The sky was gray and gloomy. In the cold winter wind, it looked like it was about to change color. Hou Village was an unknown village on the north bank of the Yellow River. It was the end of October and the weather was about to turn cold. Hou Yuanyong came out of the mountains with a large pile of firewood on his back.
Children of his age couldn't chop as much firewood as him, let alone carry it back. Hou Yuanyong was twelve years old this year. He wasn't tall, but he was sturdy. Children of poor families matured early — this wasn't popular at this time. Hou Yuanyong's family wasn't poor. His father was a soldier and followed the army to earn a living. He wasn't at home all year round, but he had his father's salary and his hardworking mother, so he didn't starve.
In his memory, his father didn't study, but he was always outside and had seen the world. His father had hired a literate teacher to give him his name. It was said that he had a scholarly air. In the few times they met, his father was a man of few words, but he did talk a lot about the outside world and taught him many things. He taught him to be filial to his mother at home and promised him that he would take him out to see the world if there was a chance in the future.
In his early years, his family was hard, but three years ago, his father was promoted to a small officer in the army, and the family's circumstances improved a lot. Half a year ago, his father came back once and brought back a lot of good things. He also told him about the war. His father followed a good officer and won the war, so he received a lot of rewards.
Hou Village was located in the mountains and was one of the most remote villages. Things in the outside world were often blurred by the time they reached here. Hou Yuanyong didn't have the opportunity to study, but his mind was more flexible than the average child. He would occasionally ask people from outside. Since last year, it was said that the outside world wasn't peaceful. The Female Enlightened Master attacked and the world was in chaos. After his father told him, he learned that in the war outside, his father had led the army and killed many bad guys.
He was very proud of this. In the last six months, he often showed off to his friends in the mountains that his father was a great hero, so he received rewards — including the new cow they bought with rewards. There were only two cows in the entire Hou Village.
In Hou Yuanyong's imagination, he would eat a lot and grow strong. Then he would follow his father to be a soldier and kill bad guys, and then he would come back with a lot of rewards. Perhaps in a few years, he would have such an opportunity.
The opportunity had come early.
He would always remember the weather on the day he left Hou Family Village. It was gloomy, and it looked like the weather was going to get colder. He chopped firewood and came out of the mountain. When he returned home, he found that some relatives and villagers had already gathered. The relatives here were all from his mother's family. His father didn't have a family. Before he married his mother, he was just a lone soldier. These people came over and were all talking in the room. His father had returned.
His father was a tall man, still in his martial attire. He had a scar on his face, and when he saw Hou Yuanyong, he waved at him. Hou Yuanyong ran over, wanting to play with his saber. The father unsheathed the sword and the scabbard, then began to talk to the other villagers.
"The weather has already begun to change this year. I don't know when the mountain will be sealed. I don't have much time on my side. The army is waiting to be mobilized. If I'm late, I'm afraid that they won't be able to wait for me. When I get to the city, I have to make arrangements for Ah Hong and the child … "
"Then you don't want to eat? You rushed through the night … "
"We'll leave tomorrow morning. Don't rush through the night. Who knows, we might encounter strong people …"
From what his father said, it seemed that he wanted to take his mother and himself to somewhere immediately. The other villagers tried to persuade him to stay, but his father just smiled. "I fought with Female Zhenrens in the army. I survived through thousands of people. I don't need to be afraid of a few strong people. It's all because of the military order. I have to hurry. "
His mother was packing at home. Hou Yuanyong held his father's saber and went to ask about it. Only then did she know that his father had bought a house in the city. The army happened to be nearby. He wanted to take advantage of the fact that the mountain had not been sealed by the heavy snow to take her and her mother. Such a good thing, the villagers naturally wouldn't stop them. Everyone warmly urged them to stay. As for his father, he temporarily entrusted many things in the family, including the house, to his mother's relatives to take care of. In a sense, it was equivalent to giving it to them.
So the family began to pack. His father tied up the oxcart and placed clothes, food, seeds, kitchen knives, plows, spatulas, and other valuable utensils on it. He also caught a few chickens at home. His mother spread out some biscuits that they had eaten on the way. Hou Yuanyong was greedy, so he ate one first. While he was eating, he saw his parents talking to each other. Then, his mother hurried out to her maternal grandparents' house.
Not long after, his mother returned, and so did his maternal grandparents. The door was closed. His father spoke to his maternal grandfather in a low voice. His maternal grandmother, who didn't know much, hugged him and cried. Hou Yuanyong heard his father whispering to his maternal grandfather, "The Female Zhenren has arrived at Bianliang … We can't defend it … We will most likely die …"
His maternal grandfather asked him about some things. His father said, "If you want to leave, go south … A teacher said that there might be peace after crossing the Yangtze River. Didn't you say that there are still distant relatives in Bazhou … "
Hou Yuanyong didn't understand much of this conversation. Before dusk, the family of three set off. The oxcart was not slow. At night, they lived and rested in the mountains. On the second and third days, they traveled for a whole day. It wasn't the road to the nearby city, but they passed by a main road. On the fourth day, they arrived at the edge of a mountain ridge. Many people were already gathered there.
In these few days, Hou Yuanyong had heard many things from his father. Half a year ago, there was a change of dynasties. A month ago, the Female Zhenren went south. They went to resist and were defeated in one blow. Now, the capital was beyond saving. It was possible that half of the world would fall. These people were going to seek refuge with some big shot — it was said that it was their former superior.
Hou Yuanyong was still young. He didn't know much about the capital, nor about half of the world. In addition, his father also talked about the corruption of officials, the collapse of the country, the collapse of the army, and so on. Hou Yuanyong naturally didn't think much of it — officials were naturally bad people. But no matter what, the 200 or so people at the edge of the mountain ridge were soldiers and their families like his father.
There were over 200 people, and in total, there were around 50 or 60 families. There were many children and women. There were carriages, oxcarts, mules, and all sorts of things. Although they looked like they were fleeing, they all had some family wealth. There were even people with doctors in their families who dragged half a cart full of medicinal ingredients. His father should be a superior among these people. From time to time, people would greet him. There was also a superior called Qu Qing. During dinner, he came over to chat with the family.
That night, Hou Yuanyong played with the children for a while. Deep into the night, he couldn't fall asleep. He left the tent and went to the campfire outside to find his father. He sat down next to him. That Qu Qing and several other people were by the campfire. They were talking, and when they saw the child come over, they teased him a few times. They didn't mind him eavesdropping on them. Hou Yuanyong didn't understand too much. He hugged his saber and dozed off on his father's legs. From time to time, voices could be heard, and the light of the fire was warm.
"… When Mister Ning left the capital, he wanted to tidy up the capital before leaving. However, that old man Cai Jing ruined his plans. But later, old man Cai and the others didn't have it easy either. After they bought over the six provinces of Swallow Cloud and took advantage of the disaster relief, the situation in the capital became tense … Mister Ning's methods weren't just to make them a little uncomfortable. After that, you all know Mister Ning's deductions of the situation. Now, the first round should come true … "
"… Within a year, Bianliang will fall, and everything north of the Yellow River will fall. Within three years, everything north of the Yangtze River will fall under the hands of the Jurchens. Millions of people will become pigs and sheep waiting to be slaughtered. Others will say that if Mister Ning didn't commit regicide, the situation wouldn't have collapsed so quickly. You and I have both stayed in the Martial Rui Camp, so we should know the truth … Originally, we had a slim chance of survival, but it was wasted by these despicable people … "
"… When General Qin was deposed, I thought that the world would be finished. Motherf * cker …"
"If it weren't for my wife and children, I would have followed Mister Ning and the others …"
"I was also afraid … If I became the enemy of the world, Mister Ning's side wouldn't be peaceful …"
"In Xia Village, it was said that we have to fight for our own lives. Of course, there will be no lack of trouble, but now the court has no strength to care about us. General Qin and Mister Ning's situation doesn't look good, but he has arrangements. Of course, this is a rebellion, a war, not a game. So those who are really afraid and have a lot of family members, let them lead them to the Yangtze River. "
"I have no relatives in the Yangtze River …"
"I do, but the Jurchens are fighting so fast. How long can they defend the Yangtze River?"
"After all, the Jurchens are few in number. Mister Ning said that if they move to the south of the Yangtze River, they can be lucky for a few years, maybe more than a decade. In fact, there are places to settle south of the Yangtze River. The core of the rebel remnants of Fang La is in the south, and they can also be taken in. However, it's not without reason that General Qin and Mister Ning put their core in the northwest. Although the north is chaotic, it's not the territory of the Wu dynasty. They won't put much effort into arresting the rebels. In the future, when the north is too chaotic, there might be a gap to survive. If we go to the south, we might encounter the full force of the Wu dynasty … But no matter what, brothers, troubled times are coming. Everyone must be prepared. "
"I've been a soldier for a few years, and I've escaped and fought. Last year, when the Jurchens went south, we saw what troubled times were like. I only have a few family members, and I thought of taking them to hide, but I'm afraid we can't. It's better to follow General Qin and fight for our lives. "
"To the northwest? Are we going to Mount Luliang? The Greenwood Stronghold? "
"No, I can't say for the time being. Everyone, just follow me."
"Then … are we following General Qin and Mister Ning to rebel and conquer the world?"
"Yes. In fact, I originally thought that we only have ten to twenty thousand people, and we couldn't beat the Jurchens in the past. In a few months in Xia Village, Mister Ning helped us defeat the resentful army. If we have more people, we'll be more united, and the Jurchens won't have to be afraid! "
"… Mister Ning is talking about saving China. This country is finished. So many good people have lived on this land, and they'll all be handed over to the Jurchens. We'll do our best to save ourselves, and also save this world. What rebel and conquer the world? Do you think Mister Ning, with his deep knowledge, is someone who would say such things? "
"Oh …"
"Haha, that's true …"
"Actually … Brother Qu, I was originally thinking that if we want to rebel, then rebel. Why must we kill the emperor? If Mister Ning didn't kill the emperor, when the Jurchens go south this time, and he says he wants to leave, we'll definitely all follow. We'll do it slowly, and we won't alarm anyone. Isn't that better? "
"Mister Ning actually said this before. There are some things I don't think too clearly about, but there are some things I do understand. The first point is that this Confucianism is Confucianism. All kinds of relationships are too powerful. I don't understand what Confucianism is, but it's just the ways of scholars, all kinds of wrangling, all kinds of scheming and scheming. We can't play with them, and they play too fiercely. They tossed the Wu dynasty into this state, and if you want to improve it, it'll be sloppy. If we can't sever this kind of relationship, then when you want to do things in the future, they'll pull you back in all sorts of ways, including us. At that time, we'll all feel that this matter has to give face to the court, and that that matter isn't too good. At that time, it'll be the same as before. To do such a great thing, you can't have delusions. If you kill the emperor and are still willing to follow, then you and I won't have delusions. On their side, those ministers of the emperor, you don't need to worry about them … And as for the second point, Mister Ning said five words … "
"What?"
"He said … in the end, it's hard to calm down …"
The bonfire burned, and the air was warm. Occasionally, a cold wind blew, but it was blocked by the mountain ridge on the other side, and only a faint sound could be heard. At some unknown time, Hou Yuanyong was carried into the tent by her father. When they awoke the next day, they waited here for an entire day. More and more people arrived. On this day, over a hundred people arrived. At dawn, the group set off under Qu Qing's lead.
The group headed northwest. The road became increasingly difficult, and occasionally they would run into other groups of people who were fleeing. Perhaps it was because the core of the group was composed of soldiers, but their speed wasn't slow at all. After seven days or so, they ran into a group of wandering bandits. Seeing that the group was rich in goods and wealth, they were planning to attack at night. However, Qu Qing had already arranged scouts in front of the group, and after figuring out their intentions, the group set out first that night to intercept them midway.
There were only around 30 people in the group, and they were led by Hou Yuanyong's father, Hou Wu. After his father attacked, Hou Yuanyong couldn't sit still. He had heard his father speak about the slaughter of battle, the passion of blood, and also the terror of fleeing. These past few days, he had gotten used to seeing his uncles in the crowd. Now that he was close at hand, he suddenly realized that his father could be injured or even killed. That night, he waited for six hours at the heavily guarded campsite. When a figure appeared in the darkness of the night, he jogged over. He saw his father at the front of the group, his body stained with blood, leading a skinny horse. He seemed to have an aura that Hou Yuanyong had never seen before, and for a moment, Hou Yuanyong didn't dare to go over.
His father walked over and squatted down in front of him. He raised his hand and gestured for him to keep quiet. "Is mother over there?"
Hou Yuanyong nodded. His father said, "Go tell her that I have returned. I have defeated the bandits and am not injured. Don't say anything else. Everyone and I will go find some water to wash up. Understand? "
Hou Yuanyong nodded again. His father waved him off. "Go."
Not long after, the group returned. Most of the bloodstains on their bodies were gone, but they still smelled of blood. However, they weren't as frightening as before.
This battle had increased the number of horses in the group. Everyone was in high spirits. They traveled like this for several days, passing through many desolate mountain ridges and rugged roads. Because of the problems of various horse carriages and ox carts, they encountered another group of more than two hundred people. On this day, the weather grew colder and colder. When it was time to set up camp, someone gathered everyone together.
Hou Yuanyong liked the feeling of gathering. He stood on his ox cart and looked far ahead. His father was also there. Uncle Qu Qing spoke.
"… Before we get there, I have something to say to everyone. If you understand, then listen. If you don't, that's fine. Ever since General Qin and Mister Ning killed the incapable ruler, there are many people in the court who want General Qin and Mister Ning's lives. I know that they have already transferred people and arranged for people to infiltrate among us. Perhaps there are some among you who have done so. That's fine. "
He said, "Mister Ning wants me to tell you that if he wants you to do something, he might control your families. Bianliang is surrounded, and the city might be broken soon. If your families are there, it will be troublesome. The court can't protect Bianliang, and they can't protect your families. Mister Ning knows that if they want to find such people, you will be forced to do it. That's fine. We are all people who have gone through life and death together on the battlefield! We are people who defeated the resentful army! We won't look down on you just because you were forced to do it once. So, if there are such people among you who have been threatened, or who have been talked to by them about this matter, think about it carefully in the next few days. "
"After thinking about it, you can talk to me, or you can talk to someone in the mountains. You can talk to someone you think can talk to. Once the words are spoken, the matter will be written off, and we will still be good brothers. To be honest, as long as this matter exists, Mister Ning can even use it to get to the melon. So, if you can't hide it, you might as well help them deal with it! After we enter the mountains, what we need to do is to save the world! Don't play around, don't get lucky. If your family members really end up in Bianliang, please spare a thought for them. Will the imperial court care about their lives? "
"For the brothers who sacrificed themselves in the war against the Jurchen in Xia Village, for the Right Minister who worked so hard, because everyone's efforts were wasted by the court, Mister Ning will go to the court and even kill the incapable emperor on the spot. We're all brothers, and he'll treat your family as his own. Now, our brothers are near Bianliang. If the Jurchen attack the city, they may not be able to save many people, but they will definitely do their best. "
"Okay." Qu Qing waved his hand. "Everyone, think about it."
Nothing happened that day, and they set off. Three days later, Hou Yuanyong and the others arrived at their destination. It was a valley in the desolate mountains. A small river quietly flowed through the valley, and the water was not rapid. On both sides of the river, all kinds of simple buildings were gathered, but it seemed that the outline of the settlement area had already been outlined. Winter had arrived, and there were many things waiting to be done.
On one side of the river, there was a small abandoned village. Two hours after Hou Yuanyong arrived, she learned the name of the river. It was called Little Blue River. The village by the river was originally called Little Blue River Village, and it had been abandoned for many years. At this time, a camp for nearly ten thousand people was being built.
The weather was cold and gloomy, but along the river and in the mountains, groups of people were working in an orderly manner. Hou Yuanyong and the others first gathered on the west side of the valley. Not long after, people came and arranged wooden houses for each family. These were relatively well-built buildings on the west side of the mountains, and they were given priority to the outsiders. Her father, Hou Wu, followed Qu Qing and the others to the other side, and then returned to help the family unload the supplies.
"General Qin will come later. Mister Ning has been out for a while." Hou Wu said to Hou Yuanyong as they moved the things into the house. He told his son about the two of them on the way, but Hou Yuanyong was happy about her new home, so she didn't say anything.
Not long after, it seemed that something was spreading in the valley. After Hou Wu and Hou Yuanyong finished moving the things, they saw many people in the valley whispering to each other. On the other side of the river, someone shouted, "Then hurry up and do something for us!"
It didn't sound like a reprimand, because many people replied in unison, "Yes —" Their voices were quite loud.
While they were confused, Qu Qing walked over, with a young and honest man beside him. Hou Wu greeted him, "Yishan. Come, Yuanyong, call Uncle Mao. "
Hou Yuanyong called out, still looking around curiously. Mao Yishan also waved at the child. Qu Qing's expression was complicated, and he said in a low voice, "Bianliang City has been breached."
Hou Wu was stunned for a moment, "… So fast? They attacked directly. "
"They found a Heavenly Master and used the Six Armor Heavenly Weapon …"
Qu Qing said in a low voice, and told them about Heavenly Master Guo Jing using the Six Armor Heavenly Weapon to defend the city. Hou Yuanyong blinked, and in the end, she didn't hear how the Six Armor Heavenly Weapon was breached. Hou Wu clenched his fists, "So … this kind of thing … So the city was breached?"
"Yes, the Female Zhenren prepared for half a month under the city, and she didn't use anything."
"… General He is right." Hou Wu said in a low voice, and turned to walk into the room, "They are finished. Let's do something, don't wait …"
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