Although it was August in the south, the northern wind never stopped blowing. The closer they got to Shangjing, the colder it got and the snowflakes were about to fall.
Fortunately, the Golden Men in Zong Han's team were warriors who had been through the wind and snow. Although the temperature dropped, they wrapped themselves in coats and fox fur coats. The cold in the north was much better than the wet and cold in the south. More than once, Mandudaru had heard these high-ranking military officers talk about their time in Jiangnan. The summer and autumn seasons were fine, only the winter and spring were cold accompanied by waves of water vapor that soaked into the clothes. It really could not be considered a good place. Sure enough, the feeling of returning home was the best.
A total of nearly two thousand people traveled along the official road to Shangjing. Occasionally, there would be nobles who came to visit Marshal Cha Han and have a private discussion. The people who departed from Yunzhong were also received by the marshal or the Goddess of Grains one after another. These people had many connections within the clan, and they were the key figures who would be making connections in Shangjing in the near future.
Mandudaru did not have much of a background. He was one of the few who was summoned on the 17th of August. The one who summoned him was the Goddess of Grains, Xi Yin. Although there was a huge difference in their status, they had met several times before. This time, he was summoned not for the matter of Shangjing, but to understand the many problems that happened in Yunzhong in the past two years.
"… Regarding the problem in Yunzhong, before the expedition, I had some considerations. I have also talked to all parties. If there are any thoughts or conflicts, we can talk about it when we return from the southern expedition. But for the past two years, I think the people's hearts have been wavering too much. "
The army was moving forward. Wanyan Xi Yin rode on a horse and talked to Mandudaru.
"When the marshal and I are not here, some people have been provoked in private and can't wait to fight each other. There is something fishy about this. But until now, the documents are not clear. Including the incident that happened to the Qi family and Shi Yuanji in July two years ago. It was not a battlefield. Half of the city was in chaos and hundreds of people died. Although Old Master Shi suppressed it, I want to hear your opinion. Who did it? Who do you think did it? How did he do it? You can tell me in detail … "
The sound of hooves could be heard. This trip to Shangjing was about the ownership of the throne and the outcome of the game between the Eastern and Western Prefectures. Moreover, due to the defeat of the Western Army, the possibility of the Western Prefectures losing power had been placed in front of everyone. However, following Xi Yin's question, Man Dudaru could understand that the Goddess of Grains was already thinking about something further down the road.
He pondered for a moment, and then began to talk about the various clues found in the Yunzhong incident that year.
"… In recent years, there have been many bandits who have been active near Yunzhong. Many of them are seeking wealth, and some of them are seeking revenge. But in my opinion, most of the bandits are not meticulous in their actions. For more than ten years, there were a few people like Xiao Qing among the Liao survivors, and then there was the secret investigation department of the Wu dynasty. However, Xiao Qing was beheaded three years ago. The secret investigation department of the Wu dynasty only existed in name after losing the Central Plains. There was a rising bandit, Huang Gan. There were rumors that he was a leader arranged by the Wu dynasty. However, he had not been in contact with the South for many years. Later, he became a bandit. His actions of kidnapping Han slaves and sending them to the South seem to be similar. However, he died two years ago due to internal strife, so there is no evidence … "
"Other than Xiao Qing and Huang Gan, the rest are naturally the Black Flag bandits. These people are meticulous in their actions, and they have done many major cases over the years … The Yunzhong incident that happened two years ago involved a lot of people. I am not sure if it was done by them. There are indeed many clues that seem to be done by the Black Flag. For example, Qi Yan had a huge feud with the Black Flag in the Central Plains. Before the tragedy happened, he even got some captives from the Black Flag Army from the South. He wanted to torture and kill them to vent his anger. The Black Flag definitely had the intention to kill Qi Yan … "
"… After the tragedy happened, I investigated the fire and found some traces that were suspected to be man-made. For example, Qi Yan and his two great-grandsons hid in the water tank to avoid danger. Later on, they were boiled alive by the fire. You have to know that when people enter hot water, how can they not struggle to climb out? Either they took the medicine and felt weak all over, or there was something on top of the tank … Although it's possible that they climbed into the tank and something fell on top of the lid, it's too much of a coincidence … "
"Of course, this matter was later related to Sir Shi. The clues from Wanyan Wenqin pointed to Sir Zong Fu, so we are not allowed to investigate further. It is not strange to say that this was done by the Black Flag, but on the other hand, the whole matter is closely linked and involves a lot of things. On one hand, a Han slave called Dai Mo manipulated Wanyan Wenqin, and on the other hand, a scheme included all the bandits and even Sir Shi's grandson. Even looking at it from the back, this scheme was extremely difficult, so I did not investigate carefully. I am also not sure … "
When Xi Yin heard this, she asked, "What if it was the disciple of the Inner Demon?"
Mandudaru said, "It is said in the South that the Inner Demon is powerful and has the ability to bewitch people. But from what I see, even if it is bewitching people, there must be traces. It can only be said that if the Qi family incident two years ago was deliberately arranged by the Black Flag, this person is ruthless and scheming. He cannot be underestimated. "
Xi Yin smiled. "In the end, he was still caught by you."
Mandudaru thought for a while. "I dare not lie to you. Although the person I killed was indeed the leader of the Black Flag in the North, he seemed to live in Shangjing for a long time. According to these years of investigation, the Black Flag has another powerful leader in Yun Zhong, the bandit called 'Clown'. Although it's hard to confirm whether he had anything to do with the Qi Clan's tragedy, after the incident, this person secretly spread rumors that Lord Zong Fu and Lord Shi had a grudge against each other. He took the initiative to strike first and instigated several fights, resulting in many casualties … "
"Tell me in detail about the things that you've noticed that something was amiss."
"Yes …"
As the team moved forward, Mandudaru sorted out many things that happened in Yun Zhong over the past two years. Initially, he was worried that these things would be too long-winded, but Xi Yin listened carefully and occasionally asked a few questions. When he talked about the recent period, he asked about the situation of the killing of Han slaves in Yun Zhong Residence after the defeat of the West Army. After hearing Mandudaru's description, he was silent for a moment.
"… In this world, even the most docile dog will bite when forced. The Han people were weak in the past. After more than 20 years of humiliation, they finally raised the Black Flag. Daru, there will be a day in the future when our Great Jin and Black Flag will have a decisive battle. Before that, the Han people we captured in the north will work for us, they will make things for us. If we force them to their deaths just because of a little bit of pride, sooner or later there will be some people who are not afraid of death who will oppose us. In the Qi family tragedy, Dai Mo, who encouraged Wanyan Wenqin to do something that eventually led to the tragedy, may be such a person … What do you think? "
Xi Yin tilted her head and looked at him. Mandudaru cupped his hands and bowed. "You are right, Sir."
"I heard that you captured the leader of the Black Flag because he borrowed a Han woman to set up a trap, right?"
"Indeed." Mandudaru said. "But this Han woman's situation is rather special …"
He explained the situation of the Han woman. Xi Yin nodded. "After the matter in Shangjing is over, how to deal with the Black Flag spies and maintain the order in the city will be a major issue when we return to Yun Zhong. As for the Han people, we must not kill anymore. But how to control them and even find a group of useful people to help us catch the 'clown' and his gang are also some things that we need to think about. At least, I want to have a conclusion for Shi Yuanji's case. It can be considered as an explanation to Sir Shi. "
Man Dudaru lowered his head. Xi Yin stretched out her horsewhip and tapped on his shoulder, "After we return, I intend for you to be in charge of all matters related to the security of Yun Zhong. As for what you should do, you have to think about it carefully during these few days."
Mandudaru's blood rushed to his head. He turned over and dismounted from the horse. He knelt on one knee to express his gratitude. Xi Yin smiled and waved her hand. "No need to be so polite. Come on, let's go!"
Mandudaru mounted his horse and followed.
…
Zong Han and Xi Yin's team traveled all the way to the north. Along the way, everyone was feeling heroic and anxious. Mandudaru originally came to be questioned by the Goddess of Grains. Now that he had been promoted, he could not help but be more concerned about the fate of the marshal and the rest.
There was a rumor outside that the late Emperor Wu Qimai had passed away in Shangjing. However, the new Emperor had not been decided yet. The funeral was held in secret in Shangjing. They were waiting for Zong Han, Xi Yin and the rest to arrive before making a decision. However, it was not that easy. Zong Fu and Zong Bi had returned to Shangjing in triumph. They must have started their activities in Shangjing. As long as they could convince the people in Shangjing to let the new Emperor ascend the throne in advance, their team of less than two thousand people might be surrounded by tens of thousands of soldiers before they even arrived. By then, even if the marshal and the Goddess of Grains were there, they might not be able to survive the change of the Emperor.
As a veteran and a constable who had always been in the middle and lower ranks, Mandudaru could not figure out what was happening in Shangjing. He could not think of anyone who had stopped Zong Fu and Zong Bi from launching an attack. However, when they pitched their tents every night, he could clearly feel that the army was also ready to fight or even break out of the siege. This meant that they had considered the worst possibility.
"If we die, we'll be facing the sky. If we don't die, we'll live for thousands of years …"
Since things had come to this, it was inevitable for him to be worried. However, Mandudaru could only sharpen his sword and prepare his food every day. On one hand, he was waiting for the worst to happen. On the other hand, he hoped that the marshal and the Goddess of Grains would be heroes for a lifetime. He hoped that they would be able to turn the tide in such a situation.
On the 24th of August, there was light snow falling from the sky. The attack did not come. Their team was close to the boundary of Shenzhou. They had already traveled halfway …
…
At the same time, thousands of miles away in the southwest of Chengdu, the autumn sun was warm and cozy. In a secluded hospital, Ning Ji hurried back from outside with a small package in his hand. He found Aunt Gu and said, "Please pass this to her for me."
He briefly introduced the contents of the package. Aunt Gu held the package and hesitated, "Why don't you pass it to her yourself …"
"It's the same no matter who gives it to her. It's hers anyway. Aunt Gu, you and her are both women, so it's easier to talk to her. I have to pack my things and return to Zhang Village tomorrow. "
Aunt Gu laughed, "You're really going back to school?"
"Yes, my mother will beat me if I don't go back." Ning Ji reached out and rubbed his nose. He then laughed, "And I miss my mother and siblings."
"Then … you're not going to say goodbye to her?"
"Yes, I'll go and have a look later … There's nothing to say goodbye to her …"
Ning Ji skipped into the room, leaving Aunt Gu to sigh softly.
…
The afternoon sun shone into the courtyard and through the open window. After a while, a young military doctor who had changed into a white doctor's uniform knocked on the door of the ward and walked in.
"Doctor Long, you're here."
Qu Longjun, who was sitting on the bed, smiled at the young man.
A month had passed, and the two of them did not have much interaction. However, Qu Longjun had finally overcome her fear and was able to smile at this Doctor Long, so the latter's complexion looked better. He nodded at her naturally.
"Yes, I'll take your pulse."
He sat down by the bed. Qu Longjun stretched out her hand and let his fingers fall on her wrist. Then, there were a few routine questions and conversations. In the end, Qu Longjun said, "Doctor Long, you look very happy today."
"My brother is getting married."
"Oh, congratulations to them."
That was the end of their conversation …
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