When it was close to the end of the year, it snowed on the Chengdu plains.
The white snow covered everything. On the land that was often covered by clouds, the falling snow was like a soft white blanket. On the eve of the Little New Year, Zhuo Yongqing took a leave of absence to return to the mountains. When he passed by Jia Ding, he prepared to bring some food to the sisters, He Ying and He Xiu, whose father was killed by the Chinese army.
In November, the situation in the Chengdu plains had stabilized. Zhuo Yongqing frequently traveled between the two places and visited them a few times. At first, the shrewish sister, He Ying, always tried to chase him out. Zhuo Yongqing would throw the food over the wall. After both parties became acquainted, He Ying did not chase him away anymore. Her tone was cold and hard. The other party did not understand why the Chinese army kept visiting them. Zhuo Yongqing did not explain it clearly.
This time, the situation became strange. When He Ying saw him, he slammed the door shut. Zhuo Yongqing originally placed the bag of food behind him. He wanted to say a few words to ease the awkwardness before offering the food. At this moment, he was puzzled. After a while, he heard a voice coming from inside.
"Leave. Shameless thing … "
"What …"
"Leave! Shameless! "
Perhaps it was because He Ying did not want to be seen by too many people. He Ying suppressed his voice but his tone was filled with extreme disgust. Zhuo Yongqing frowned. "What … what shameless? You … what's the matter …"
"Scram! Scram! My whole family would rather die than suffer such humiliation from your Huaxia army! Shameless! "
Zhuo Yongqing took two steps back and looked at the courtyard before turning to leave.
He was not a rash person. He could naturally understand that He Ying's anger towards the Chinese army was because of his father's death. However, this time, it was clearly because of a certain matter. Moreover, this matter might be related to him. Thus, he went to the Jia Ding yamen and found the official in charge of the He family. He was a retired army veteran named Dai Yong. He knew Zhuo Yongqing. Dai Yong had a scar on his face. He glanced at Zhuo Yongqing awkwardly.
Huaxia's military didn't have a large number of administrative officials. Even if they had a certain number, they would have to make do with the 200,000 people in Liangshan when they were spread across the entire Chengdu Plain. Ning Yi had trained a group of people to form the framework of the regional government. Many places were still using injured soldiers. Although the veterans were loyal and reliable and had learned for a period of time, they were still not familiar with the actual situation in the local areas. They also had to work with some local people. Dai Yong's partner, or at least his advisor, was a local middle-aged woman.
This woman usually worked as a matchmaker, so she had a wide circle of friends and was very familiar with the local situation. After He Ying and He Xiu's father passed away, the Huaxia army, in order to give an explanation, punished a large number of officers from top to bottom. The so-called leniency and severity at the beginning was to increase the responsibility and distribute it to everyone. As for the company commander who committed the crime, he did not have to bear all the problems alone. He was dismissed from his post, sent to prison, and temporarily retained in the army to atone for his crimes. This could be considered as leaving an opening.
After such a serious punishment, it was a good explanation to the public. In addition, the Huaxia army didn't cause too many disturbances in other areas. Soon, the Huaxia army recognized the large number of people in Jiading. Under such circumstances, seeing that Zhuo Yongqing often came to the He family, Dai Yong's partner thought himself clever and wanted to go to the He family as a matchmaker, achieving a happy ending and resolving a feud.
In the other party's eyes, Zhuo Yongqing was a great hero who killed Wanyan Loushi. He had a good character and was considered a first-class talent anywhere. He family's He Ying had a fiery temperament and was not bad looking. He could be considered to be climbing up the social ladder. After this woman came to the He family, she beat around the bush and said a few things. He Ying understood the hidden meaning and was so angry that he almost found a kitchen knife to chop her out.
That woman didn't say it earlier because she wanted to find out He Ying's intentions before coming to report to Zhuo Yongqing. She might have secretly wanted to flatter him. Now that she messed things up, she didn't dare to say anything else. Thus, Zhuo Yongqing was embarrassed at the other party's house.
"This, this, this …" Zhuo Yongqing's face turned red. "How could you do such a silly thing …"
"En, yes, yes, yes." Dai Yong touched his nose. "Actually, I also think that this woman is too unreasonable. She didn't tell me beforehand. Actually … no matter what, her father died in our hands. I also think it's very difficult to sleep with her. But, Brother Zhuo, if we think about it, I think it's not completely impossible … I'm not saying to bully people, you have to be sincere … "
"What nonsense, I don't want to sleep with her … I want to marry her …" Zhuo Yongqing was so nervous that he kept blinking. "Hey, I'm not talking about that …"
"Uh …" Dai Yong thought about it. "That Wang family's wife … is not very reliable. But, Brother Zhuo, you're also this kind of person. You know the local area very well and have a way to deal with many things. I can't chase her away because of this … How about I call her over and you scold her …"
"I, you …" Zhuo Yongqing retreated with a conflicted expression. Then he waved his hand and left. "Why would I scold her? I can't be bothered with you …"
"Hey, how about I accompany you to apologize …"
"Don't come, don't give me more trouble!"
Zhuo Yongqing turned and pointed at him, then walked away gloomily.
He walked around the city.
This matter made him feel very conflicted, but it wasn't a big deal. At least, compared to his usual military affairs, how big could a private matter be? He calculated the time that he would be out this time. At most, he would have to leave tomorrow morning. Seeing that there was a misunderstanding, he decided to save some time and return to Liang Mountain or continue to waste time here. After a few rounds, his military style prevailed. He clenched his teeth and stomped his feet before heading towards the He family's residence.
After knocking on the door for a while, it was obvious that someone was peeking out from the crack of the door. Then, the person fastened the door even tighter. He Ying was angry inside but didn't say anything. Zhuo Yongqing took a deep breath, then paused and took another deep breath.
"He Ying, I know you're inside."
"Get lost …"
"I have nothing to say about that Wang family's wife. I don't know anything. Hey, you're a smart person, but why are you so stupid here … Can't you see that I don't know anything?"
"Get lost!"
"Of course, I'm sorry for giving you trouble. It's almost the New Year. Every family will eat meat and wear the auspicious characters. Are you going to endure it? Are you going to endure it while your mother and sister are going to endure it? I'm just doing this out of goodwill. Hua … China's army is doing this out of goodwill. I'm giving you something. What are you thinking … "
"Get lost. What you brought wasn't given by the Chinese army. They gave it to you before …"
"They gave it to you … It's different for you. Our Mister Ning told me to take care of you. Mister Ning …"
"Liar!"
"What liar … You, you just listened to that Aunt Wang, Sister Wang … Call her Aunt Wang or sister-in-law, right?"
"You bastards, you killed my father … and you still want to …" The voice inside was choked with sobs.
"I didn't want to, what do I want to think … Fine, you want to hear the truth. China's army has let you down. Mister Ning also told me that it's the truth! That's right, I have some good feelings towards you … Not you! If I want someone, it will be your sister He Xiu. If I want to marry someone, it will be He Xiu. You always feel that it's an insult to you. You … "
A clattering sound came from the courtyard. Someone had broken a jar. After a while, someone fell. He Ying shouted, "Xiu …" and ran over. Zhuo Yongqing knocked on the door twice. At that moment, he couldn't care too much. He leaped over the wall and entered. The crippled girl, He Xiu, had already fallen to the ground. Her face was dark red. Zhuo Yongqing ran over. "Let me …" He wanted to help but was pushed away by He Ying. "What are you doing!"
"I … I know what to do. She … She's just a little frightened … You …" Zhuo Yongqing wanted to go over but controlled himself. He waved his hands and gave orders to He Ying. He Ying helped his sister up. His mother, who had always been timid and silent, ran out in a panic. They carried her into the room.
The entire incident wasn't too serious. After a while, He Xiu slowly woke up. After taking a few breaths on the bed, she raised her head and saw Zhuo Yongqing at the door. She was so scared that she lowered her head and curled up into a ball. Zhuo Yongqing awkwardly went outside. What was going on? Just as he was sighing, He Ying and He Xiu's mother quietly walked over. "That …"
"Ah … Auntie … You … Good …"
"Young man from the Zhuo family, what you said … What you said, is it true …"
"… Uh …" Zhuo Yongqing scratched his head.
He Ying walked over from behind. He held a bowl in his hand. His voice was extremely low. "You … Are you satisfied? My He family, my He family didn't do anything bad. You spoke without thinking and humiliated my sister … You …"
"What I said is true …"
"You …"
"I said, what I said is true!" Zhuo Yongqing stared at him sternly. "I, I came over again and again just to see He Xiu. Although she didn't speak to me and I didn't say anything, I don't have any ill intentions … She, she is like my savior in the past …"
Hearing Zhuo Yongqing's words, He Ying was speechless. Zhuo Yongqing said, "I, I didn't think of anything else. Don't think that I deliberately humiliated your family. I just wanted to see her … That Wang woman thinks she's smart."
As he spoke, he walked out of the courtyard and brought in a bag of New Year goods. Then he looked at the situation in the courtyard and went to clean up the broken pots under the eaves. This kind of cleaning up should be done by women. He Ying hesitated a few times and did not come over to interfere. But halfway through, he hesitated and asked, "What you said … Is it true?"
"It's up to you to believe it or not."
After finishing, Zhuo Yongqing left the courtyard. When he opened the courtyard door, He Ying seemed to have made up his mind and ran over. "You, you wait."
"Wait for what?" Zhuo Yongqing turned his head.
"What you said is true? You want to … marry my sister … "
"You, don't worry, I don't intend to embarrass your family …"
"If you like He Xiu, bring me your eight characters. I'll find someone to match it for you."
"Uh …"
In the courtyard, He Ying looked at him with a stubborn expression. Zhuo Yongqing was stunned and confused.
On the way back from Jiading, he thought to himself, what is going on …
*****
Zhuo Yongqing and the He sisters had an inexplicable close combat. This New Year's Eve, Ning Yi and his family spent the holidays in a small village 20 li south of Jiading. From a security point of view, cities like Chengdu and Jiading were too big and too messy. The population was large and had not yet stabilized. If trade was completely opened up, the number of Greenwood people and assassins would increase. In the end, Ning Yi chose a deserted village south of Jiading as the temporary residence for the core of the Hua Xia army.
With the arrival of heavy snow, the situation in the southwest was frozen. The Hua Xia army's temporary mission was to move the various departments in an orderly manner. Of course, on New Year's Eve this year, Ning Yi and the others had to return to Hedeng to spend it.
In contrast to the temporary peace in the southwest, news of the war continued to come from the north. In Chengdu and the other cities that had been occupied, the yamen would announce the news every day, which brought a lot of new topics for the people gathered in the teahouses and taverns. Some people had also accepted the existence of the Hua Xia army. Their rule was not bad compared to that of the Wu dynasty. Therefore, while they talked about the generosity and bravery of Prince Jin and the others, they also talked about how the Hua Xia army would fight against the Women Zhenren one day.
During the Wu dynasty, preparations for the New Year's Eve celebration were also being carried out in an orderly manner. Officials from all over the country continuously sent gifts of New Year's Eve, and many people also reported on the critical situation of the world in their annual reports. Jun Wu, who was supposed to arrive in Lin 'an at the beginning of the New Year's Eve, only hurried back to the city on the 27th day of the twelfth month. Zhou Yong praised his diligence. As a father, he was very proud of his son.
However, Zhou Yong still had many doubts about the upcoming war. During the family banquet, Zhou Yong asked several times about the defense situation at the frontline, the preparations for the future war, and the confidence of victory. Jun Wu sincerely introduced the situation of the various armies and said, "Now that the officers and soldiers are risking their lives, the morale of the army is no longer as low as before. In particular, the main forces led by General Yue and General Han are quite capable of fighting against the Women Zhenren. This time, the Women Zhenren has come from thousands of miles away. We have the depth of the Yangtze River waterway, so we still have a fifty-fifty chance of victory."
Zhou Yong was more or less hesitant about this answer. After the family banquet, Zhou Pei complained that her brother was too honest. "Since there's a fifty-fifty chance of victory, there's no harm in saying a few more in front of father. At least tell father that we won't lose. That's enough."
Jun Wu frowned and said, "No matter what, father is the ruler of a country. There are many things that you should understand. As your son, I'll stand in front of them and risk my life. That's enough … How do you judge this fifty-eighty chance? The last time we fought against the Women Zhenren was a few years ago and we lost. Fifty percent is quite a lot. "
Zhou Pei sighed, then nodded, "But little brother, you're the Crown Prince, so it's enough for you to block the way. Don't throw your life away so easily. When it's time to run, you have to protect yourself first. As long as you can make it back, the Wu Dynasty won't lose."
"But how can we win if we don't risk our lives?" Jun Wu said, then smiled. "I know, Royal Sister. Actually, I understand what you're saying. I'll come back alive. When I say risk my life, I mean … I mean … I have to risk my life. You understand, don't you? You don't have to worry about me. "
At the end of the year, the imperial court was peaceful. It was peaceful because there were no internal strife. Two months ago, Zhao Ding's faction and Qin Hui's faction had almost fought each other, but it had been suppressed. After that, Qin Hui accepted his punishment and didn't make any big moves. This harmony made the Spring Festival very warm and lively.
Amidst this peace, Qin Hui fell ill. After recovering from the cold, his body hadn't fully recovered. In just a dozen days, he seemed to have aged more than ten years. One day, he went to the palace to see the emperor and asked to go. Zhou Yong comforted him and gave him a lot of tonics. At one point, Qin Hui knelt in front of Zhou Yong.
"… This sinner is muddle-headed and incompetent. I don't know if I can recover from this crippled body. There are a few things I've said that are my private thoughts … The southwest is in such a mess because of this sinner's mistake. Now, the Women Zhenren have arrived in the north. If the Crown Prince is brave and can defeat them, then the heavens will truly bless the Wu Dynasty. But … Your Majesty is Your Majesty. You still have to … if you can't win … This sinner should die a thousand deaths. I shouldn't have such thoughts in the face of a great war. I'll die a thousand deaths … Your Majesty, please punish me … "
The Wu Dynasty and the scholar-officials ruled the world together. Ministers didn't usually kneel when they went to court. They only knelt when they committed a serious crime. Zhou Yong looked at the old minister kneeling and kowtowing and sighed.
Originally, he was tired of protecting Qin Hui because of his recent troubles. He already had a certain opinion of him. But now, he began to feel guilty. He had promised Qin Hui to attack the southwest with all his might last year, but he had hesitated to do so. Now, it became clear to him.
"Ai …" He stepped forward to help Qin Hui up. "Minister Qin, these are the words of an experienced strategist. We have often heard people say that those who are good at war must not fear defeat and prepare for a rainy day. What crime is there to be guilty of? However, at this time, the Crown Prince is doing his best to prepare for the battle at the frontlines. We have to support him from the rear. Qin Qing is my trusted aide. After she recovers from her illness in a few days, the heavy responsibility of helping me settle this mess should fall on Qin Qing's shoulders … "
He patted Qin Hui on the shoulder. "You can't just go and beg for help. Minister Qin, to tell you the truth, I trust you the most. You have the ability …"
Qin Hui was moved to tears. After a while, he solemnly bowed again. "… This subject will do his utmost until the day I die."
His voice choked with emotion.
The ruler and minister supported and encouraged each other for a while longer. At some point, heavy snow began to fall from the sky again.
The wind and snow continued north all the way to Xuzhou. Luo Ye spent this New Year's Eve on the walls of Xuzhou. Accompanying him in the wind and snow were the millions of hungry ghosts outside Xuzhou.
This was the main force of hungry ghosts led by Wang Shitong. Ever since they learned that the 8,000 Huaxia soldiers had entered Xuzhou, they had been pouring in. They could not attack the city in the snow, so they could only surround the city and die one after another. Compared to the refugees scattered on the outskirts who lacked food and clothing, the hungry ghosts at the center of the city were slightly better off. People who ran out of food could still feed on each other. Thus, it was foreseeable that when spring came, many of these people would still remain.
Looking out from the walls of Xuzhou, it was a hell of cannibalism. There was not much food in Xuzhou, so it was unrealistic to open the gates and provide relief. Every day, Luo Ye looked at the hellish scene outside the city. Many times, the governor who had invited them to Xuzhou, Li Anmao, would also come. He was a son of a large clan who had his heart on the Wu dynasty. He had many common topics with Luo Ye, who had a family background in the capital.
On New Year's Eve, the two of them were drinking on the city walls. Li Anmao spoke of the hungry ghosts surrounding the city. He also spoke of Zong Fu and Zong Bi's armies that might arrive in Xuzhou at the beginning of spring. In reality, Li Anmao's heart was on the Wu dynasty. Asking for help from the Huaxia army was only to drag them into the water. He did not avoid this, and Liu Chengzong, Luo Ye, and the others who had come this time were also well aware of this. Luo Ye held the cup of wine and spilled it on the ground.
"… My family members were either killed or captured by the Zhenren during the Shame of Jingping. Most of them can't be found. Most of these people are mediocre and mediocre, not worth mentioning. It's just that I never thought they would encounter such a thing … I have a younger sister at home. She's cute and obedient, the only person I care about. Right now, she's probably in the north. I've sent my brothers in the army to search for her, but for the time being, there's been no news. I can only hope that she's still alive … "
"As for the Zhenren …"
He said, "Then come."
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