A large flag slowly rose from the top of the mountain. At first glance, one would think that it was "Apricot Blossom Village". When the wind blew over, one would realize that it was "Apricot Forest". Bandits of all sizes poked their heads out under the cover of the vegetation. They wore self-made armor and aimed their longbows and short swords at the people below the mountain.
A silver light flashed on the top of the mountain. Changgeng narrowed his eyes and looked over. He saw a heavy armor stolen from somewhere standing on the top of the mountain. The person under the mask couldn't be seen clearly. He stood like a target.
Changgeng didn't know whether to laugh or cry when the robbery landed on the Marquis of Stability's head.
But when he looked back, he realized that Gu Yun wasn't laughing. Not only was he not laughing, but his expression was very ugly. He squeezed out two words from between his teeth, "Idiot."
Changgeng's mind raced. He lowered his voice and said, "So the collusion between Nanjiang's officials and bandits isn't a legend. It's true?"
Gu Yun didn't say anything. His expression became even more gloomy.
During the Daliang era, Donghai's local specialty was pearls, Loulan's local specialty was fine wine, and Nanjiang's local specialty was bandits.
In the past two years, with the implementation of cultivation puppets, the farmers couldn't find work. Some of them followed the traveling merchants to the north to make a living. Some of them, for some reason, abandoned the light for the dark and followed the bandits. As things became cheaper, silver became more valuable. There were fewer and fewer people stockpiling goods and food. One after another, they stockpiled gold and silver, greatly increasing the bandits' robbing efficiency.
Bandit culture prevailed here. There were more bandits than rabbits. It could be said that "even a wildfire couldn't burn them down, they would grow again when the spring breeze blew."
The Nanjiang army was raised by a stepmother in the Ministry of War. They didn't have enough funds and couldn't afford to waste time with them.
Although the bandits had the advantage of numbers, their general fighting power was limited. If they were to fight against the regular army, they would be wiped out easily. They would also tremble when they saw the garrison.
When people had money, they wanted to pursue peace and stability. They didn't want to risk their lives all day and be chased around by others. Bandits were also people.
Thus, in the long run, the Nanjiang army and the local bandits formed a subtle symbiotic relationship.
The commander of the Southern Border Army, Fu Zhi Cheng, was originally a bandit. On one hand, he controlled the bandits and tried to make them take money and not hurt people. On the other hand, the military budget of the Southern Border Army was tight. It was estimated that General Fu was involved in this.
Collusion between officials and bandits was, of course, not something to be proud of. However, Gu Yun knew in her heart that in the past two years, the Emperor had been promoting the cultivation of puppets and opening up trade routes. These were clearly good policies that would make the country rich and the people strong. However, she did not know where the problem was. The national treasury was not satisfied and emptied, and the military expenditure had to be reduced.
The south had just experienced a flood, and the disaster had not yet been relieved. If they fought again, the mountain bandits would run amok in the countryside and villages, and the common people would suffer even more. And if the imperial court really replaced the commander-in-chief of the Nanjiang army because of this matter, Gu Yun simply could not think of anyone who would be able to control the south.
Between two evils, one could only choose the lesser. Gu Yun had no choice but to temporarily protect Fu Zhi Cheng.
After enduring these two years, the ancient silk road would be completely built, and the trade routes in Daliang would be fully opened. A batch of silver from overseas would flow into Daliang, allowing the country to breathe a sigh of relief. At that time, not only would they send out troops, they would also have to repair the road from Bashu to the south. They would truly strengthen the control over the land far away from the Emperor. Only by working on both sides could they completely eliminate the bandit threat.
Unfortunately, other than him, no one else seemed to understand these matters.
In fact, it wasn't that they didn't understand. It was just that in their eyes, the order to beat the drums and flatter the Emperor in the future were more important.
On the way here, Gu Yun had been pondering how to protect Fu Zhi Cheng. She had deliberately sent him a message without batting an eyelid. Unexpectedly, halfway through the journey, the other party had made such a move.
What kind of bandit would turn out in full force for a robbery and roll up banners and beat gongs and drums? The other party clearly knew who he was.
What was the difference between intercepting and killing an imperial envoy and rebelling?
Changgeng had been in the midst of the common people and traveling around these years. He was no longer ignorant of the current situation and people's livelihood. After thinking for a while, the cause and effect were clear. He glanced at Gu Yun's expression and whispered, "Adoptive Father, I think this might not be General Fu's intention."
Gu Yun coldly said, "Nonsense, how can Fu Zhi Cheng be so stupid?"
These Bighead Mountain Bandits who occupied the mountains and called themselves kings could be said to be illiterate. If they wanted to find someone who could write and calculate, they would have to share the same accountant for several mountains. They might have heard some gossip and taken the initiative to rob them. They would even test them and show off their strength. When the time came, they would be able to claim credit to Fu Zhi Cheng.
They saw a bandit high up in the sky waving a simple copper roar. He shouted at Gu Yun and the others at the foot of the mountain as if he was singing an opera, "Who are you? Tell me your name!"
Shen Yi didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the side. She pulled out an arrow from behind her, "Marshal?"
Gu Yun, "Shoot it down."
The arrow in Shen Yi's hand left the bowstring almost at the same time as Gu Yun's voice. It shot at the bandit holding the copper roar with irresistible force. A bird cried out loudly and soared into the sky. Its sharp voice echoed throughout the entire valley.
The entire valley was in an uproar.
When Assistant Minister Sun saw this, he didn't even have time to be proud that he had grasped Fu Zhi Cheng's weakness. He was frightened and jumped out of the carriage in three steps. He repeatedly said, "You can't do this, you can't do this! Marshal, you can't do this. There are at least a hundred bandits in this mountain. We only have a few people. All the generals are not wearing armor. We are unarmed! There is also His Highness the Fourth Prince. His Highness the Fourth Prince's status is precious. We cannot lose him … "
Gu Yun didn't even look at him. Chong Changgeng waved his hand, "His Highness the Fourth Prince, have you put down your martial arts?"
Changgeng bowed and said, "I should be qualified to be a small cavalry under the Marshal's command."
"Let's go. I will teach you how to enter the mountain and beat up monkeys."
After Gu Yun finished speaking, she urged her horse to rush to a higher place. Changgeng didn't hesitate and immediately followed. The Black Iron Battalion soldiers were well-trained. When Gu Yun moved, they immediately understood the Marshal's intention. They urged their horses to follow, leaving only Official Sun's lingering screams, "Marshal, you can't do this ah — —"
The next moment, he felt something tighten at the back of his neck. His whole body was suspended in the air. Shen Yi used the hilt of his sword to pick him up and threw him onto his horse.
Sun Jiao fell with a "Ga" sound and rolled his eyes.
Shen Yi helplessly said, "Official Sun, don't cry out. This general will definitely ensure that you don't die. Don't worry."
As General Shen said this, he couldn't help but feel sorry for himself. Marshal Gu was born as a young master in Marquis Fu. He followed his mother everywhere and was used to being ordered around. When he grew up, he realized that the Black Iron Battalion didn't have a mother, so he simply treated Shen Yi as his mother. He was really too much of a jerk.
Speaking of which, Shen Yi looked at Official Sun who fainted and thought, "This is the first time I've seen an assistant minister who looks so much like a eunuch."
On the mountain top, a small bandit said to the bandit leader, "Big Brother, I heard the eunuch call the Marshal just now."
The bandit leader was hidden in his heavy armor. When he heard this, he pushed his iron mask and said angrily, "Nonsense, why aren't you shooting the arrows? Surround them! Surround them! "
The trombone sounded again in the valley. The bandits, big and small, rushed over with a howl. They looked down at Gu Yun and his small "military force".
It was unknown whether the bandits wanted to boost their courage or for some other reason, but they made a big show of surrounding them. The people on one end ran down, while the people on the other end banged on pots and bowls and howled as they ran from the opposite mountain to "surround" them. They ran in a mess, causing dust to fly everywhere. Unfortunately, most of their horses were stolen from passing caravans. How could they catch up with the Black Iron Battalion's warhorses? They were instantly left behind. Gu Yun made a hand gesture. The soldiers behind him immediately understood and scattered. The targets of the arrows shot by the bandits were scattered and immediately became disorganized.
Facing a group of bandits, Gu Yun indifferently drew his sword. The blade was as long as snow. He said to Chang Geng, "Remember, before the battle, whoever doesn't want to die will die first …"
Chang Geng was almost blinded by the sword in Gu Yun's hand.
His sword was like a swimming dragon. Along the way, blood splattered. In and out, the bandits and horse corpses rolled into a ball.
Gu Yun finished the second half of his sentence, "… even if your enemies are a bunch of good-for-nothings."
The bandit leader looked around with his clairvoyance. When he saw that the situation was not right, he immediately said angrily, "I asked you to surround them. What's going on?!"
The small bandit next to him said with a bitter face, "Big Brother, I don't know!"
At this moment, a black-faced bandit ran over, "Big Brother, something bad has happened!"
In the blink of an eye, a light cavalry rushed up to the mountain pass. The bandit holding the trombone did not have time to shrink his neck. He saw a flash of a sword and his head was separated from his body.
Gu Yun's equestrian skills were outstanding. He moved freely between the mountain rocks as if he was walking on flat ground. He crossed an extremely narrow mountain path and swung the sword in his hand. A scream came from behind a big rock. There was actually someone lying in ambush there. He shook the blood off his sword and seemed to wait for Chang Geng for a moment. He said, "There are many obstacles in the mountain. There are often local bandits behind the obstacles. Your martial arts are outstanding, so you may not be able to avoid the ambush."
Chang Geng glanced around. Sure enough, he saw that the crossbow was already set up behind the rock. It was just waiting to shoot. His horse was not a warhorse. It was a little strenuous to follow Gu Yun. However, he felt that the blood in his body was boiling. He asked, "Godfather, how did you know?"
Gu Yun curved the corner of his mouth, "I'm familiar with it."
As soon as he finished speaking, a mountain rock suddenly rolled down from above. Gu Yun seemed to have eyes on his head. He fiercely squeezed the horse's abdomen. The warhorse suddenly jumped forward. The mane on its tail almost touched the rolling mountain rock. At the same time, Gu Yun left the saddle and stood up. He grabbed a vine at the side and swung it quickly in the air, hanging himself up. Chang Geng heard a "puff" sound and instinctively leaned back. Fortunately, he did not let his ferocious godfather splash blood on his face.
Gu Yun looked at him from above. He raised his eyebrows and smiled. He blew a long whistle and the horse immediately followed him.
Chang Geng's heart was beating wildly. Gu Yun's smile was about to suck away his soul.
Gu Yun shouted at him from above, "When fighting monkeys in the mountains, remember to seize the high ground first."
At this time, the bandit's joking 'encirclement' was completely messed up. A few high passes were occupied at lightning speed, and the bandits became a group of headless flies, running all over the place. They were happily killed by the arrows that fell from high above. Chang Geng quickly chased after him. He saw Gu Yun turn around and get back on his horse. At the same time, he nimbly took out a special arrow from his back.
The bow and arrow were very heavy. The longbow was at least a few dozen catties. It came with a thumb-sized box. Chang Geng's eyelids twitched. He thought, "There's a golden box on the bow?"
The next moment, the white steam emitted from the longbow confirmed his guess. The arrow shaft seemed to be made of iron. When it left the bowstring, it made an ear-piercing screech. It was as if twenty sky-drilling monkeys were screaming at the top of their lungs at the same time. The iron arrow was like a miniature version of a white rainbow that pierced through the sun. The sound of metal hitting stone rippled like waves in the mountains. The iron arrow hit a huge mountain rock right in the middle.
Dust flew up like wild horses galloping. The huge rock shook for a moment and fell down without warning.
The group of monkeys scattered, but the bandit leader's movement was hindered by the heavy armor on his body. It took him a while to raise his head. Before he could see anything, he was buried under the ground with a "boom" along with his armor.
Chang Geng smiled and said, "Godfather, I know this. To capture bandits, capture the leader, right?"
He was protected by Gu Yun all the way by his side. They whizzed past hundreds of bandits. Not even a strand of his hair was messed up. His clothes fluttered in the wind. He still looked like an elegant young master.
Gu Yun made a "tsk" sound in his heart and thought, "It's over. The next time I return to the capital, the number of little girls throwing handkerchiefs at me will probably be reduced by half."
Less than an hour later, Gu Yun brought his few 'unarmed' Black Iron Camp soldiers and swaggered to the bandit's lair.
Most of the bandits immediately fled when they saw that their shiny leader was dead. They were familiar with the terrain. Once they scattered into the mountain forest, they disappeared in the blink of an eye.
Gu Yun brought few people, so it was inconvenient for him to chase after them. He only tied up a few who did not have time to run and strung them together like quails.
Gu Yun sat down on the bandit leader's tiger-skin chair. He felt that something was wrong, so he stood up and took off the tiger-skin on the chair. He was amused, "The throne of the king of the noble mountain is really original."
He saw that the four legs of the majestic tiger-skin chair had been sawed off. The bottom of the chair was a pile of gold bricks with a layer of wooden planks on top.
Gu Yun asked, "Can a golden egg be laid sitting on this chair?"
Shen Yi let out a long, dry cough, indicating for the marshal to speak human language.
At this time, Lord Sun, who had wet his pants from fright, had changed his pants and returned in a pretentious manner. When he saw the situation, he immediately realized that the opportunity would not come again. He changed from his earlier howling "You can't do this" appearance. He took a step forward and righteously asked, "Who gave you the courage to rob the imperial envoy along the way? Who instigated this matter? Speak! "
Changgeng was originally playing with Gu Yun's special bow. When he heard this, he raised his head and said, "Robbing the imperial envoy is a crime of conspiracy against the state. As long as it's not the bandit leader, an ordinary bandit might be exiled. For heroes like you all …"
When he said this, he did not continue. He only gave a meaningful smile and ignored the trembling bandits. It was as if he had just mentioned it unintentionally. He quickly turned his attention to other things and asked Gu Yun with a smile, "Adoptive father, this bow of yours is really good. Can you give it to me?"
Gu Yun waved his hand, "Take it."
Sun Jiao was stunned. He could not understand what this Fourth Prince, whom he had never met before, meant. At first, he only felt that he did not put on any airs. He had a gentle temperament, was very good at chatting, and was not very shrewd. Now, he suddenly realized that he might have misjudged him.
When Changgeng said this, the bandits were not that stupid. They immediately stamped their feet and beat their chests as they cried and shouted.
"This commoner did not know that the imperial envoy had arrived. Daren, please spare my life!"
"It's not easy to make a living on the streets. In this small place of ours, we can't see a single person for ten days to half a month. Who knew that we would run into the imperial envoy as soon as we opened our business. This commoner has been wronged … Ah no, actually, it's not wronged. This commoner has old and young at home. It's not easy!"
Sun Jiao, "…"
At this moment, a Black Iron Battalion soldier suddenly walked in quickly and whispered in Gu Yun's ear, "Marshal, Nanzhong Circuit Governor Fu Ming sent someone to deliver a letter. He said that he heard that Marquis was harassed by bandits. He will bring two hundred soldiers and will arrive soon."
Gu Yun expressionlessly raised his eyes and happened to meet Sun Jiao's gaze. The blood on Marshal Gu's body had not dried yet. The smugness that flashed through Sun Jiao's eyes was scared back.
Fu Zhi Cheng was born a bandit. Even if he was later recruited and surrendered, his military achievements were illustrious. It was very unreasonable to appoint such a person as a border official. However, when the Western Regions rebelled, Nanyang also took the opportunity to invade Daliang's territory. They wanted to loot a burning house. Gu Yun had already gone to the West. There was no one else in the court that could be used. They could only treat a dead horse as a living horse and let Fu Zhi Cheng command the Nanjiang garrison.
However, Emperor Yuan He was still not at ease with him. The Nanzhong Circuit Governor was specially appointed to contain Fu Zhi Cheng. He had two hundred elite soldiers in his hands. At the crucial moment, he could take action. If something really happened, these two hundred soldiers would not be able to fight against the Nanjiang garrison. However, it would not be difficult for them to break through and send a message.
Kuai Lantu and Fu Zhi Cheng could be said to be enemies on a narrow road. It was likely that they both wanted to kill each other. They probably did not have good intentions.
Gu Yun said, "I had just broken into the bandit's lair and Governor Kuai had already 'heard' about it. He is even more well-informed than the local lord."
Sun Jiao also knew that Kuai Lantu came too quickly and did not grasp the right timing. He hurriedly said, "I won't hide it from Marshal. This trip was supposed to be secret. Who knew that we would encounter the Fourth Prince on the way? How could this lowly official let the prince be in danger? I had no choice but to inform the Nanzhong Circuit Governor to provide support... "
"Lord Sun is considerate," Changgeng said with a smile. "However, how did you know that going to the South was risky?"
Sun Jiao probably knew that his backer was coming. He straightened his back and cupped his hands. "This time, this lowly official went to the Southwest. I have long heard of the Nanjiang bandits running amok. Just in case, before I left, I specially asked His Majesty for a drumming order. Unexpectedly, it was as expected. Fortunately, Marquis has been through hundreds of battles and did not panic in the face of danger. "
Gu Yun looked at him with a fake smile and did not accept this flattery.
Sun Jiao righteously said, "This group of bandits is running amok. They are really daring. They even dare to rob the imperial court officials, let alone the local citizens. If this disaster is not eliminated, the Southwest will not be stable. It seems that this lowly official's drumming order is the right one. This is the first drumming order in Daliang. The prize will fall on General Fu. "
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