The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 161 When it comes to planning, no one can compare with me

Qizhou, Yi County (Mei County under the jurisdiction of Baoji, Shaanxi Province).

After more than half a year of fighting, the rebel Wang Jingchong led the remaining troops to retreat to Yi County and could not leave the city.

Three months ago, Jiao Jixun and Zhao Hui, the military envoy of Shunyi Army who came from Yaozhou for reinforcements, joined forces and surrounded Yi County. Wang Jingchong was already a turtle in the urn and had no way to escape.

However, Yi County is adjacent to the Wei River to the north and Taibai Mountain in the Qinling Mountains to the south. The city is built on the mountains, making it difficult to attack. Jiao Jixun and Zhao Hui tried several times to attack the city, but suffered heavy losses and had to retreat and besiege. They only waited for the city to run out of food and then collapsed.

A few months ago, Zhu Xiu and Pan Mei led more than a thousand soldiers and horses from Jingzhou, euphemistically claiming to be assisting the Fengxiang Army in fighting, and doing their best to contribute to the imperial court's great cause of counterinsurgency.

Ever since Zhu Xiu tricked him into taking away [-] kilograms of iron materials last year, Jiao Jixun hated him deeply and did not want to have any contact with the Changyi Army anymore. However, Zhu Xiu used the banner of counterinsurgency and entered the country in the name of friendly forces.

Jiao Jixun had no choice but to hold his nose and recognize his shameless ally.

Soldiers and horses from the three towns gathered in Yi County to encircle and suppress the rebel Wang Jingchong.

Five miles west of the county seat, on the banks of the Weishui River, the coalition forces set up camp, assuming a posture of fighting to the death with Xi County.

Zhao Hui, the Jiedushi envoy of the Shunyi Army, was originally stationed in Yaozhou (Tongchuan, Shaanxi Province). When Li Shouzhen sent a message to Guanzhong and declared rebellion and self-reliance, Zhao Hui immediately killed the envoy sent by Li Shouzhen, raised a banner of opposition, showed his loyalty to the court, and vowed to fight against the enemy. Li Ni fought to the end.

Li Shouzhen was furious and ordered Zhao Siwan to send troops to attack, but they were all repelled by Zhao Hui.

For six months, Wang Shouen's Jingnan Army and Zhao Hui's Shunyi Army responded to each other on the left and right, marching toward Chang'an together to attack Zhao Siwan's Yongxing Army.

At the end of the year, two groups of soldiers and horses attacked the city of Chang'an. Zhao Siwan led the defeated army to break through and fled back to Huazhou (Huaxian, Shaanxi).

At this point, the war against the rebellion in Guanzhong achieved a breakthrough. Li Shouzhen's right-hand men, Wang Jingchong and Zhao Siwan, were defeated one after another, and the puppet Qin forces were compressed to the area from Huazhou to Tongguan.

A decree came from Kaifeng to highly praise Wang Shouen and Zhao Hui, promoted Wang Shouen to stay in Chang'an, and appointed Zhao Hui as the envoy of camping in the southwest. Wang Jingchong's forces in the county and Wugong area also need to guard against the Shu army taking the opportunity to invade.

Jiao Jixun was caught off guard by Wang Jingchong's sudden rebellion. The court blamed him for his failure to suppress the rebellion, which led to civil strife in the vassal town, and only gave him the title of Deputy Recruitment Envoy to assist Zhao Hui in commanding the army.

In the big tent of the army camp, Zhu Xiu was playing chess with Zhao Hui.

The improved "Xiang Opera" has completely adopted the form of modern chess, the gameplay ideas are completely consistent, and the fun is greatly enhanced.

This also added a bit of interest to Zhu Xiu's boring marching life.

After word spread, it was deeply loved by the soldiers. In the coalition camp, many commanders were playing chess in tents. As long as it did not delay their patrol drills and did not violate military regulations, they were allowed to go.

Nowadays, among the middle and lower-level officers, anyone who cannot recite a few sentences of "An elephant flies to the four corners of a square camp, and a horse rushes forward with one step" would be embarrassed to say that he is an officer and leads a team.

"Rook two into two, general!" Zhu Xiu pushed his red rook forward two steps, yawned out of boredom, and picked up two black chess pieces from the table to play with.

He has captured the twelve pieces of Zhao Hui on the opposite side. Now on the chessboard, Black only has one veteran, one knight, one bishop, and one knight.

On the other hand, Zhu Xiuhong's side only lost two pawns, one phase and one horse, and its overall strength was not affected.

A chariot, a horse, and a cannon even guarded their own territory and did not cross the border.

It's not that Zhu Xiu's chess skills are profound, but Zhao Hui, as a beginner, is still familiar with the rules and skills, and it's normal to lose badly. Zhu Xiu won dozens of games in a row, and she didn't feel happy at all, but was a little tired.

However, Zhao Hui was in high spirits, so Zhu Xiu could only cheer up and keep company.

Zhao Hui stared at the chessboard, groaning silently, his brows furrowed tightly revealing a little dignified color.

Zhu Xiu probed: "Old General Zhao must have been distracted just now and did not pay attention to the position of our veteran. How about I go back and take another step?"

Zhao Hui quickly raised his brows and cast a meaningful look at Zhu Xiu, which seemed to say: "Boy, you are very smart, I like you very much."

Zhu Xiu returned the rook to its original position with a smile. Zhao Hui also calmly canceled the move he had just made and moved Black's veteran player back one step, avoiding the risk of Zhu Xiu's "rook two into two" move again. .

Zhu Xiu glanced at the chessboard a few times and casually pushed the soldiers one step forward.

Zhao Hui stared at the board again and fell into deep thought.

Zhu Xiu yawned one after another and fell asleep with half-closed eyes.

In fact, Zhao Hui's black side only has four pieces left, and no matter how hard he looks, he can't see any flowers.

It's a pity that General Zhao seems to like this kind of game of finding a way out in a desperate situation. After he becomes the bare commander, he always keeps an eye on the few chess pieces and infinitely slows down the speed of the moves.

Sometimes Zhu Xiu dozed off while leaning on a chair. When he woke up, he found that Zhao Hui was still staring at the chessboard with his eyes wide open.

At first Zhu Xiu complained wildly in her heart, but she gradually got used to it.

In fact, Lao Zhao is a nice person. He is over sixty years old. He is energetic and strong. He was known for his bravery when he was young.

He is kind-hearted and considerate of his subordinates, and is a respected elder.

There is nothing wrong with him except that he likes to regret two moves when playing chess and thinks for too long.

It's just that Lao Zhao likes to regret the game but doesn't like to say it out. Instead, he waits for the opponent to invite him to regret the game before he accepts it.

Zhu Xiu quickly figured out his temper. Every time he saw his gray brow furrowed, he would use various excuses to regret the move and give him a chance to rearrange his plans.

When Lao Zhao plays chess, he doesn't care about winning or losing. He just enjoys the feeling of counterattack.

Zhu Xiu patiently played chess with Lao Zhao, not only because he felt that the old man was a good man worth dating, but also because according to his speculation, Lao Zhao was likely to succeed Jiao Jixun as the military governor of Fengxiang Army and sit in the southwest.

Although Fengxiang's army was greatly damaged by Wang Jingchong's civil strife, a emaciated camel was bigger than a horse, and the wealth of Longzhou in Qizhou was far beyond that of Jingzhou.

The Fengxiang Army also shoulders the important task of resisting the Shu Army. The imperial court has always been lenient and supportive, and Qian Liang's soldiers can recover quickly.

As a strong neighbor of the Chang Yi Army, we must have a good relationship.

After another half an hour, Zhu Xiu used a common chariot and horse trick to completely strangle Black's veteran in the camp, and the game came to an end.

Looking at the bleak situation with only one veteran and one soldier left on his side, Zhao Hui let out a sigh of relief and shook his head: "I wanted to survive, but I couldn't save it! I'm sorry to lose~ I'm sorry to lose~"

"Haha, the veteran general's chess skills have improved again. He really is a sword that never grows old! If the juniors hadn't taken advantage of him at the beginning, I'm afraid the veteran general would have the last laugh in this game!"

Zhu Xiu had a smile on his face and flattered him without any psychological burden.

Half an hour ago, Lao Zhao had only one horse left to cross the river, so it doesn't matter if he loses, as long as the old man is happy.

Zhao Hui slowly picked up the teacup and sipped it while Zhu Xiu diligently cleaned up and rearranged the chess pieces.

"Old General Zhao, as my junior told you yesterday, please report to the court that the Nanyang Army will invade our Yuanzhou Racecourse southward. Hey, what did the old general think about it?"

Zhu Xiu poured tea for him and asked tentatively.

Zhao Hui stroked his white beard and said with a smile: "The action of the Dingnan Army is indeed a bit excessive. Even if the two families have conflicts, they should sit down and discuss it. How can they send troops to plunder in revenge if they disagree? The feudal town has its own rules. , the Dingnan Army acted in this way, it was a bit too crazy and rebellious."

"Has the old general promised to speak out for our Zhangyi Army?" Zhao Hui pondered for a moment: "Well, I can tell the court the truth about this matter."

"The younger generations, Marshal Shijie and the Changyi Army, thank the old general!" Zhu Xiu saluted happily.

Zhao Hui smiled and said: "Ask your people to lower the price of white salt sold in Yaozhou!"

Zhu Xiu blinked and said confusedly: "What does the old general mean by this? Why can't this junior understand?"

Zhao Hui pointed at him and scolded with a smile: "You kid, stop pretending to be confused. Who doesn't know that Zhang Yijun is the biggest private salt dealer in Guanzhong! Zhang Yijun has made a lot of money with salt profits, so he treats it as doing good deeds and accumulating virtue. The people of Yaozhou will benefit more."

Zhu Xiu said sternly: "The salt of the Zhangyi Army has always been used only by the military and civilians in the area. It has never been sold outside, let alone for personal gain. Under Naihe's rule, salt traders were rampant and banned repeatedly, so Jingzhou white salt was sold everywhere. And according to the As far as I know, the price of salt in Yaozhou has been as low as 58 cents per pound, and everyone can afford salt."

Zhao Hui pouted: "It doesn't matter if you don't want to admit it. Anyway, it is an open secret that the Zhangyi Army sells illegal salt to make salt profits. The price of salt in your two states of Jingyuan is as low as 25 cents per catty, and it is sold to Yaozhou for a profit." It's more than doubled, and I, the people of Yaozhou, are too disadvantaged. You can think of a way to reduce the price even more, so that it can be reduced to 45 yuan a catty.

As long as you agree, I will support your Chang Yi Army regarding the Wonju Racecourse.Compared to the arrogant and domineering party members, I still prefer Shi Kuangwei's charcoal head. "

Zhu Xiu gritted his teeth and said, "At least fifty."

Zhao Hui shook his head: "Only 45, didn't you open a Guanghe Commercial Center in Yong County? If you agree to this price, I will give you a shop in Fuping County and allow you to do business, but you must pay no less taxes. .”

Zhu Xiu said hurriedly: "I can choose the location of the shop myself!"

Zhao Hui snorted: "Okay."

Zhu Xiu grinned: "Deal!"

The old man and the young man glared at each other, and then laughed.

"Little slippery man!" Zhao Hui scolded with a smile.

"Old fox!" Zhu Xiu retaliated.

Zhao Hui stroked his white beard, and said with emotion: "With your help, Shi Kuangwei is really lucky! I have led soldiers and fought all my life, why can't I meet a talent like you?"

Zhu Xiu pulled out the chicken feather fan inserted in his lower back with his backhand, shook it and said with a smile: "This is the only one in the world. I'm afraid the old general won't have a chance."

Zhao Hui smiled heartily, leaned forward, and said with a sneaky expression: "Why don't you come and have sex with me? I also have a granddaughter under my knees, who is about the same age as you. You can tell by looking at me that she looks good."

Old Zhao winked at Zhu Xiu. Zhu Xiu didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He bowed hurriedly and said, "Thank you so much, old general! It's just that Shi Jieshuai has been kind to the junior, and the junior has also put a lot of effort into Jingzhou, so he really can't bear to leave."

"Alas~" Zhao Hui shook his head in disappointment and waved his hands with no interest: "Forget it, forceful melons are not sweet, and I can't do anything to win love with a sword. Play chess, play chess."

After walking a few steps, the curtain opened and Jiao Jixun came in with a hurried look.

Zhu Xiu greeted him hurriedly: "Jiao Shuai, come and play chess!"

Jiao Jixun poured tea down, wiped his mouth and gave him a hard look, ignored him, and picked up the marching map to study on his own.

Zhao Hui laughed and said: "Who told you to cheat Fengxiang Town out of [-] kilograms of iron? Jiao Shuai is in a rage. Don't come over and cause trouble. If Jiao Shuai does something, I won't care!"

Zhu Xiu spread her hands: "Two hundred thousand jins of salt in exchange for one hundred thousand jins of iron. This deal was promised by Jiao Shuai himself. How can it be called a lie?"

Jiao Jixun said angrily: "One hundred thousand jins of iron have been given to you, but what about the salt? In half a year, [-] to [-] jins have been sent to you one after another. What else is it if it's not a lie?"

Zhu Xiu sighed and said: "Jiao Shuai calm down. Because the output is limited and Jingzhou is seriously short of manpower, it is really difficult to supply, so we can only repay it in batches. But I assure Jiao Shuai that 20 kilograms is not a lot of money. It's just a matter of time." Be generous."

Jiao Jixun laughed angrily: "You keep saying you have no salt, but your private salt from Jingzhou is sold all over Guanzhong, with a monthly shipment volume of nearly [-] kilograms! How to explain this?"

Zhu Xiu still sighed, shook his head and said: "Smugglers are rampant and can't be wiped out. What can be done? The losses of our Zhangyi Army are also very serious~~"

Jiao Jixun gritted his teeth and clenched his fists: "You are truly the most cunning, despicable and shameless person I have ever seen!"

Zhu Xiugong cupped his hands with a look of sorrow on his face: "The world is difficult and people have to make ends meet. Jiao Shuai comes from a family of officials. How can he understand the difficulties of ordinary people like us?"

Jiao Jixun's eyes widened with anger, Zhao Hui smiled and said to Xini: "Don't be upset, Commander Jiao, Mr. Zhu has always been shameless. Instead of being angry with him, it's better to think about how to get some benefits from him.

The fifty Yanling knives that Zhu Xiaozi brought this time are rare and good things. They are of excellent quality and novel in shape, and are easy to carry around. Why don't we join hands with him to ask for some, not too much, each of them will give us three thousand to try. "

"What?"

Zhu Xiu immediately widened his eyes, shook his head like a rattle, and refused resolutely: "No! Not even a bite! The forging process of the Yanling Sword is still being explored. The yield rate is extremely low and the cost is extremely high. This time it is also because of the two commanders. It is for the sake of my elders that I reluctantly gave up my love and brought fifty children to give away to you two."

Zhao Hui said contemptuously: "What a hurry! How much do you want to sell a mouthful? We will buy it at the market price! As much as you want!"

Jiao Jixun also nodded, his eyes burning.

The Yan Ling Dao given by Zhu Xiu as a gift is truly extraordinary, and its forging technology far exceeds the level of ordinary feudal towns.

The weapons makers under his command were shocked after seeing it. They bluntly said that with the current level of the Fengxiang Officer Camp's weapons workshop, they could not make knives of the same quality.

If such a sharp weapon is equipped in the army, it will definitely increase the army's combat effectiveness to a higher level.

It's a pity that the number is too small, he and Zhao Hui were divided into 25 people.

Jiao Jixun gritted his teeth and said: "I will supply the iron materials needed for forging the sword, and I will buy them at the market price."

Zhu Xiu smiled bitterly and said: "Forgive me, you two, it's really not a matter of money. The craftsmanship of this knife is not yet mature, and the production is very small. Even if you two pay, I can't make so many! If these words are false, junior You can be beaten or scolded, and there will be no complaints!"

Zhao Hui and Jiao Jixun looked at each other, waved their hands and said: "That's all, I and Jiao Shuai are both people who know the military, and they are well aware of the difficulty of forging large-scale ordnance. With the poor place in Jingzhou, I can't even make it all year round." How many."

Jiao Jixun said in a deep voice: "If you can dedicate your forging craftsmanship to the imperial court, I and General Zhao are willing to jointly guarantee that you will be prosperous and wealthy, and you will be granted an official title!"

Zhao Hui nodded and agreed.

Zhu Xiu bowed his head and said gratefully: "Thank you two elders for your support to this junior! When this junior returns, we will study hard and strive to mature the forging technology as soon as possible."

The two old coaches gave some words of encouragement and did not continue the topic.

Zhu Xiu felt relieved that he was finally fooled.

He opened a smelting workshop in Pingliang, Wonzhou, recruited craftsmen to develop new forging techniques, lived and ate with a group of blacksmiths and stonemasons, and endured high temperatures and clanking noises all day long. It took him three months to finally figure out something. An improved process for steel forging.

After practicing it myself, I realized that no matter how detailed the records in history books are, there are still many difficulties that need to be studied and overcome when put into action.

It took a lot of hard work to sum up some craftsmanship skills for making hundred-forged steel. These immature Yan Ling knives are test products, and they can just be given away as a favor.

Selling ordnance was too risky, and Zhu Xiu had no intention of doing it. Moreover, with the current productivity of the iron smelting workshop, even Zhang Yijun himself could not satisfy it, and it was impossible to earn extra money by taking orders.

This new technology will eventually be dedicated to the imperial court, but it will definitely not be the current imperial court.

Zhu Xiu's calculations were going on in her mind, and the only ones who were kept in the dark were Zhao Hui and Jiao Jixun.

(End of this chapter)