Seeing the situation in the room, Hong Niangzi understood. She shouted coldly, "Let him go and get out!"
Although the two bandits hated Yang Ling to the core, they did not dare to act rashly under the influence of Yang Ling. Anyway, Yang Ling had fallen into their hands, so they were not afraid of him escaping. The two bandits spat heavily at Yang Ling, cupped their hands in obeisance, and walked out.
Yang Ling held his chest and gasped for breath as he stood up. Hong Niangzi glanced at him indifferently, then turned around and walked out. After a while, she came back and handed a bag of water and two steamed buns to Yang Ling. She sat down against the stone wall with her sword in her arms and said, "I'll watch over you here. Rest after eating. Tomorrow morning, write a letter personally and take it to the government office to exchange for your dog life."
Yang Hu had long escaped. If she knew the truth, would he still be able to live? Yang Ling was at his wit's end. He could only take the bag of water and the steamed buns and sit opposite her. He sighed softly and said, "When I first met Madam, you bought food for disaster relief, warm-hearted, and quite chivalrous. Although Yang is in the court, I have never done anything wrong to the people. Why do you want to kill me?"
He wanted to point out the matter of the warm cellar, but he was afraid that the woman would fly into a rage out of humiliation and he would suffer more. He swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue. Cui Ying 'er was speechless. She paused for a moment and then sneered, "I am helping the victims because I am also a poor person and know the pain of starvation and cold. We not only want to kill you, but also all the officials. We want to overthrow this harmful world and rebuild the court. "
Yang Ling sighed and said, "You are helping the people, but you can only let them eat their fill. There are endless natural and man-made disasters, and the people are crying piteously for food. How much money do you have to buy food? When the official warehouse is empty, what will the people of the world eat? You are helping the people of the moment, but I am planning for the long term by introducing those exotic crops.
Don't think that you're the only one who sympathizes with the common people. Although there are malpractices in the world today, the imperial court is not rotten. Many of the officials are worried about the common people. If you want to rebuild the imperial court, how many battles will you have to fight and how many people will die? Why not support the honest and upright officials in the imperial court to reform and get rid of the corrupt officials so that the people could have food to eat, clothes to wear, and land to farm? Besides, do you think you can overthrow this world? "
Red Madame proudly said, "What's so great about soldiers? How many times have our stronghold been destroyed? What can those soldiers do to us? If the men and horses of each mountain and stronghold are gathered together, they will be an elite army that far surpasses the imperial court's. How difficult would it be to conquer the world? "
Yang Ling sneered, "Wishful thinking!"
Cui Ying 'er glared at him. Yang Ling hurriedly continued, "You can make use of the geographical advantage. When the soldiers come to suppress you, you can hide deep in the mountains. You can escape unscathed from the soldiers, so you think you can deal with the thousands of soldiers and horses of the government?
You have traveled all over the world and have seen a lot of things. You should know that Ming Destiny's imperial family is the Zhu family. There are countless people who believe in them. When you are the king of the mountain, it doesn't seem to matter, but if you really want to rebel, how many people will believe you? But the words Ming Destiny's imperial family can be turned into real money, food, swords, spears, and soldiers, and become a force that resolutely supports you. "
Cui Ying 'er sneered and did not say anything. Yang Ling summoned his courage and continued, "You said you want to overthrow the imperial court and rebuild the world. Fine, let me ask you, if you, Red Madame, are the ruler of the world, how will you benefit the common people?"
Cui Ying 'er's eyes lit up and she blurted out, "Of course I will abolish those damn taxes. I will no longer need the common people of Henan and Hebei to raise horses for the imperial court. I will let the common people live a good life. They will have food to eat, meat to eat, clothes to wear, and will not suffer from cold and hunger. I myself will suffer a lot, but I will not mistreat the common people."
Yang Ling chuckled. Cui Ying 'er's pretty face blushed and she scolded uncomfortably, "What are you laughing at? Am I wrong? "
Yang Ling nodded and said, "Yes, you are right. Then let me ask you, this year there is a flood in Henan, a drought in Shaanxi, a plague of locusts in Shandong, and a riot in the Miaoshan area. If you abolish taxes, what will you use to support your army and the officials who manage the world for you? What will you use to help the common people who are about to starve to death? Under natural and man-made disasters, the grain harvest will be less than thirty percent. How are you going to let the common people have no worries about food and clothing? "
Cui Ying 'er was startled. She had always complained about the incompetence of the government. She had always thought about conquering the country and letting the common people live a good life. She had never thought about these things. Cui Ying' er bit her lip and said, "Those rich gentlemen and landlords have tens of thousands of hectares of land. Even in the years of famine, their families will still have ample food and clothing. I can let the common people eat from the rich families. I won't let them starve to death."
Yang Ling shook his head and said, "At that time, these rich gentlemen will also be your people. Their property and land have been accumulated over many generations. You want to force them to rebel again? Besides, the number of rich gentlemen in the world is less than ten percent of the population. Money and grain are gathered in the hands of a few of them. They can be considered to be overflowing with wealth. After distributing it to the common people, each person will only have a mouthful of porridge to drink. The imperial court will lead the common people to eat from the rich families? Is this your idea? "
"You are talking about abolishing the horse policy. That's right. I have also heard that the horse policy is harsh, forcing the common people to suffer unspeakably. This is something that the imperial court needs to change bit by bit. Don't tell me it is a good idea to not raise horses? Now that the Tatars have invaded the border, there are tens of thousands of cavalry. If there are no cavalry, how are you going to protect your rivers and mountains and common people? When the Tatars come, aren't they a hundred times more vicious than the tax collectors?
The Wokou pirates are causing trouble along the coast. Do you want to build ships? Do you want to train the navy? Cutting wood and building ships require corvee labor. Raising and training soldiers require taxes. Building ships and armors require money. You only want to treat the common people well, can you do it? "
Red Madame's face turned somewhat green. Yang Ling continued to destroy her self-confidence. He said mercilessly, "Taxes and raising horses cannot be ignored. It all depends on how it is implemented. Government officials and farming cannot be ignored. It all depends on how it is implemented. Do you know how to manage administration, finance, and taxes? You only know how to destroy, not how to build! "
Red Madame couldn't help but reprimand, "Shut up. No matter how you quibble, what is Zhu Hongwu's background? Didn't he still rule the world?"
Yang Ling unhurriedly said, "Emperor Hongwu's background is meager, but he is not an ignorant and incompetent martial artist. Moreover, he rebelled against the tyranny of the Yuan Dynasty. How many talented and intelligent people are there to help him? What about you? Don't tell me you don't know whose side the hearts of the world's scholars are on?
If you really rebel, you will just turn from mountain bandits to roving bandits. Rising with the wind and falling with the wind and waves. A hundred years later, when people of the future talk about you, you will be nothing more than bandits in the history books. You will stir up blood in the world and bring no benefit to the common people. If you have descendants, they will also be ashamed of you … "
Yang Ling hadn't finished speaking when a 'qiang' sound was heard. A cold light flashed. The dagger was already at his throat, causing the skin under his throat to tremble. Yang Ling panicked at first, but then he calmed down and calmly looked at Red Madame.
There was a moment of silence in the stone room. Only the sound of their breathing could be heard. After a long time, Red Madame coldly said, "I know you have read a lot of books. You don't need to exchange books with me. I only know that my whole family was forced to go up the mountain by the government. I only know that there are countless common people in Bazhou who are still suffering under the oppression of the government. Therefore … we want to rebel!"
After she finished speaking, she suddenly sheathed her dagger. With a 'cha' sound, she leaned her head against the wall and slightly closed her eyes. She said, "Don't think of escaping. Rest well. If you talk too much, I will cut off your tongue!"
Yang Ling saw that the muscles on her face were faintly twitching. Obviously, she was suppressing her anger. It was not convenient for him to say anything more. After sitting for a while, he still couldn't think of a way to escape if Red Madame exchanged him for Yang Hu tomorrow.
Yang Ling pondered for a long time. He thought that Wu Jie, Huang Qiyin and the others were very clever. There was no lack of wise and farsighted people in the imperial court. Tomorrow, a letter of exchange of hostages would be sent to them. No one would be stupid enough to directly say to the bandits that there was no one to hand over. Now he could only take one step at a time and look for another opportunity.
He sighed and felt a little hungry. He ate a steamed bun with some water and then leaned against the wall to pretend to sleep. After a while, the torch on the wall gradually weakened and finally went out.
Yang Ling was also getting tired, but he had never slept on the cold, hard rock surface before, so he found it hard to fall asleep. The cave was quiet. Yang Ling lay there quietly, thinking of a way to deal with the situation. Suddenly, he felt a rustling in front of him, as if he was tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Occasionally, he would even hear a soft sigh. She still heard Yang Ling's words.
* * *
There was no daylight in the cave, but when the time came, people would naturally wake up. The torches were lit again in the room. The people outside quietly slipped into the cave, followed by Liu Lao Taoist. It turned out that he did not stay here last night. He also returned from the residence of other secret believers at dawn.
Red Madame and Cui 'er hurried to greet him. Red Madame asked, "Mr. Liu, what is the situation outside now?"
Liu Lao Taoist smiled and said, "The soldiers tossed around for a while and then rested. But the inner city has been under curfew. All the roads around the capital have been set up. There are no restrictions on entering the city, but people who leave the city must have a travel permit. All the carriages and goods are checked. Even a fly can't escape. Those who enter the city from the suburbs without a travel permit must go to the government office to register, and can only go out with the guarantee of their relatives."
Red Madame was moved and said, "The movement is so big? Did Mr. Liu attract any attention? "
Master Liu said, "Fortunately, I'm a traveling Taoist. My travel permit came from the south and north, so I'm the least suspicious. Besides, I only wander in the city and don't leave the capital city, so I'll be fine after a few checks. But … this time, we've exposed our identity. I'm afraid that the foundation we've worked so hard to build in Bazhou will be destroyed."
Red Madame said disapprovingly, "What are you afraid of? As long as there is life, there is hope. Moreover, the headquarters has moved out of Bazhou. I will ask Yang Ling to write a letter. As long as they agree to exchange people, we will threaten them to leave the city and exchange hostages in Fengtai. With the fast horses and riding skills we have prepared, no one can stop us once we leave the capital. "
Several bandits next to them heard that their boss would be rescued from the cage soon. They were very excited for a while. Liu Lao Taoist carried the banner and used fortune-telling as a cover. He brought the brush, ink, paper and inkstone with him. He took them out of the pouch and handed them to Red Madame. He took them inside and asked Yang Ling to write a letter.
Yang Ling hesitated again and again before he picked up the brush and wrote a letter. He was also well-behaved. In the letter, he did not dare to hint his general location. In fact, he was not familiar with Beijing. Other than knowing that he was under an unfinished Taoist temple, he did not know where he was.
In the letter, Yang Ling stated that he had been captured as a hostage. The criminals proposed to exchange Yang Hu for his freedom. They wanted to see the letter and present it to the Emperor as soon as possible. If the Emperor agreed, they would go to the Imperial Bodyguard to bring out the bandit Yang Hu from the prison and send him to the designated place according to the other party's request. In order to make it look real, he also took off his jade ornament as a token.
The letter clearly pointed out the location where Yang Hu was being held. Even if the person reading the letter was an idiot, it was impossible for him not to understand what the letter meant.
However, it was the era of cold weapons. It was very easy for bandits with strong martial arts and excellent horsemanship to escape from the hands of the soldiers. Moreover, when the two sides exchanged hostages, they would not allow the government to send too many people. In this way, the two sides exchanged hostages from a distance of twenty to thirty feet at most. Yang Ling was not optimistic about whether he could escape from the other party's grasp.
If the government used a fake to impersonate him, the bandits of Bazhou would definitely check his appearance. Moreover, Red Madame was Yang Hu's lover. Just by looking at her figure, they could tell sixty to seventy percent. Even if the government understood his hint, it was still a difficult problem to save him from the hands of the other party.
Red Madame looked at him covetously from the side. Yang Ling had no time to think too much. He could only bite the bullet and write it. Then he handed it to Red Madame, hoping that someone in the imperial court could come up with a plan to deceive the public.
Red Madame took the letter and the jade ornaments. She asked two people to watch over Yang Ling. Then she hurriedly went out and handed it to Liu Laodaoist. Liu Laodaoist carefully read it six or seven times under the torch. After confirming that there was no trick in the words, he was relieved and carefully put the letter into the belt under his Taoist robe. Then he said, "You guys eat something and wait here first. Wait for me to go to QING: Five Cities Warlords and find an opportunity to deliver the letter."
Liu Laodaoist hurriedly crawled out of the tunnel, covered the entrance again, and quietly left. A ferocious-looking bandit next to Red Madame coldly looked at the room where Yang Ling was imprisoned. He whispered to Red Madame, "Sister-in-law, when Big Brother is rescued, we'll kill this brat and then escape. Once we get out of the capital, we'll be like a tiger returning to the mountain or a dragon returning to the water. No one will be able to hold us back."
Red Madame was startled. She hesitated and said, "Nonsense. If you make a move here, won't the soldiers do it? It's enough if we can rescue your Brother Hu today. Don't cause any more trouble. "
Another bald man with a face full of bumps and hollows said ferociously, "Sister-in-law, don't worry. If we don't make a move, will the soldiers be willing to watch us leave? Within ten feet of Hu Dachui's poisoned sleeve dart is the King of Hell's Invitation. Brother Hu knows the Earth Fist. When the time comes, Brother Hu just needs to call out and come out. He'll be fine. Don't tell me we still need to talk about trust with the soldiers? "
Red Madame's heart was in a mess. Yang Ling's words yesterday had left a deep impression in her heart. She really wanted to have a good talk with him after rescuing her husband. She really couldn't bring herself to kill Yang Ling.
Cui 'er, who was observing from the side, interrupted at the right time, "Miss, what Big Brother Hu said is right. Son-in-law treats his brothers like his own brothers. This time, two hundred of his closest brothers died in his hands. This blood feud is as deep as the sea. With Son-in-law's righteous temperament, how can he let it go?
If that dog official goes back safely, the security will be tight in the future. If Son-in-law wants to take revenge, won't it be very dangerous? If we conveniently end his dog life, we'll avenge our dead brothers. When we return to the sect, we'll be able to explain to the higher-ups, so that Son-in-law doesn't have to put himself in danger again. "
Several bandits listened and nodded again and again. They all looked at Red Madame. Red Madame's heart was in a mess. After thinking for a long time, she heavily stamped her foot and gritted her teeth, "Fine, we'll do as you say, but you must be careful. You must put Brother Hu's safety first!"
Several bandits nodded in unison, "Sister-in-law, rest assured, we understand this." Cui 'er, who was watching from the side, smiled slightly. A trace of pride flashed in her eyes.
* * *
The streets of the capital were still bustling, but it was filled with a tense atmosphere. All the city gates were heavily guarded with swords and spears. Because of the slow inspection, there was a long queue of people going in and out of the city.
The festive atmosphere on the streets of the capital was diluted a lot. From time to time, teams of soldiers and patrolmen passed through the streets and alleys. All the government offices and official residences were heavily guarded. The ministers, who usually had a light carriage, were now escorted by dozens of family guards. The officials who didn't have this kind of style and strength simply didn't show up.
Such a tense atmosphere was unprecedented in the capital. Because of the inconvenience of entering and exiting the city gates, a large number of New Year's goods could not enter the city, causing the price of goods to soar. Because of the rumor that if Factory Supervisor Yang couldn't be found, the ban would not be lifted for a while. Worried that the price of goods would increase again, the common people could only brace themselves against the cold wind and brace themselves to buy New Year's goods on the streets.
Old Taoist Liu was waving his banner as he walked down the street. The officers and soldiers passing by saw that he was just a wizened old Taoist, with a calm expression, looking around for business. They only took a few glances and then walked past him.
Old Taoist Liu slowly strolled to the entrance of the QING Five Cities Warlords yamen. He walked into an alley outside the side wall. When he was about to reach the entrance of the alley, he pretended to put down the banner and rest. Then he picked up a stone and took out the letter from his waist. He wrapped it in a cloth and threw it over the courtyard wall when no one was watching. Then he picked up the banner and hurriedly left.
The people of the Warlord's Office could not make the decision. This letter had been submitted to the upper levels and it would be noon at the earliest before there would be a reply. If the court agreed to change the person, they would naturally mark the prominent building he had designated. At that time, he could find another yamen to send a letter and further request.
Changdian Street was a relatively prosperous street with many hawkers. Old Taoist Liu spent a copper coin to rent a table from a wonton stall and set up the stall. He leisurely waited for customers. Today there were not many people in the mood to have their fortunes read. Not only was there no one patronizing him, no one was even interested in looking at him. Old Taoist Liu did not mind. He squinted his eyes to look at the direction of the sun and estimated the time. Just as he was about to close his stall and find a place to eat something, a handsome young man who looked like a manservant stood in front of his stall.
Old Taoist Liu glanced at him unconcernedly. He twirled his beard and said with a smile: "Young man, are you a fortune-teller or a fortune-teller? Or are you writing a letter for me? "
The young man laughed: "I don't know how to read. My life is to serve others. What else is there to count for? I beg Mister to write a letter for me. " As he said this, his fingers casually fiddled with the compass as if he was bored. His fingers quickly made a few gestures.
Old Taoist Liu's expression changed slightly. He put his hands under his sleeves and used a movement that only the standing young man could see to return a few gestures. He then affectionately said: "Please sit, please sit." While taking out a brush and ink, he quietly asked: "What are the orders from above?"
The manservant propped up his chin and glanced around. He said softly: "It is urgent. They want you to protect Yang Ling's life no matter what. You must send him back to the imperial court no matter what method you use!"
Old Taoist Liu was startled. He gently spread out a piece of paper and picked up an inkstone, pretending to grind it. He said: "This person is the Emperor's confidant. Killing him will be very helpful to our great cause. Why should we let him go? Moreover, he killed so many of Yang Hu's people. How can Red Madame let it go? Please report to Altar Leader that this person cannot be let go. "
Although the youngster had the appearance of a manservant, he was bossy and arrogant in front of him. Upon hearing what was said, he sneered and said, "If Hong Niangzi tries to stop us, kill her too. Remember, no matter what, you must protect him. This is not an order from Altar Master, but from Cult Leader!"
Old Taoist Liu was shocked. His hand that was grinding the inkstone immediately stopped. He said in surprise: "Cult Leader is also in the capital? This matter … is very difficult. Why do you suddenly want to protect him? "
The young man's gaze turned cold. He said coldly: "You are also the one who inquired about Cult Leader's whereabouts?"
Old Taoist Liu shivered and did not dare to ask again. The young man's thin lips curled into an arc. He said: "News just came from the palace. The real dragon is going to come out of the water. Without him, it may not be possible. If we want to catch the Azure Dragon, we have to abandon this crab general. Also, Yang Hu has already escaped. Red Madame is dead. Are we afraid that he will not work harder to help us conquer the world? "
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