As the sun set, the river valley in early summer was bathed in a golden hue. A few hazel trees, common trees, and honey locust trees grew crookedly on the small slope. From time to time, voices could be heard coming from the wooden houses on the slope.
A man with a light beard sat cross-legged on a stake outside the wooden hut. Under the setting sun, he exuded a calm and profound aura. The man's name was Chen Fan. He was twenty-seven years old and was one of the top martial artists in the Underworld.
What was going on in the room was a class for the low-level managers of the Little Canghe. The participants were all young people with potential in the Little Canghe. Every few days, some old shopkeepers, advisors, and generals in the valley would share their experiences with them. If someone was talented enough to catch their eye, they would even have a chance to be their disciple.
Ning Yi would occasionally come over to give a class. He would talk about management knowledge, how to pursue maximum efficiency in work, and how to stimulate people's subjective initiative.
Of course, he would also talk about other things.
This year, according to his current physical condition, the man named Ning Yi was twenty-six years old. Out of habit, he did not grow a beard, so he looked quite young. However, very few people would treat him as a young man. It was no exaggeration to say that the name of Inner Demon Ning Yi was infamous in the outside world. Whether it was the series of things he had done or the most shocking act of killing the king in the Golden Palace, in many people's eyes, this name was the Devil Incarnate of this era.
Of course, standing in front of them, especially at this moment, very few people would treat him as the Devil Incarnate. He had a steady temperament, and his tone was not high. His speech speed was slightly fast, but it was still clear and smooth. This meant that he already had a draft of what he was going to say. Of course, when he mentioned some new words or ideas that others did not quite understand, he would suggest that they write them down first. If they had any doubts, they could discuss them and solve them slowly.
This class was about some coordination problems that occurred in the construction works of the Little Canghe River in March and April. The content of the class only took half the time that was originally scheduled. After saying what needed to be said, Ning Yi moved a stool in front of everyone and sat down, allowing them to ask questions. But in reality, the group of young people in front of him did not have a systematic thinking ability. On the other hand, they had a certain degree of personal worship for Ning Yi. After asking and answering about two questions, no one spoke again.
Sunlight shone in through the window. After a moment of silence, Ning Yi nodded and knocked on the table beside him with a smile.
"Since there are no more questions, our discussion today will end here." He stood up. "However, there's still some time before dinner. I also have something to tell everyone. It just so happens that most of you are here."
Ning Yi smiled and pointed at everyone. Zhuo Xiaofeng and the other young people were slightly puzzled. Then, they heard Ning Yi say, "I want to talk to you about forming an association."
At this moment, most of the young people in the room were outstanding members of the Little Canghe River. Coincidentally, Zhuo Xiaofeng from the Euphoria Youth League and Liu Yi from the Vital Energy Association were here. Besides them, the newly emerged Huayan Society Luo Ye and Mo Society Chen Xing were also here. The rest of them more or less belonged to some association. Hearing Ning Yi mention this matter, everyone became perturbed in their hearts. They were all smart people. Since ancient times, those in power did not like to form cliques. If Ning Yi did not like this, they would probably disband.
Ning Yi looked at them for a moment and said, "Forming an association is not a bad thing."
When he said this, Chen Xing and the others were slightly relieved. Then, Ning Yi smiled and said, "Everyone has their own nature. They have their own temperament, their own thoughts, and their own views. We, the Little Canghe River, have rebelled. In the big picture, we are a family. However, even if we are a family, there will always be people who you can talk to and who you are closer to. This is human. We have to overcome some of our weaknesses, but we can't say that we can destroy our natural instincts. "
"Admit its objectivity and form a group. It will be beneficial for your future studies and work. If you have any ideas, if you have any good ideas, discuss them with people who are close to you and you can talk to them. It's naturally better than discussing them with others. On the other hand, it must be noted that we have only been here for half a year. If you have your own ideas and your own views, it means that we have not been lifeless for the past half a year. Moreover, you did not form these associations because of some random idea. It is for what you think is important. You sincerely hope that you can become more outstanding. This is also a good thing. But — I am going to say but. "
Everyone sat up straight and still. Ning Yi did not stop them from being serious. His gaze became a little more serious.
"But! Confucianism says that a gentleman is in a group but not in a group. A villain is in a group but not in a group. Why are villains in a group but not in a group? It is because they form a clique for their own selfish interests. A group will appear because it will indeed bring many benefits. However, it will also cause problems because of the laws of human nature. There will always be areas that we neglect and do not pay attention to, causing problems to appear again and again. "
As he said this, a voice sounded out in the room. It was Chen Xing, the founder of the Mo Group, who had been sitting at the back. He raised his hand and stood up. "Mister Ning, we formed the Mo Group because of the ideals in our hearts and not because of selfishness. In the future, if we appear …"
"Don't say anything." Ning Yi waved his hand. "No one can doubt your sincerity. Like I said, everyone in this room is an outstanding person. But I have seen many people who are equally outstanding. "
"Just like Cai Jing, Tong Guan, Qin Hui, and many other people I've met in the imperial court. They are the most outstanding of all. Do you think Cai Jing is a powerful minister or a treacherous minister? That Tong Guan is an incompetent prince? None of them. Cai Jing's clique has disciples all over the world. Going back to fifty years ago, when Cai Jing first entered the officialdom, I believe he had an ideal in his heart. He had a much brighter vision than all of you, and was also much more forward-looking. Why did every high official in the capital and the court end up like this? They are powerless when they do good, and they form cliques when they do bad. If you say that they wanted to be bad officials from the start, absolutely! Not a single one. "
"If you say that you are abusing your power for personal gain, many people will be able to reject it if it is placed in front of them. I will give you 10 taels of silver to help me with something. You can reject it resolutely and decisively, but every single one of you, even now, Zhuo Xiaofeng, let me ask you. If you have a relative who wants to join the Euphoria Youth League, will you make things difficult for him? Will you at least make things convenient for him? "
Zhuo Xiaofeng nodded slightly.
Ning Yi tilted his head. "It is human nature. If you make things convenient for your relative, he will be more formal. I can't avoid this, and so can all those who have done wrong in the end. Slowly, you will have more friends and relatives around you. They will help you get to the top, and they will come to you for help. Some you will reject, and some you cannot. Real pressure often comes in this form. Even Cai Jing, who has great power in the court, may have gone through this process in the beginning. We need to have this concept in our hearts to raise our guard. "
"That is why I said not to express your stance. Some things are very difficult to face, and I do not want you to be purely impartial. What is the key to this matter? Personally, I think it is to draw a line. " Ning Yi picked up a piece of chalk and drew a clear line on the blackboard. He pointed at it and said, "Let us draw a line first."
"People will slowly break through the bottom line in their hearts, because this line is in their hearts, and they have the final say. So what we need to do is to draw this line clearly. On one hand, it is right to strengthen one's self-cultivation and self-control, but on the other hand, it is very simple. We need a set of rules, and with rules, there will be supervision, and an objective framework. I will not give you this framework, but I hope that a large part of it will come from you. "
Ning Yi smiled, tilted his head slightly, and looked at the golden sunset outside the window. "You are the first batch of people in Little Cang River. We only have a little more than 10,000 people, and together with the tens of thousands of people from Green Wood Stronghold, you are here to scout. Everyone knows that we are not in a good situation now, but if we can get better one day, there will be millions of people outside Little Cang River, and there will be many groups like you. So I think, since you are the first batch of people, can we rely on you and me to discuss and build this framework together? "
"I have some ideas in my mind, but they are not mature yet. I hope that you can also have some ideas. I hope that you can see the mistakes that you might make in the future, and that we can stop this possibility as soon as possible, but at the same time, it will not affect the enthusiasm of these groups. I hope that you will be the most outstanding group in this army, in this valley. You can compete with each other, but you will not exclude others. You can help your companions, and at the same time, you can improve together with your friends and opponents. And at the same time, we have to break the shackles that can restrict it from developing in a bad direction … "
"Regarding this matter, if anyone has any ideas or opinions, you can tell me now …"
…
The sun was slanting to the west, and there was an occasional wind blowing from the valley, ruffling the treetops. The voices in the room were more cautious, and they were much slower than before. Not long after, the young people came out of the classroom. There was doubt, excitement, and a faint determination in their eyes.
Previously, they had either followed the Sage Duke or Ning Yi to rebel, but they did not rely on a clear plan of action, just some muddled ideas. However, after being in Little Cang River for so long, these relatively intelligent young people had more or less established an idea in their minds. It was something that Ning Yi had instilled in them during their daily conversations: We must not be like the Wu dynasty in the future.
With this clear concept, Ning Yi was able to analyze some problems with the others and find some solutions with them. Of course, it was also because they were young and energetic that Ning Yi was able to make such an attempt. He imparted basic concepts such as the separation of powers into their minds, hoping that after their exploration, there would be some germination.
This process might last for a very long time. But if it was just a simple gift, it would be meaningless.
He walked out of the room and watched the young people walk away. The setting sun had already turned red. Chen Xing and the others who were walking beside him were vaguely saying, "We can reduce our food intake by half..." What Ning Yi had said that afternoon was worth pondering, but at the same time, it was also a kind of encouragement for the crowd. Since Ning Yi had acknowledged their legitimacy, they also hoped that they could do something outstanding.
The crowd walked to one end of the valley. Ning Yi stood there for a while and then walked to the mountain beside the valley with Chen Fan. He was busy with work every day, so his time was very precious. During dinner, he met with a few managers in the valley, and when night fell, he was presented with many documents and documents.
He worked like this for more than two hours. The valley in the distance was lit up by torches, and the night sky was filled with twinkling stars. A young man named Little Black walked in and said, "The envoy from Western Xia is tired of staying here. He said that he will leave tomorrow. General Qin asked me to ask if you want to see him."
Ning Yi thought for a while and said, "Then tell him to come."
The envoy sent by Western Xia to Little Cang River was called Lin Houxuan, and his Western Xia name was Qu Nuze. He had been waiting for three days since he arrived at Little Cang River.
The purpose of the Xixia people coming here was very simple, to lobby and ask them to surrender. Now that they had the upper hand, even though they had promised a lot of rewards, the core of asking all the Canghe people to surrender was still the same. After Ning Yi understood a little bit, he casually arranged a few people to entertain the other party. They would walk around and have fun, but they would not meet him.
But of course, it would be rude not to meet him all the time.
When Little Black went to summon the envoy from Western Xia, the residential area of Little Cang River was also quite lively. There had been no rain in the past two days. With the square as the center, the road and the ground around it had gradually become muddy. A group of children in the valley were running back and forth on the street. There was no market like the outside world in the small valley under military management. But on one side of the square, there were two small shops that supplied all kinds of things to the outside world. It was for the convenience of the refugees and many families in the army who came to the valley in winter.
On one side of the square, there were several small venues for storytelling and opera performances. The functions of the venues were different. One was for performing all kinds of plays, another was for entertainment including acrobatics and magic, and the last one was for storytellers to report all kinds of news from the outside world. There were three times of reporting, morning, afternoon, and evening. From time to time, some comments written by Ning Yi and the others would be added.
The Female Zhenren withdrew from Bianliang and kidnapped more than 100,000 people. Many tragedies were happening along the way. All kinds of things happening to the north of the Yellow River. The Western Xia people advancing outside Mount Heng and the encounters of many people. This kind of talk, which was similar to the news in the future, was the most common thing for the people in the valley to listen to. After listening to it, some people were filled with righteous indignation, some frowned anxiously, and some lowered their heads to discuss. Sometimes, if young people like Chen Xing were here, they would follow the current situation and give a small speech. People would loudly curse the incompetent imperial court of the Wu dynasty and so on.
Because of the existence of these places, some emotions such as the sense of urgency and nervousness were constantly being nurtured inside the Little Cang River. From time to time, the progress of the construction in the valley would be announced, and news from the outside world would come from time to time. In many ways, it proved that everyone was working hard. Some people were inside the valley, and some people were outside the valley. Everyone was working hard to solve the problems that the Little Cang River was facing.
In a wooden house not far from the square, the room was brightly lit by the firelight. Zhuo Xiaofeng was writing something in his notebook with a frown. Not far from him, some young people were chattering around a simple map. Although their voices were not loud, it was quite lively.
"... According to the current situation, the Western Xia people have already advanced to Qingzhou, and it will only be a few days before they take over the city of Qingzhou. Once this happens, the road to the west will be in chaos. If that happens, it will be even more difficult for us to solve the food problem through commerce... "
"Little Brother Feng went out to contact Lin Fuguang, Steward Lin. Let's not talk about the fact that Lin Fuguang is currently wavering. Even if Lin Fuguang is willing to help, the road to the west may not be smooth. You see, once the Xixia people occupy this side …"
"I don't think there is any hope for the road to the north. I don't understand the Venerable Lady's attitude at all. The situation outside changes three times a day. How can we do business without stability..."
"You can't do it because we don't know how to do business. But can Mister Ning be like you and me..."
"Don't quarrel. If you can't figure it out, think about it more. If we can keep up with Mister Ning's thinking, it will be good for us in the future."
"If we can't do it, we can just kill our way back to the Miao Stockade Village. There is still a way..."
"You have no ambition. Let me see, isn't there another side? In the Wu dynasty, those big landlords on the north side of the Yellow River used to store a lot of food. If the Venerable Lady comes to kill them again, they will definitely run out of food. But now, there is still some left... "
"Those big families are all officials and scholars. If they want to cooperate with us, I think they would rather rely on the Venerable Lady..."
The air was slightly stuffy. In the midst of the chatter, the hottest and most urgent topic in Little Canghe was the food problem. Ning Yi had previously chosen this location to connect with the Green Wood Stronghold and eventually establish a business in this land of four wars. Many people had heard of this idea, but it sounded reasonable. But when they thought about it, it was really difficult. At least until now, even the people around Zhuo Xiaofeng only had confidence in this plan because of Ning Yi himself.
Although we can't think of it, who knows when Mister Ning will find a way?
After all, this was not the first time something like this had happened.
Perhaps it was because of the anxiety in their hearts, or because of the invisible external pressure, on such a night, there were many people secretly discussing and worrying about the food problem in the valley. If it were not for the Wu Ruiying Camp, the Takeshi Army, and the other departments having a certain degree of confidence in each other, such anxiety alone could crush the entire rebel army system.
While everyone was discussing, Lin Houxuan, the envoy of Western Xia, met Ning Yi and brought up the matter directly.
"Before coming here, I knew that Mister Ning had a creative idea about the business. Now that the food here has begun to be scarce, I admire you for hoping to open up the trade route to get food. However, the situation outside the mountain has changed. The Wu dynasty has declined, and our Western Xia has come to the south. It is an act of heaven, and no one can stop it. Our Majesty respects Mister Ning's ability. Since you have killed the king of the Wu dynasty, this place can no longer tolerate you. As long as you submit to our Western Xia, all the problems you face will be easily solved. Our Majesty has already drafted the conditions in advance. As long as you nod, tens of thousands of meters of rice, pigs, sheep … "
In the room in the small courtyard, the light was not too bright. Lin Houxuan was a middle-aged man in his thirties. He had a dignified appearance and was fluent in Mandarin. He was probably from an illustrious family in Western Xia. His words had a calming power. After asking him to sit down, Ning Yi made tea for him by the tea table. Lin Houxuan took this opportunity to speak with confidence. But at this point, Ning Yi raised his hand slightly. "Please have some tea."
Lin Houxuan cupped his hands, picked up the teacup, and took a sip. From the moment he entered the door, he had been carefully sizing up the young man opposite him who had killed the king of the Wu dynasty. The other was young, but the look in his eyes was calm. His movements were simple, neat, and powerful. Apart from this, Lin Houxuan couldn't see how the other was different from ordinary people. But after the tea was served and the other put down the teacup, Ning Yi said, "I won't agree."
Lin Houxuan originally wanted to continue speaking, but now he paused. He also hadn't expected that the other would refuse so straightforwardly. "Mister Ning … could it be that you want to hang on to your last breath? Or perhaps you want to tell this humble official that everything is safe and sound in these mountains. Even if you stay here for ten years, you won't starve to death? "
The other shook his head and poured him a cup of tea. "I know what you want to say. A conversation between countries and places shouldn't be carried out on impulse. I only considered the bottom line of both sides. I know that there is no possibility of discussion, so I ask you to go back and tell your king that I don't agree to his conditions. Of course, if your country wants to open up a few trade routes through us, we are very welcome. But it seems that there is no possibility. "
Ning Yi spoke of this matter calmly. Although it was a simple matter, with just one sentence, he had practically blocked off all paths of escape. Lin Houxuan frowned. If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he would have thought that this strange fellow, who was less than thirty years old and had killed an emperor in a fit of rage, was acting on impulse. But in his eyes, the other party didn't seem to be acting irrationally at all.
He thought about the many possibilities, and finally gulped, "Then … Mister Ning, what else do you want me to say when you called me here?"
"For politeness."
"Hmm?"
"You've been here for several days, representing the king of a country, and you want to see me. I know that there is no need to talk, and I have other matters at hand, so I refused. But you are leaving, and I can't leave without seeing you. That would be impolite. "
Lin Houxuan was stunned for a long time. "Mister Ning, do you know that there is an alliance between our country and the Jin people during the Western Xia's invasion of the south?"
In the dim light, he saw the man in front of him slightly raise his eyebrows, indicating for him to continue, but still appeared calm.
"Our Majesty and the special envoy of Marshal Zong Han personally discussed the plan to conquer the Wu dynasty in the south." He cupped his hands and said in a clear voice, "I know that Mister Ning has relations with the Green Wood Stronghold of Luliang Mountain. The Green Wood Stronghold not only has business with the south, but also with the nobles of the Jin people in the north. But now, it is the great general of the Jin who is guarding the Yan Gate. Mister Ning, if we control the northwest and the Jurchens cut off the north, do you think there is a chance that the Little Cang River will survive?"
Ning Yi opened his mouth and wanted to say something, but Lin Houxuan didn't wait for him to speak and continued, "Our Majesty is not willing to do such a thing. His Majesty is a genius, wise and martial, and knows heroes and values heroes. His Majesty values Mister Ning as a hero of the present age, and he also values the people in this valley as brave people. Does Mister Ning want to see them slowly starve to death? "
Ning Yi looked at him and smiled. That gaze made Lin Houxuan extremely uncomfortable because Ning Yi acted as if he was looking at a junior. Then Lin Houxuan saw Ning Yi stand up and raise his hand, "This plan will not change. Envoy Lin, please go back."
Lin Houxuan was stunned for a long time this time, "Mister Ning, why? I don't understand."
"The people of China do not surrender to foreign countries. This plan will not change."
"Ah?"
"Please." Ning Yi calmly raised his hand.
...
"Then... forgive me for being blunt, but if Mister Ning really refuses this plan, we will not only cut off the trade route between the Little Cang River and the Green Wood Stronghold. At the beginning of this year, the score between the 300 elite troops and Mister Ning's men will not be settled in this way. Mister Ning, have you thought about this matter? "
"Please."
...
In the light, Lin Houxuan's face was slightly red. At the same time, the sound of a child crying came from a room not far away.
*****
After leaving the small courtyard where Ning Yi stayed, Lin Houxuan's head and face were still hot. He knew that this task could not be successful, but he still did not understand why.
This was not because he did not understand Ning Yi's refusal. It was not uncommon for people of the Central Plains to be entangled in the name of Huaxia, and they would rather die than surrender to foreign countries. At least, there were many people who were willing to die before the saber was cut down. He just did not understand what he had missed.
The calm attitude of the other party did not make it seem that they were talking about a matter of life and death. Lin Houxuan was born in a noble family of Xixia, and he had seen many big shots who did not move even if Mount Tai collapsed in front of them, or fierce generals who had been on the battlefield for a long time and regarded life and death as nothing. However, in the face of such a crisis, if he could still remain calm after blocking the way out, then he was nothing but a lunatic.
Unless he did not think that it was a dead end.
What did he miss?
With full of doubts, he looked back at the small courtyard on the hillside not far away, which was lit with a warm yellow light. Then, he looked at the relatively lively residential area not far away, and further away was the reservoir surrounded by sparse lights. The spirits in this valley were different. They were warriors that His Majesty would like and could use, but they were indeed on the verge of a crisis...
He walked all the way back to his resting place. After meeting with several attendants, he asked someone to take out the map and read it over and over again. The situation in the north, the situation in the west... What big changes had taken place in the situation outside the mountain in the past two days? Or was there an unimaginable amount of food stored in the Green Wood Stronghold? Even if they did not have a food problem, how could they not be worried about the declaration of war? Was it a bluff, or did they want more promises and benefits from him?
Like many other people, at this moment, Lin Houxuan also could not figure out the solution to the dilemma of Little Canghe. The situation in the world had reached a critical moment, and it was not easy for any force to survive. They had to use all their skills. This small army in the mountain was obviously facing such a big problem, but as the leader, how could he be so reckless?
For a moment, he thought of Ning Yi's rumored reputation as an inner demon and doubted his own judgment. By the time he left Little Canghe the next day, his mood had turned into complete frustration and hostility.
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
