The new era of chaos begins in the Song Dynasty

Chapter 323 Official Travel

From the beginning of the Huangchao Uprising in the late Tang Dynasty to the end of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, the terrible turmoil caused by the separatist rule of military generals has been tormenting the people of this land.

Its tragic sequelae caused the Song Dynasty to choose to abandon martial arts at the most critical moments to prevent martial arts from becoming bigger again.

At this moment, people in Bianliang City, Tokyo, once again felt the same panic as they did more than a hundred years ago.

The boundless army rolled in like the never-ending Yellow River. The horses roared like dragons, the armor shone like cold light, and the white helmets were dotted among them, as numerous as dandelions on the grassland.

Countless soldiers and civilians huddled on the walls of Bianliang City, trembling and looking at the troops outside the city. Some were timid and did not even dare to take a look. Just hearing the sound was so frightened that they peed their urine and trembled in fear. shock.

There were also bold and discerning people who stood at the top of the city and watched the team carefully, but after a while they couldn't help but slap the parapets at the top of the city (the wall stacks built on the city wall were used to protect the top of the city and defend against enemies. They were ancient The traditional defense building necessary for the city wall) shouted angrily: "There are traitors in the court! The armor and equipment of these thieves are all standing stock in the surrounding arsenals. Without internal support from the middle and high-level officials of the court, how could they open the arsenal and get it?!"

As soon as he said this, the people around him became even more panicked.

There are enemy troops outside and traitors inside. If a war breaks out later, wouldn't the defenders of the city lose or lose? !

Fortunately, the army outside the city did not directly attack the city. Instead, it was divided into ten battalions, each with more than 3,000 men, and each of them marched slowly in formation around Bianliang City. After such a long time, the soldiers and civilians on the top of the city also Some of the fear disappeared, but the heaviness in my heart became deeper.

Of course, the troops outside the city cannot always surround Bianliang City to show off their power. After all, their soldiers are also human beings, especially when he and others have just traveled thousands of miles from the south of the Yangtze River to Bianliang. Even though the marching speed is not very fast, they are already exhausted. .

In just half a day, the army outside the city gathered outside Nanxun Gate in the south of the city, waiting in line.

Soon, a team poured out from the inner city palace.

The twelve-sided banner should clear the way first.

Then there were four squadrons of infantry in front of the palace, each carrying the battle flags of Qinglong, White Tiger, Suzaku and Xuanwu. They were covered in solid-colored armor and held bows on their backs. They were responsible for clearing and inspecting the area.

Then came twelve dragon flags: one each for Feng Bo and Yu Shi, one each for Thunder God and Lightning Mother, one each for wood, fire, earth, gold and mercury, one each for left and right Sheti flags, and one for Big Dipper. .

Behind the flag is the royal fleet, including the guide car, the Ji Ligu car, the egret car, the Luan flag car, the evil car, the Pixuan car, etc.

Each cart is pulled by four horses and has fourteen drivers and one craftsman on board.

Behind the convoy are twelve rows of guards, each holding cross swords, bows and arrows, separated by cavalry. Following behind is a huge drumbeating band. In front of the band, there are two drummers who are responsible for directing the performance, and there are various musical instruments playing. There are nearly a thousand people.

Among them, various drums are mainly used, including big drums, cymbal drums, festival drums, small drums, Yubao drums, etc., as well as wind instruments such as flute, Xiao, Jia (also known as Hu Jia), Changming and Zhongming (both trumpets). , Dahengchui (transverse flute), Zhuozhen (wind instrument), etc., as well as percussion instruments such as Jinzheng.

After the band is a flag formation composed of various flags (dragging rectangular flags), banners (feather-decorated flags), flags, etc.

Behind the flag array is a dragon jade chariot, driven by the imperial servant. There are dozens of chariots in front and behind. On both sides, there are left and right guard generals (senior military generals) escorting them. Behind them are many officials, eunuchs and some officials. General of the Imperial Guard.

Behind it is the ceremonial guard composed of peacock fan, small round fan, square fan, yellow fan, Jianghui, Xuanwu fan, etc.

There is also a drumming band behind the ceremonial guard, but it is much smaller than the band in front, but it still has hundreds of people.

When this huge team appeared on the imperial street, all the people in Bianliang realized one thing: the official family had left the palace.

Facing the mysterious army of unknown origin outside the city, instead of hiding in the palace and shivering, the current officials resolutely walked out of the palace to face the terror.

What does this mean?

This means that the current official is a bold emperor.

Looking back at the founding of the Song Dynasty, among the eight generations of kings, only the first three could be said to be brave. As the founding monarch of the country, Emperor Taizu was the true Emperor of Ma. Emperor Taizong inherited Emperor Taizu's legacy and destroyed the Northern Han Dynasty. Emperor Zhenzong personally conquered Chanzhou and established the Chanyuan Alliance, which allowed the Song Dynasty to enjoy a hundred years of peace.

Perhaps, today's official family will become the fourth talented leader in the Song Dynasty.

By the way, Zhezong was not regarded as a talented person in the eyes of the people of the Song Dynasty. He hunkered down in the palace day after day without leaving a door, just like a rich lady living in a boudoir. What kind of talent is that?

What? You said Emperor Zhezong formulated many bold policies?

Is it okay to be an old man? Isn’t that all the credit of the ruling ministers! Although Zhang Xianggong's character is not very good, we still recognize his talent!

And this is the simplest understanding of ordinary people in the Song Dynasty. No matter how many awesome national policies the emperor formulated, as long as you dare not step out of your house, you are a coward.

If someone like Zhao Ji had the courage to leave the palace with his chariot when there were "enemy troops" outside the city, then people would think that he was a courageous hero.

Therefore, wherever the official honor guard procession passed, the people along the way shouted long live.

The shouts were a little noisy at first, but gradually people's voices began to gather together, and finally formed a neat shout of "Long live".

The cry is like thunder, reaching to the sky!

The thunder rang in everyone's ears, causing almost everyone to feel their blood surge. However, some people were so frightened by the terrifying noise that their faces turned pale and their blood trembled.

What is funny is that Zhao Ji, a current official, is also one of those who was frightened to the point of restlessness.

He huddled in the carriage covered by Jinxia's woven fabrics, not even daring to look out at the excited people who seemed to be going crazy.

Until an old Taoist sneaked out from Luan Jia's shadow and whispered softly to the officials. The voice seemed to be imperceptible, but it fell into Zhao Ji's heart without any hindrance amidst the huge waves of shouts.

The old Taoist said softly: "Don't worry about the officials! Such people are shouting out of respect for the officials. The officials should be happy!"

Zhao Ji looked pale and said bitterly: "Don't I know this truth? It's just that the voices of these people shouting are too scary. I...I can't stand it!"

The old Taoist chuckled lightly and said: "The officials are very careful and can't stand the noise. But how can tigers and leopards be frightened by the sound of domestic dogs! The officials can just regard them as dog beetles. No matter how loud you scream, you can't shake your mind!"

Zhao Ji glanced out timidly, but quickly looked away, and said worriedly: "I...I still don't dare to look!"

The old Taoist sighed helplessly, but took out a small brocade box from his pocket, handed it to the official, and said: "The old Taoist has a heart-strengthening pill here. After the official takes it, his courage will be doubled, and he will be more courageous." also."

Zhao Ji was immediately overjoyed. He took the brocade box and said with a smile: "Mr. Tongmiao has such a good elixir, why didn't you give it to me early?!"

The old Taoist shook his head and said: "The officials don't know that not everyone can take this elixir. Those who are weak in courage can take it to strengthen their heart and replenish their qi. However, if those with strong courage take this elixir by mistake, they will easily become angry and reckless, and become irritable and lose their mind." .

The old Taoist people don't dare to spy on the official's temperament, so why dare they offer it early. "

Zhao Ji opened the brocade box and saw a bright red pill inside, as crystal clear as lychee pulp.

Zhao Ji looked at the elixir and said with a smile: "Don't blame Mr. Tongmiao, I'm joking. It's really a good elixir. I know a lot of elixirs, but none of them are as good as this elixir!" Then Zhao Ji took the pill. , took another sip of nectar to moisten it.

After taking the pill, Zhao Ji felt a heat permeate his whole body, his head buzzed, and he felt as if he was floating in the sky. When he looked at the roaring and shouting people, he felt as if he was standing in the sky looking down at his feet. A group of beetles, ants and sparrows appeared, and they looked upon them as if they were nothing.

He showed a smile, turned around and smiled at the old Taoist: "Master, this elixir is really wonderful. I am convinced of it as if I were an immortal. I have watched the people's flies and dogs barking. Looking back, I was as scared as thunder. How ridiculous!"

But the old Taoist said: "After officials take this elixir, they should guard their minds and not have too many delusional thoughts."

After saying this, the old man disappeared.

Zhao Ji looked around in the carriage for a while, but felt bored, so he stood up and ordered the eunuchs to lift up the brocade and reveal himself.

When the surrounding people saw that the veil on the Luan Jia was lifted, revealing a young man wearing a dragon-yellow robe and a crown, they immediately realized that this was the current official family.

Being able to see the beauty of the sky with their own eyes, they could not contain their excitement, but they all shouted with tears in their eyes, "Long live the official family!" "Long live the official family!" and so on.

Zhao Ji, on the other hand, maintained a slight smile and waved gently to the people around him, which made people even more excited.

At this time, a general of the Forbidden Army rode a war horse up to Luan Jia and said loudly: "Your Majesty, please cover the curtain. Dragons and snakes are mixed among the people. We must guard against unscrupulous people doing unbearable things!"

Zhao Ji smiled and said: "General Yang is loyal to the country, I feel very relieved! It doesn't matter, I am also a little tired, and I want everyone to move faster!"

General Yang clasped his fists and responded: "Your Majesty is wise, and I will obey your orders!"

Then Zhao Ji ordered people to cover Jin Man again and hid back in Luan Jia.

The general then passed the order to Commander Luan Jia, and followed the instructions to all parts of the team.

The rhythm of the drum corps increased in vain, while the entire team accelerated southward on Royal Street like an accelerating train.

At this time, countless people in Bianliang City had heard the news and came to Nancheng to see the holy face in person.

In this way, a large number of people began to gather in the entire Bianliang Nancheng District, which soon caused congestion.

Some smart officials soon realized that something was wrong. There were troops of unknown origin spying outside the city, and there was such congestion in the city. If they could not be evacuated and guided in time, something big would happen in Bianliang City. !

It has to be said that during the Chongning period, due to the foundation left by Zhezong, the civil and military governance capabilities of the Manchu Dynasty were relatively reliable. Under the command of the Taiwei Mansion, the Wucheng Military and Horse Division and the Military Inspection Division worked together to establish a stronghold in Nancheng District. They arranged manpower at various intersections and tried their best to evacuate the crowds, but the flow of people in Nancheng District showed a reluctant balance.

One way in, one way out.

What? Do you want to stay here and not leave?

Someone come! Get a scabbard from Zajia and beat this guy hard!

Straight bitch! I can only take one look at Guan's house, you want to see more and take more? It’s just crazy thinking!

Zhao Ji only saw Luan Jia successfully exiting Zhuquemen from Nanmen Street, then passing Longjin Bridge along Nanxunmen Street, and finally arrived at Nanxunmen. He didn't know how much hard work those loyal civil and military officials and soldiers had to do so that he could walk safely and smoothly.

After Luan Jia arrived at Nanxun Gate, Zhao Ji took the chariot carried by strong men to the Mingli Hall of the city tower.

Compared with the other gates in the capital, the biggest difference between Nanxun Gate is that the tower on the gate is built in the style of a palace. The wood, stone and color pigments used are carefully selected from all over the world, and the surrounding halls and corridors are covered with murals. What stands out is luxury.

The ministers and generals also went upstairs to the hall one by one to meet with the officials and pay homage to the emperor and his ministers.

Later, the prime minister issued a report: There were Nan'an rebels who gathered in the mountains and forests and disturbed the people in all directions. However, they admired the king and surrendered under the imperial edict. Feeling the official's grace, they traveled thousands of miles to perform pilgrimage in the hope of His Majesty's decree. Give grace.

Except for a few officials who were prepared, most of the courtiers were confused. Wasn't the Jiangnan rebellion being suppressed by He Zhizhong and besieged in Meiling? What did Zeng Xiang say?

The impatient official immediately went out to ask for the inside story.

Later, someone came forward to clarify the doubts of the court officials: He Zhizhong failed several times in suppressing the rebellion, and due to improper employment of personnel, the morale of the army was unstable. Fortunately, Xiang Zeng sent someone to find out the rebels' intentions, and he was ordered to appease them, so the matter was accomplished.

The armies outside the city were the rebels who had been recruited.

The rebel leaders who have been ordered to stay are all waiting outside Nanxun Gate to see Long Yan.

Someone looked outside the city and saw ten generals wearing exquisite bright light armor and riding tall horses, lining up two by two, standing on the protective bridge outside Nanxun Gate.

Zhao Ji said: "Open the city gate and welcome the returning righteous men!"

Even though someone sent an order to open the Nanxun Gate, it was a pity that such an order was of no use. Lieutenant Leng, who was in charge of the city's defense, directly repelled the orderer and went to the palace to report to the official: "Your Majesty, the rebels have surrendered for the first time. People's hearts have not been carefully observed, and there are no ambitious people among them! And there is a large army on the side. If they rise up to seize the door, they will only become elbows and armpits!"

Zhao Ji smiled and said: "The old lieutenant is too worried! His army surrendered early, how dare he rebel again!"

Zeng Bu also said: "The leaders of the surrendered rebel army are all loyal and good! How dare Lieutenant Leng doubt them!"

Lieutenant Leng said angrily: "My son-in-law Yang Wen is also among those who are surrendering. I still don't believe it all! How dare Mr. Zeng guarantee it?!"

Zeng Bu was speechless.

Zhao Ji was a little impatient. He ordered many times to open the city gate, but Lieutenant Leng refused. This made Zhao Ji angry in his heart, but he didn't show it on his face.

After all, there was nothing wrong with Lieutenant Leng's persistence, and no one could really say that what he did was wrong.

After everyone debated for a while, they finally decided on a safer plan, hanging the hanging basket from the top of the city and hoisting the ten leaders up from the bottom of the city.

In order to reduce the weight of the hanging basket, the ten leaders in costumes had to remove their heavy and gorgeous clothes and armor.

It's really safe, but a little unseemly.

At least Zhao Ji whispered in his heart that he would have to replace the obedient Taiwei to take control of the capital in the future.

Wang Huan, Yang Wen, Han Cunbao and other ten people went up to the city wall in single clothes. They changed into brocade clothes under the service of the palace servants, and then entered the palace to pay homage to the officials.

Then came the routine rewards and the imperial banquet.

As for the large group of people outside the city, they couldn't even imagine a tour of the outer city as expected by the officials, Zeng Bu, Cai Jing and others. They could only camp and rest under Nanqing City outside the city.

(End of this chapter)