Yang Ling pointed at the tomato seedlings and gestured at the shape of the fruit. He described its color and taste vividly, causing Sheridan and Yutang Chun to drool with desire. Han Youniang, Cui Ying 'er and the others also listened with interest.
A sneer and murderous intent flashed across Yang Ling's lips. They did not escape Cheng Qiyun, who was standing to the side and playing with a few pieces of sweet potato seedlings. She inched closer to Yang Ling and said with a smile, "Sir, Madam is pregnant and it is stuffy here. Let's go back."
Yang Ling said, "Ah, I was too excited and forgot. Haha, let's go up." He considerately held Young-niang and said as they walked out, "Since Brother Yang and Madam are the leaders of the caravan and have traveled extensively, you will definitely have a chance to come to the capital again. When you come to the capital next autumn, you will see mountains of sweet potatoes, potatoes, and golden ears of corn. The year after that, these things can be planted everywhere in Ming Destiny.
The common people are suffering, but in such a big Ming Dynasty, there are tens of millions of common people. If it was anyone else, it would not be possible to have adequate food and clothing in a short period of time. These crops are several times more productive than before, and can save many people from starvation. "
He remembered that the internal affairs ministry had used the carriage company to spread the news that the court intended to lift the ban on the sea and allow the people to trade with the outside world. Seeing that Yang Fu and his wife had the ability to buy grain for disaster relief, his caravan must have great power and was a person that could be won over. He said, "Brother Yang's caravan specializes in transporting salt and grain for the big merchants, right? Now some officials are preparing to suggest to the court to lift the ban on the sea and clear the borders. At that time, the trade with the outside world will be opened and the goods transported to all parts of Ming Destiny will be more prosperous. Brother Yang's business will also be rolling in money. "
Hearing this, Yang Hu's murderous intent grew. Of course, he would not be so stupid as to act now. Yang Hu replied with a smile as he secretly examined the environment of the warm cellar. Wu Hanchao said, "It turns out that this is not a groundless rumor. After I went down the mountain, I kept hearing this news from everywhere. It seems that Ming Destiny is finally going to open the sea border after more than a hundred years of forbidding the sea."
The few of them ascended the stairs. Wu Hanchao continued: "Daren is in the imperial court and naturally is more well-informed than us. However, from your tone, those who intend to advise the imperial court to open up the sea border, are they planning to lift the ban on the sea in one fell swoop and open up trading ports everywhere?"
Yang Ling looked at him strangely and asked, "If there aren't many people who oppose it, we naturally have to settle it once and for all. Isn't that good? What is Brother Wu's opinion? "
Wu Hanchao thought for a moment and said, "In my humble opinion, haste makes waste. Now that the sea bandits were still rampant, the first thing they had to do was to eradicate the pirates. However, even those mountain bandits who occupied the mountains and ruled themselves as kings were not something that could be eradicated in a short period of time, let alone in the boundless sea. Moreover, the navy of Ming Destiny was not good at sea battles. They had to train an elite force, and this could not be done in a short period of time.
Moreover, Ming Destiny only had one port to receive the envoys from the various countries. If the coast was opened up overnight and all the ports were set up in a hurry, there would be no capable officials who knew how to govern the sea, no established rules and regulations. Once there was a profit to be made, the aristocrats from all over the country would definitely intervene. Once the government's governance was corrupted, the people would suffer, and the foreign merchants would flee. Even the best national policy would become a cruel law that harms the people.
Governing a great country was like cooking a small dish. Even if it was beneficial to the people, if the fire was too hot, a good dish would be burnt. It was better to open up two or three ports first. This way, the imperial court would be able to supervise and at the same time wipe out the pirates on the sea.
When the sea bandits could no longer cause harm in large numbers, the imperial court would also have the experience of trading in the sea. With the fact that the local tax officials and the people would benefit from it, all the places would definitely respond. At that time, the ban could be lifted in one go. "
After he finished speaking, he saw that Yang Ling had stopped in his tracks. Looking at him in a daze, he unconsciously stopped as well. He said embarrassedly, "I … I am stupid and said it out loud. My words are rather childish and I have embarrassed myself in front of you."
Yang Ling gladly shook his head and said, "No, no. Brother Wu has traveled the world and traveled thousands of miles is better than reading thousands of books. Your words are very insightful and Yang Ling is full of admiration. Your father is an official of the imperial court. Brother Wu has learned a lot in both literature and martial arts. I believe you are not willing to be buried in the wilderness? I wonder if you are willing to stay in the capital and serve the imperial court? "
Upon hearing this, Wu Hanchao's face lit up with joy. He hurriedly replied, "I have traveled the world to increase my experience so that one day I can serve the imperial court and make a name for myself. If you think I am capable, I am willing to follow your lead."
It must be known that the Ming Dynasty valued literature and not martial arts. It was not until the eighth year of Tianshun that the Law of Martial Examinations was promulgated. However, there was not a single person who signed up for the examination. In the fourth year of Chenghua, the second examination was held. Only two people passed.
The Emperor of Hongzhi was good at governing the country, but he was not good at martial arts. Because he saw that the military was not strong enough, in the seventeenth year of Hongzhi he set the martial examination to be held once every three years. But in the seventeenth year of Hongzhi there were forty students who passed the examination. Only one of them, Xu Tai, was promoted to the rank of General in two short years. The others were not given important positions.
Next year was the first year of Zhengde. Wu Hanchao originally wanted to obtain an official position through the Martial Examinations. If Yang Ling was willing to appreciate him, it would naturally be a shortcut. Seeing that he had agreed, Yang Ling was also very happy. The party left the warm cellar. Yang Hu secretly memorized the layout of the courtyard of the Yang House. He then thanked Yang Ling and took his leave.
Yang Ling and Young-niang saw Yang Hu and his wife out of the main door. They were about to drag Wu Hanchao to the study for a good chat when they saw Cheng Qiyun standing behind the crowd and winking at him. The corners of his mouth twitched. Yang Ling was startled. Without batting an eyelid, he smiled at Wu Hanchao and said, "Brother Wu, have a good rest. Yang has invited a few colleagues from the inner workings to attend a banquet tomorrow. I would like Brother Wu to attend and introduce you to them."
Although Wu Hanchao had not officially stepped into the officialdom, from the conversation just now, he could already be considered half a member of the court. He hurriedly cupped his hands and said, "Yes, I will listen to Daren's instructions."
When Yang Ling and the crowd of womenfolk arrived at the rear residence, Cheng Qiyun bent her slender waist slightly and curtsied. She said a few words to Yang Ling and Han Youniang before leisurely walking to the side of the reception hall. As she lifted the curtain and walked away, her pair of charming eyes quickly glanced back before she gracefully and gracefully left.
Yang Ling also stood up and said, "Chief Cheng has already bought the land of the surrounding villages. It's still early for dinner. I will go and discuss the various preparations for farming with her."
He glanced at Gao Wenxin and said with a smile, "Don't go back, Wen Xin. Stay here for dinner tonight." As he said this, he said to Yun 'er, "Go and inform Wenlan."
Not to mention the fact that Gao Wenxin and Yang Ling had become sworn sisters, Han Youniang was deeply moved by the fact that Gao Wenxin had cured Yang Ling's illness and allowed her to become pregnant with her husband's flesh and blood. She did not want to leave Gao Wenxin out in the cold. She hurriedly took her hand and said with a smile, "Hubby, go and work. I will return to my room to chat with jiejie."
Yang Ling nodded his head and walked to Cheng Qiyun's room. Once he entered the study, he made a long bow and said, "This one has misunderstood Miss. It is this one's fault and I apologize to Miss. A great person does not remember the offense of a lowly person. Please do not take it to heart."
Cheng Qiyun saw his pretentious pitiful appearance and could not help but burst into laughter. Even though there was still some resentment in her heart, it had dissipated at this moment. She rolled her eyes at Yang Ling and said, "Daren is so humble and submissive. How would this little girl dare to take your offense to heart?"
Yang Ling stood up and purposely let out a long breath, saying, "Then I am relieved. I had thought that Miss had called me over to denounce me."
Cheng Qiyun humphed as if she was angry and happy at the same time. Following that, her expression became serious and she asked in a light voice, "Does Daren know the background of Yang Fu and his wife?"
Yang Ling heard the hidden meaning behind her words and could not help but ask in puzzlement, "This couple's martial arts are very high. Liu Qianhu once had suspicions about the identity of that Madame Yang. Why does Miss Cheng also suspect that they are not from the horse caravan?"
Cheng Qiyun shook her head lightly and said, "Yes, they are from the horse caravan. In the world, there are the most horse caravans in Gansu, but the largest branch of the horse caravan in the north is this couple."
Yang Ling gave a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "That is it. The horse caravan roams the jianghu and helps people to transport goods. They have the two identities of a horse carriage company and an escort agency. Naturally, they must have good martial arts."
Cheng Qiyun sat down leisurely and said with a light smile, "Yes, so there is no problem on this point. If Daren were to send someone to investigate their identity, household records, and travel permits, there would still be no problem. However, this lowly official happens to know of their other identity."
Yang Ling's gaze focused and he also sat down opposite her. He asked, "What identity?"
Cheng Qiyun enunciated each word clearly, "Jiang, Yang, Bandit!"
Yang Ling glanced at her and muttered, "Strange, it seems that there is nothing in the world that you do not know. Even the officials do not know their identity, but you know?"
Cheng Qiyun admired his expression but did not dare to say that she knew the ins and outs of the information. This man was good in all aspects, except that he was slightly petty. If he knew that she was hiding something from him, wouldn't he trust her even less in the future?
Cheng Qiyun smiled sweetly and said, "The black and white are like fire and water. In this world, some people live in the light and some live in the dark. Daren is high up in the court and naturally does not know the matters of these three religions and nine schools.
This lowly official does not know what they look like, but this lowly official knows that there is a husband and wife. On the surface, the two are working with horse caravans, but in the dark, they are bandits. Also, they are running all over the place to contact people and attempt to rebel. The husband's surname is Yang, and the wife's surname is Cui. They have astounding skills and are about the same age as them. If it was Daren, would you still see them as good citizens? "
Yang Ling's eyes flashed and he stared at Cheng Qiyun for a long time without saying a word. Cheng Qiyun continued, "Just now in the warm cellar, when Daren was praising the crops, this lowly official saw that Yang Fu look at Daren with murderous intent. This lowly official is confident that I have the eyesight to not be wrong."
Yang Ling said in a low voice, "This official and Madame Yang met purely by chance. Yang Quan and his nephew coming to the capital to find me was also an impromptu idea. Yang Fu would not have made preparations and wanted to use them to get close to me. If the bandits intend to rebel, they should stay further away from the court. If your guess is correct, why did the husband and wife come to the capital? "
Cheng Qiyun rolled her eyes at him and said, "This lowly official is not a living immortal, how would I know? I think that they would not be crazy to think that by entering the capital and killing the Emperor, they would be able to rule the world. Besides, no matter how good their martial arts are, how could they break into the Forbidden City? This lowly official can't guess what they came to the capital for, but in the warm cellar, Yang Fu's sudden murderous intent towards Daren is absolutely not wrong. "
She frowned her charming eyebrows and played with the pen, whispering to herself, "If I were Yang Hu, the bandit who is planning to rebel, and have the opportunity to get to know Daren, I would definitely try to make friends with you. You are a high-ranking official of the court. Learning more about the court from you will definitely be helpful to my great cause."
She threw down the brush, stood up, and paced slowly in the room with her hands behind her back. She seemed to have put herself in the shoes of Yang Hu, who was trying to rebel. She thought hard and said, "But I originally entered the Yang House to make friends with you. Why did I suddenly have murderous intent? You did not flirt with my wife … "
Hearing the last sentence, Yang Ling couldn't help but feel angry and amused. He was about to reply when Cheng Qiyun's eyes suddenly brightened. She clapped her hands and said, "I got it, I got it. If it were me, I would also kill you!"
Yang Ling was startled and hurriedly asked, "Kill me? What's the reason? "
Cheng Qiyun's eyes shone brightly. She looked at him excitedly and said, "Those crops, you said that once they are widely planted, they can save many people from starvation and cold!"
With a 'sinister' smile, she said, "To seize the world, one must first win over the hearts of the people. If the people can fill their stomachs, who would be willing to rebel with me? If it were me, I wouldn't stop. Not only would I kill you, I would also destroy those crops to prevent future troubles! "
When she said this, her gaze met with Yang Ling's, and the two of them were frozen in place. After a long while, Cheng Qiyun finally woke up from her excitement. Her face became hot, and she said with embarrassment, "I … I said that Yang Hu wants to kill you, not that I want to kill you."
Yang Ling slowly stood up and let out a long breath. He turned around and walked out. Cheng Qiyun said in panic, "Daren … where are you going?"
Yang Ling stopped in his tracks and said, "It's better to be safe than sorry. I just told them that after the new year, I'll get people to bring the grain seeds to various places. If they really are the pair of bandits you spoke of, they'll make their move in a couple of days. I will send people up the mountain to summon Liu Biao and Yang Yiqing down. Wait for me here. "
※ ※ ※
Yang Hu and Cui Ying 'er walked side by side, each thinking about their own things. When they were about to turn into the official road out of the village, Cui Ying 'er suddenly said to Yang Hu, "Brother Hu …"
Yang Hu's eyes flickered. It was unknown what he was thinking about, and he did not respond for a moment. Cui Ying 'er's wrist shook, and the horsewhip cracked in the air. She called out, "Yang Hu!"
Yang Ling was stunned for a moment. He turned around and said, "Hmm? Oh … what's the matter? "
Cui Ying 'er kicked the horse's abdomen and brought it closer. She said to him, "Say … if it is really as Mr Yang said, that the people can eat their fill, and then punish those illegal officials, open the sea to trade, can the country really become rich and the people strong?"
Yang Hu sneered, "Haven't you suffered enough as an official of Ming Destiny? Why did the old man occupy the mountain and become a king? Wasn't it forced by the imperial court? They are willing to do good things for the people unless the sun rises from the west. If they want the people to live a good life, they have to overthrow the imperial court and rebuild the world! "
Cui Ying 'er frowned and sighed softly, "I suddenly feel that we are thinking too simply. Even if you sit in the Dragon Court, will the people have food to eat and clothes to wear? Look at what they said just now. The imperial court wants to lift the ban on trade. It is obviously a good thing, but we can't rush it. They are scholars, and what they say must have their reasons. You and I are good at fighting and killing, but is it really that easy to govern the world? "
Yang Hu said heroically, "What's so difficult about it? If we conquer the world, there will naturally be scholars who will come to us. Didn't Zhu Yuanzhang, a little monk and a cowherd, still rule the world? Haha, just you wait. Your husband is almost done preparing. When the time comes, I will rise up. When that time comes, I will sit in the Dragon Court, and you will be my Queen of Big Feet. "
Cui Ying 'er raised her eyebrows and raised her horsewhip, but it landed lightly on his shoulder. She said with an annoyed smile, "What nonsense are you talking about? Are my feet that big?"
Yang Hu laughed. Seeing that Cui Ying 'er was smiling without anger, he took the opportunity to say, "Ying' er, when we go back, I will gather people. You and I will make our move tonight …" He lowered his voice and slammed his palm down. He said, "You keep that Wu person busy. I will bring people to kill Yang Ling's family and destroy that warm cellar."
Cui Ying 'er was shocked, and her beautiful eyes widened in surprise. She said, "What did you say? I think that Yang Ling is a good official. Why should we kill him? "
Yang Hu said, "My wife, we are about to rise up. What if that Yang Ling's crops from the West really have a high yield and good harvest? The people who are willing to risk their lives with us will definitely be reduced by more than half. Can you still be the Queen of the world? "
Cui Ying 'er was shocked and angry. She said, "What are you talking about? Why do we want to rebel? If he can really let the people in our hometown eat their fill, why do we want to rebel? Aren't we all forced up the mountain by those officials who don't treat the people as human beings? If those crops are really good stuff, how can we do things that let the farmers down? "
Seeing this, Yang Hu hurriedly smiled apologetically and changed his words. He said, "I think he is talking nonsense. How can those things be so useful? How can we let him bewitch the people and ruin our big plan? "
Cui Ying 'er said disapprovingly, "So what? Whether what he said is true or not, we will know in less than a year. "
Yang Hu said, "But if we can succeed in our mission to the capital this time, we will have to raise the army in less than a year. Besides … father-in-law has taken out his life savings to recruit soldiers and buy horses. We can't let the old man down. If we succeed early and let the old man become the father-in-law of the country …"
Cui Ying 'er's pretty face darkened. She said angrily, "I don't agree! What reason is that? We are talking about enforcing justice on behalf of heaven, not for our own glory and splendor. Besides, he is a big official in the imperial court. If we kill him, the imperial court will definitely be alerted. Although that person said that he has arranged a spy, I'm afraid he won't be able to catch that big fish. You better know your place! "
Yang Hu had always been henpecked. Seeing her firm tone, he quickly smiled and said, "Okay, okay, I will listen to my wife. We will do what you say!"
* * *
Yang Ling sent people up the mountain to call Liu Biao and Yang Yiqing down. These two Qianhu were in charge of the Inner Faction's prison force. Each of them controlled a carefully selected elite force. Yang Ling and Cheng Qiyun went to the study in the central hall to drink tea. After waiting for a while, the two hurried down the mountain.
Yang Ling saw that Wu Jie also came down the mountain. He couldn't help but be surprised. He quickly stood up and greeted, "Even Old Wu is alarmed?"
Wu Jie said with a smile, "I have another important matter to report to Sir."
Yang Ling gestured for Liu and Yang to sit down. He asked Wu Jie, "What important matter would trouble Old Wu to come down the mountain personally?"
Wu Jie stopped smiling. Seeing that there were only Cheng Qiyun and Liu Yang in the room, both of whom were Yang Ling's trusted aides, he said, "Sir, the Duoyan Guards have sent back news."
Yang Ling was overjoyed. He quickly asked, "Did he see Hua Dang? What did he say? "
Wu Jie sighed softly and said, "Sir, our people saw Hua Dang and told them about the conditions offered by the imperial court. The Duoyan Guards are having a hard time now. They are tempted by such generous conditions, but …"
Yang Ling said anxiously, "But what?"
Wu Jie said helplessly, "But … since Li Hao killed thousands of people in the Duoyan Guards' trade market, the noble chiefs of the Duoyan Guards have a deep grudge against Ming Destiny. They said that Ming Destiny, a dignified commander-in-chief, could do such a treacherous thing. They don't trust the messengers we sent. They must wait for Ming Destiny, the Emperor, to personally agree to cooperate with us."
Yang Ling said with a smile, "What's so difficult about that? Reply to them and ask them to send messengers. His Majesty will definitely meet them and personally appease them. "
Wu Jie said with a wry smile, "Sir, the Duoyan Guards have always been favorable between the Tartars and Ming Destiny. Although these people are brave and good at fighting, they know how to use the opportunity to bargain better than the most cunning merchants. Now we are the ones who need their help. Once they trade with us and restrain the Tartars, they will risk breaking off their relationship with the Duoyan Guards. Hua Dang alone can't make the decision.
Our people waited there for five days. The chiefs of the tribes of the Duoyan Guards quarreled. Some agreed, some opposed, and some tried to smooth things over. In the end, Hua Dang decided to accept Ming Destiny's conditions, but … "
Wu Jie glanced at Yang Ling and summoned up his courage to say, "He asked the Emperor to meet with him and the three tribal chiefs elected by the Duoyan Guards. They will offer sacrifices to the heavens and the earth and make an oath of blood. Only then will they be willing to obey the imperial court, trade with Ming Destiny, restrain the Tartars, and provide warhorses in the Hetao area at a fair price."
Yang Ling was stunned. He hesitated for a while and said, "This … Hua Dang and the three tribal chiefs want to see the Emperor? I think … they will not come to the capital to see the Emperor. "
Wu Jie laughed dryly and said in a low voice, "Uh … yes, the Duoyan Guards are worried that the imperial court will take the opportunity to take the four tribal chiefs hostage, so … they want to meet the Emperor on Mount Baishan, which is ten miles outside Datong City."
Yang Ling was also stunned. He knew that the Duoyan Guards were not deliberately making things difficult for the Emperor. They were really afraid of being fooled by Ming Destiny. These tribal chiefs would not understand that they could go to any place on the grassland at will, and it was extremely difficult for the Emperor to leave the Forbidden City. How could the Emperor of the Celestial Empire leave the capital and come to Mount Baishan to meet the tribal chiefs? How could that be possible!
Yang Ling was stunned for a while before he said, "Send someone to contact them. I or the Grand Secretary of the imperial court can go with the Emperor's imperial edict to show our sincerity. The Emperor of Ming Destiny really cannot leave the capital." Wu Jie sighed, "I have said it.
Hua Dang wanted to agree. After all, he is the leader of the Duoyan Guards, and many of the people of the Duoyan Guards have died of cold and hunger this winter. He is eager to accept the assistance of Ming Destiny, but more than half of the tribal chiefs of the Duoyan nobles do not agree. They said … trading with Ming Destiny is also the order of the Emperor of Ming Destiny. Li Hao is a second-rank official of Ming Destiny and the highest military officer. Unless they see the Emperor of Ming Destiny, they will not cooperate with Ming Destiny. "
Yang Ling paced around the room for a while and waved his hand, saying, "Forget it. Let me see the Emperor first. If there is no other way, I will ask the Emperor to send a member of the royal family. You want the Emperor to see him? How is that possible? "
Wu Jie replied, "Yes, Yang Yiqing and Wang Shouren have already arrived at Datong. I don't know what they are up to, but they suddenly stopped all activities. Once the Tartars retreat, they will immediately move out in full force. The Light Cavalry will not let them go. When the Tartars counterattack, they will immediately retreat into the city and not come out. Both sides are in a stalemate, and the situation is not urgent at this moment."
Yang Ling found it a little funny when he heard this. If the Tartars were Zhang Fei, facing such a situation, he would probably shout outside Datong, "Why not fight and why not retreat!"
He also could not figure out what the two of them were up to. Since the war was not urgent, he did not have the time to ask more questions. He nodded and turned to Liu Biao and Yang Yiqing, saying, "I called you here today because I am afraid that I will be in trouble, but it may just be a false alarm …"
Yang Ling said, "It is nearing the end of the year. I originally wanted to let my brothers have a relaxing holiday, but I am afraid I will have to trouble them this time."
Liu Biao said with a smile, "Soldiers are trained for a thousand days to be used in a single day. When these fellows are in our inner faction, which day does it not look like a holiday? If Daren has any orders, please let me know. The elite soldiers that Yiqing and I have trained have not had the opportunity to serve. "
Yang Ling smiled and said, "Good. After these busy days, reward each brother with five taels of silver and give them a long holiday."
He walked to the back of the table and sat down, saying, "Recently, a group of horse caravans came to the capital. They have legal official permits, and there are no local people who know them. Unless they are not guilty, I am afraid there is no way to investigate them. However, I still ask Chief Cheng to explain the details to Elder Wu and send a few capable and capable men to investigate. Be careful not to alarm them. "
He stretched out a finger and drew a circle on the table, saying, "Liu Biao, Yiqing, this is Old Gao Village. Our inner faction has been painstakingly managing this place. Elder Wu has set up many open and hidden posts inside and outside the village. You can use these places and have your elite soldiers set up day and night."
Yang Ling smiled and looked at Cheng Qiyun, saying, "If our female Zhuge's prediction is correct, there will be uninvited guests arriving in the next few days. At that time, I will ask you to treat them well on my behalf!"
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