On the night of his arrival in Zizhou, he dreamed of his dead sister.
That was more than ten years ago.
The Jurchen went south for the second time, destroying countless families. The Tang family was a small landlord near the Daming Residence. They were well-off. When the Jurchen went south for the first time, Takeshi cooperated with the Prime Minister's Office and evacuated in time, so they didn't suffer too many casualties. But this time, they didn't have such good luck as the first time.
His parents soon died in the chaos, and their belongings were looted. A large number of people were driven south by the disaster of war. At that time, Tang Minjie, who had read some books and was quick-witted, took his sister Tang Bao 'er all the way to the Little Cang River in the northwest.
In the face of many complex situations, it was difficult to define right and wrong in the human world. Even many years later, Tang Minjie, who was more mature, couldn't say whether his thoughts were clear at that time, and whether he could survive by choosing another path. But in short, people had to face the consequences when they made a decision.
The journey from the Daming Residence to the Little Cang River was more than a thousand miles. The brother and sister, who had never experienced complicated things, encountered many things: the disaster of war, bandits, refugees, beggars … They soon ran out of money, were beaten, witnessed the plague, and almost died on the way. But they also benefited from the kindness of others, and in the end, they suffered from starvation …
His sister starved to death. Before she died, she wanted to eat meat loaf …
Countless times after that, he would always recall that part of the journey. At that time, he still left a knife. Although the disaster of war spread and starvation was everywhere, he could have killed people, but he didn't have the courage to do so at the age of seventeen. He could have cut his own flesh, such as the flesh on his buttocks. He thought about it several times, but in the end, he didn't have the courage …
His sister starved to death on the way. He met a few other refugees and walked to the Little Cang River together. Because he had read some books, he was assigned to do some paperwork, and then he also attended some classes. Finally, he understood a principle:
When things come to a head, you need to be bold.
If he could have done it, whether to others or to himself … maybe his sister wouldn't have died …
When he woke up, it was still early in the morning. Lu Mingfang said to him,
"Is there anything else you want to entrust me with? For example, your unmarried sister. Do you want me to go back and visit her for you? "
"You're not suitable. I'm afraid she'll become a widow if she runs around with her head in her hands. "
"You really have a sister?"
At that time, Lu Mingfang's eyes lit up, and he had a silly look of interest.
In the end, I came back …
…
Accompanied by the sound of the bell in the morning, the sky in the east began to glow. The escort team went to the side of the road south of Zizhou City and met up with a convoy returning to Chengdu. They hitched a ride.
The fleet of vehicles belonging to the Huaxia First Military Company traveled along the spacious road, passed through the fields after the autumn harvest, and passed through the lush Longquan Mountain range. Large patches of white clouds moved with the wind in the sky. The prisoner sitting in the cart occasionally heard people talking about all kinds of things: Takeshi's reform, the war in the Central Plains, the deal with Liu Guangshi, He Wen's abomination, the workers in Chengdu … Many of these concepts made him feel strange.
In his memory, the most familiar thing was the ice and snow in the north. Even in a world without ice and snow, the world seemed cold and harsh.
But the road in front of him was wide. Many years ago, when he left Liangshan, passed through Chengdu, passed through Sword Gate Pass, and went all the way north, this place did not belong to the Huaxia Army, and there was no such wide road.
On the eighth day of the seventh month of the second year of the Huaxia Yuan Calendar, Tang Minjie returned to Chengdu from the north. He was greeted by his former junior, Peng Yueyun.
Then, there was an interrogation.
*****
Zhang Village.
The light of the stars and the moon gently enveloped this place.
In the auditorium at the north end of the village, a wedding banquet was in progress. On one side was Du Sha's fourth son, Du Pengpeng, and on the other side was Su Wending's daughter, Su Xiaoxian. These two families were considered rich in Zhang Village, so although they followed the standard of frugality, the scene of the banquet was still very lively. Su Tan'er brought some people to help, and Ning Yi also showed up for a short time.
Lin Jingmei tied her hair into a long ponytail, and she was busy cooking in the kitchen with several sisters.
Ever since the Huaxia army killed the king and rebelled, the shortage of resources had lasted for more than ten years. Although Chengdu had developed at a high speed and there was a trend of extravagance, Zhang Village, under Ning Yi's control, had always maintained a relatively simple custom. Although the wedding banquet was lively, they did not invite any prominent chefs from other places, and there were no overly extravagant dishes. Because she grew up with Ning Yi for more than ten years, Lin Jingmei, who was adopted by Ning Yi as his daughter, was very good at cooking. This time, when the younger sister in the group of sisters got married, she volunteered to make two dishes.
The kitchen was smoky, and it was very tiring, but there were also annoying flies around.
"Hey, hey, hey, so, you're the only one left, Meizi, you're the only one left …"
Today, it was not the first person to talk about this topic. Lin Jingmei waved the spoon in her hand like a big knife, creating wind.
"Go away, go away, go away, help to serve the dishes …"
One fly was driven away, and the others followed.
"That's right, you should also think about something, Meizi …"
"Okay, okay, let's talk about something useful."
"My cousin came back yesterday. Go see him …"
In the large kitchen, several male chefs were loudly shouting as they cooked. Occasionally, people would come over to help Lin Jingmei and chat with her about matchmaking and marriage. This was partly because she was Ning Yi's adopted daughter, but it was also because her appearance and temperament were truly outstanding.
In the early years of the Huaxia Army, some outstanding youths had been delayed for several years and had not gotten married. Only after the war of the southwest had there been a large-scale wave of matchmaking and marriage, but it seemed like it was about to come to an end.
Lin Jingmei didn't know whether to laugh or cry as she pushed back the line of people trying to persuade her to marry. Of course, with so many people here, someone would occasionally bring up a rather complicated topic.
"Hey, Meizi, you don't want to get married, but you're not still thinking about that He fellow, right? That person isn't anything good …"
When this matter was brought up, the nearby male chefs all joined in. "Nonsense, how could Meizi be so blind …"
"Let me tell you, Meizi, marry anyone but that bastard!"
"That's right, I should have beaten him to death back then!"
"Cook croton for him to eat."
"Retribution will come sooner or later."
This was one of the most discussed topics in Zhang Village, or rather, within the Huaxia Army. In the past, the relationship between the Huaxia Army and the Fairness Party had always been rather ambiguous. The Huaxia Army's stance had actually been quite open-minded. We defeated the Female Enlightened Master, so we'll let you have a little bit of this reputation.
But when news of the Jiangning Hero Assembly arrived, and it was held at a similar time as the Huaxia Army's Number One Martial Arts Competition, it instantly caused the Huaxia Army to become quite angry. This was especially true for the core members of Zhang Village. They knew about the incident with He Wen back then, and they also knew that the Huaxia Army had dealt with it generously. It was one thing for you to go back and use Mr. Ning's theory to cause trouble, but you didn't know how to thank me for taking advantage of you. Now that you've taken advantage of me, you're still trying to undermine me. It's really not a pity even if you're beaten to death a few times.
Everyone cursed for a while, and a few male chefs then changed the topic. They speculated about whether they had taken any countermeasures against the Hero Assembly, such as sending a team to mess up the other party's matter. Some people also felt that it was too far away, and there was no need to go there now. After discussing this, they returned to using He Wen's head as a toilet bowl. After you're done, I'll use it, and after I'm done, I'll lend it out for everyone to use. It was noisy and heated.
Lin Jingmei's side was also lively. After a while, she finished cooking the two dishes that she was responsible for and went out to eat noodles. There was still an endless stream of people who came over to talk about marriage. She either tactfully or directly dealt with these matters. When everyone was clamoring to go to the bridal chamber, she took a chance and walked out from the side of the hall. She walked along the street, and then went to the small river near Zhang Village to stroll.
The early autumn night was misty. The lively hall in the distance was like an island floating in the night, and the surrounding courtyards were scattered with light. Under the starlight, the river gurgled. She took a deep breath of the river's air, and she couldn't help but think about He Wen.
For the current her, thinking about He Wen was no longer about the feelings she had in the past. After she became an adult, she had participated in the rear of the Huaxia Army. She had come into contact with a lot of paperwork, and she had come into contact with the spy system. Compared to these matters that concerned the rise and fall of the entire world, and concerned the lives of tens of thousands of people, personal feelings were actually insignificant.
Just like those familiar people in the kitchen, if she just shouted a few words according to her heart, she would, of course, just kill He Wen. However, if she really considered it on a political level, there would be all kinds of solutions. Some of the topics that came out of this were the reasons why she felt troubled today.
With a bang, someone threw a stone into the river, waking up the woman who was thinking as she walked by the river.
There were many secret patrols around Zhang Village, so there wouldn't be too many security problems. Lin Jingmei turned back in surprise and saw a man in a military uniform appear under the starlight. After the prank, he revealed a familiar smile.
"Peng … Xiao Peng, you're back …"
"I sent an urgent document. I used my official position to come back, but unfortunately, I was a little late and didn't get to join the banquet …"
"Haven't you eaten? There must be food in the kitchen. "
"I ate on the way, so I sneaked out to find you."
At this time, it was Peng Yueyun who appeared. The two talked as they walked side by side on the embankment.
"When I got there, the banquet hadn't ended yet. Sister Jia arranged a seat for me. I saw that you weren't there, so I asked around. One or two of them wanted to introduce you to a blind date, so I guessed that you ran away. "
Lin Jingmei smiled. "Anyway, it's all the same words, and they don't mean any harm. I'm used to it. It's just that I cooked in the kitchen, and after eating, I wanted to come out for a walk. "
Peng Yueyun took her hand, and the two of them swung their arms and slowly walked forward.
"Sister Xiao Mei, marry me. Let's get married," Peng Yueyun said.
The two of them were familiar with each other in the past. Lin Jingmei was half a year older than Peng Yueyun, and they used to call each other sister and brother. They confirmed their relationship in the first half of this year, expressed their feelings to each other, and held hands for the first time. But then Peng Yueyun went to Chengdu to work, and Lin Jingmei stayed in Zhang Village. They didn't meet much, so the marriage was not completely finalized.
Of course, in terms of the relationship between men and women at this time, after holding hands, marriage was usually a matter of course. Peng Yueyun said it naturally at this time.
Lin Jingmei naturally smiled, but then, she seemed to think of something and lowered her head. "Xiao Peng, of course I'm willing, but … there are some other things now …"
Her hand loosened slightly.
Peng Yueyun tightened his grip. "You're talking about He Wen, right?"
The ponytailed girl turned her head to look at him, not knowing where to start.
Peng Yueyun smiled, and then his gaze calmed down. As they walked forward, he said in a low voice, "He Wen wants to organize the Heroes' Conference in Jiangning. One reason is to borrow our fame, but on a larger level, a faction organizing such a large-scale event is a way to clean up its internal power and centralize its power. The martial arts competition is secondary. Most importantly, I'm afraid that He Wen also knows that the Fairness Party is expanding too quickly, and the initial structure is no longer that useful.
"Jiangnan drove the refugees to form soldiers, killed the landlords, and slaughtered the gentry. Now, the scale is over ten million, and the number of soldiers is in the millions. But in the middle, He Wen, Gao Chang, Xu Zhaonan, Shi Baofeng, and Zhou Shang have all formed their own factions, and they're about to become five feudal lords. He Wen wants to imitate our martial arts competition last year, to make a name for himself, and to strengthen his ruling power in the Fairness Party. That's why he's doing this. There's a strong sense of oligarchy here. "
"That's why, Little Peng …" Lin Jingmei frowned as she looked at him.
Peng Yueyun squeezed her hand. "I know some people in the General Staff Department are discussing this. From this point of view, we can also send someone to intervene. If we want to send someone, sending someone who is familiar with He Wen is, of course, the best way is to send someone. Sister Mei, on your side … I know you've definitely heard this kind of talk. "
"Little Peng, between me and He Wen … there wasn't anything back then. I was a bit childish back then, and He Wen himself didn't like me … but if father needs me to go over and negotiate, I feel that I should go, because I do know some things about his past …"
"But if you go over this time, and He Wen says that he suddenly likes you, what do you do? What if he uses his relationship with the Huaxia Army to threaten you? What will you do? "
"… I'll handle this matter well."
She was silent for a long time before saying these words. She didn't make an overly firm vow, nor did she carelessly use her emotions to speak. She only looked at Peng Yueyun with a serious and complicated expression. Peng Yueyun could sense the meaning of that gaze. It was the gaze of a soldier that he had seen many times over the years.
He slowly smiled. "In Chengdu, someone mentioned your name to the teacher."
"Ah …"
"He was scolded by the teacher. He said that he learned to scheme and had no conscience."
"Ah …"
"And as far as I know, the team to Jiangning has probably been sent out. Only Sister Mei is still foolishly waiting for the deployment."
"Ah …" Lin Jingmei was slightly stunned. Then she pulled out her hand and punched him in the chest. "Why didn't you say so earlier?"
Peng Yueyun held her hand. "I like you like this, Sister Xiao Mei."
Lin Jingmei kicked him, but Peng Yueyun didn't let go of her. He skipped forward on the embankment.
"So, Sister Xiao Mei, you can marry me now, right?"
"… Otherwise, who else can you marry?"
"I'll find a good opportunity to propose to the teacher."
"Dad has been very upset recently. Don't bother him."
"The teacher is always upset every day. What's wrong?"
"Ning He scolded the aunt who worked at home. Dad thought that he was infected with bad habits and put on airs. He punished Ning He to kneel in the yard for a day, and then sent him to the village to suffer."
Lin Jingmei whispered this matter. Recently, many things happened to the Ning family. First, Ning Ji was framed and then he ran away from home. Then, Ning He, who had always been obedient, put on airs with the aunt who worked at home. This matter didn't seem to be a big deal, but Ning Yi lost his temper and sent Ning He away. It was said that he came from a poor family, but no one knew where he was and no one asked about it.
Ning He was the son of Red Ti. This female guru, who was the most skilled in martial arts and was said to be able to defeat Lin Zongwu, even shed tears because of this matter.
Peng Yueyun just nodded and didn't comment on the family affairs of the Ning family. He just said, "Do you still think that the teacher will let you join the diplomatic mission and go there to make peace? In fact, the teacher is very soft-hearted in this kind of matter."
"It's not for making peace. I just think that maybe it will make me … Well, forget it. Let's not talk about it. "
Lin Jingmei said and kicked Peng Yueyun again.
The two fought like this until they turned from the river bank to a nearby road. When they turned around a backyard, Lin Jingmei wanted to pull her hand out, but Peng Yueyun didn't let go. Lin Jingmei chuckled and said, "What if someone sees us? You're a hooligan …"
Peng Yueyun was about to say something with a smile, but then he was seen by someone.
On the other side of the road, Ning Yi and Red Ti seemed to be taking a walk, and they came all the way here. Then he slightly narrowed his eyes and looked at the two holding hands. Lin Jingmei struggled for a while, but failed. Then she struggled again and finally got rid of him.
"Hooligan?"
"Ah?" Peng Yueyun opened his hand and blinked his eyes.
"Catch Peng Yueyun … for me!"
Ning Yi's face was gloomy. In the darkness, soldiers ran from the side and went to Peng Yueyun. Red Ti pulled on Ning Yi's sleeve, but the night was full of murderous intent.
"Ah … No, no, no, no …" Peng Yueyun was a little flustered. Lin Jingmei opened her mouth. "Dad, no, no, no … It's not like that …" She said and hesitated. Then she grabbed Peng Yueyun's hand and pulled him behind her. Their arms were intertwined. "It's not like that. We are …"
In the light from the courtyard, the murderous intent in Ning Yi's eyes gradually changed. Unknowingly, it had turned into a smile. His shoulders trembled. "Huhuhuhu … Hahahaha …" He looked at Lin Jingmei's face and their hands held together. "This is really … the happiest thing that happened recently."
"Peng Yueyun," he said. "Come here!"
Peng Yueyun also looked at his hands held with Lin Jingmei. After coming to his senses, he giggled and walked forward. He knew that there were many things he had to explain to Ning Yi, not only about himself and Lin Jingmei.
There was also about Tang Minjie.
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