chill in Han Zhen's tone and the banter in the eyes of the soldiers beside him.

Gollum!

Swallowing his saliva, Liu Kai resolutely confessed, and sneered: "I was wrong just now, it's four pancakes!"

Han Zhen was a little surprised. He had thought that Liu Kai would bite the bullet and insist on it for the sake of face.

Being able to bend and stretch, it is no wonder that he became a generation of famous players later.

(End of this chapter)