When Yang Yiqing and the others heard the conversation between him and the guard, they all trembled. They looked with indescribable astonishment at the ordinary-looking old woman and then at Yang Ling, their expressions still full of bewilderment and disbelief.
The old woman heard the guard's words and muttered something in Mongolian contemptuously, but she immediately realized that she had misspoken. Her pair of old eyes suddenly widened as she nervously stared at Yang Ling.
The guard turned his head and said a few more words in Mandarin to this calm and composed young general. Then a brilliant and proud smile suddenly appeared on his face. Man Duhai immediately understood that in a moment of carelessness, he had been tricked into revealing her true identity through words.
Like a deflated balloon, she fell back onto the bed. Soon after, she raised her head unwillingly and loudly said a few words. The guard turned his head to Yang Ling and said: "Daren, she asked Daren not to waste your efforts. We cannot use her to threaten anyone. Life is a gift from Buddha and she will cherish it. But for the desert plains, she can sacrifice herself at any time."
Yang Ling smiled and said solemnly to Man Duhai: "Personally, I admire Her Majesty the Empress for everything she has done for the desert. You cherish the lives of the Mongolian people, but the lives of the Han are equally precious! We are not the birds, sparrows, cows or sheep in your eyes! "
The guard turned back and muttered again. Yang Ling turned his head to the leader of the guards and said: "Watch her well. This woman is an extremely important person. Do not let her leave your sight!"
The guard did not know that Yang Ling was an imperial envoy, but seeing that Yang Ling had been conversing with him and that the Great General in charge of the three passes was standing to the side without saying anything, he knew that this person must be an extremely high-ranking official. He hurriedly and respectfully responded. He called in a few guards to keep an eye on the old woman's every move in the room.
Yang Ling, Yang Yiqing and the others went downstairs. Once they got off the stairs, Yang Yiqing could not help but ask: "Factory Supervisor Yang, this woman is … is Boyan Khagan's Manduhai Empress? Isn't it rumored on the plains that she has already died of illness? "
Yang Ling smiled and said, "She's not a legendary figure. Why does she need to rely on legends for her life and death? Since it's a legend, it must be false. "
Du Renguo slapped his forehead and said in amazement, "Imperial Envoy Yang is so powerful, I was so confused by this Kedun and that Kedun, I couldn't imagine that she was the once all-powerful Manduhai.
This woman is very impressive. In the past, she brought along an eight-year-old baby Khan to conquer the Wala and defeated them in Tasbortu. She ordered the Wala to never call their houses a palace, to wear a crown no more than four fingers, to kneel but not sit at home, to eat meat only with their teeth and not with a knife. She even changed the name of their holy land Usuk to … it seems to be the name of a fish. I really can't imagine that such a domineering heroine is actually such an unremarkable ordinary old woman. "
Yang Yiqing sighed softly and said, "A phoenix with its wings down is not as good as a chicken, all-powerful depends on power, and she … whether it's voluntary or forced, it's obvious that she's far away from power. How did Sir Yang recognize her?"
Yang Ling said, "Military warfare has never been a simple battle formation. In the past, when Liu Bang was trapped on Mount Bai, thousands of troops and horses could not break out. Chen Ping's brilliant plan, with just a painting of a beautiful woman, made the Xiongnu's four hundred thousand strong army retreat obediently. There are too many things that can affect the outcome of a war. When the spies from the inner factory penetrated deep into the desert, I ordered them to record all the information in detail and send it back.
As for the gratitude and grudges between the various Tatar tribes, as well as the family affairs of the noble chieftains, I have a detailed understanding of them. That's why this official knows a bit about the secrets of Manduhai. Together with the details of Miao Gong-gong and General Xu's abduction, I have made some conjectures. "
They returned to the table and sat down. Eunuch Miao remembered that the person he had captured was the wife of Bayan Khan, the famous Manduhai Hesiqin of the grassland. This was a wonderful achievement on top of a wonderful achievement. He couldn't help smiling and said, "This old woman is actually Bayan's Queen? Ha ha ha ha, I can't believe it, I picked up a golden egg from a pile of firewood. What did Sir Yang say to her just now that she actually admitted it? "
Yang Ling laughed and said, "Huo Xi has long had the intention to be disloyal, it's just that he is weak and does not dare to rebel openly. Huo Xi is married to Manduhai's daughter, Princess Yikexi. Manduhai must have some understanding of his ambition. Just now I told her to stay here in peace. Huo Xi has joined hands with us, that's why we don't hate her. After Huo Xi kills Bayan and Ming Destiny is on good terms with the Tatars, we'll send her back.
In her anger, her rebuttal was domineering, even above Huo Xi and Bayan. Other than Manduhai, who else has this qualification? I'll point out her identity. Looking at her expression, she won't have any more doubts. "
Zhang Yong doubtfully said, "Regarding Manduhai, I've learned a thing or two since I came to Datong. She is Mandulu Khan's Little Hatun (Madam). After Mandulu's death, she married his nephew Bayan and has been holding the Tatars' great power. For the last five or six years, Bayan's power has been increasing day by day, but this Madam has gradually disappeared. Looking at it, Bayan must have put her under house arrest? Now Bayan has almost unified all the Mongolian tribes, his reputation is like the sun in the sky. What can a dying old woman do? "
Yang Ling thought about the information on the Empress sent by Han Lin and then said, "Manduhai is from the Mongolian Wanggu tribe. Her father is a Mongolian nobleman and once held the position of Prime Minister. She married Mandulu and became Little Hatun (Madam). She has two daughters. The eldest, Princess Borokqin, is married to Huo Xi. The second, Princess Yikexi, is married to Huo Xi. These two sons-in-law are the lords of the Mongolian tribes.
After Manduhai married the seven-year-old Bayan, she was in charge of the court for more than ten years. Under her command, she conquered Wala and defeated the head of the Mongolian noblemen, Yisimayin. It can be said that many of Bayan's generals are obedient to her. At the same time, she and Bayan have seven sons and one daughter. So whether it is the Tatar royal family or the noblemen of the various tribes, she has great influence and rallying power. "
Yang Yiqing said worriedly, "I'm afraid it is not so optimistic. From what Xu Tai saw, after Bayan grew up, he began to fear the Empress' power and influence far above him. So he put her under house arrest. But her influence is too great. Bayan did not dare to kill her easily. He could only release the news first to test the reactions of the tribes.
Now that she is in Bayan's hands, we can neither kill her nor keep her alive. If she falls into our hands, I'm afraid Bayan will celebrate instead. You've seen for yourself, this old woman is loyal to the Mongolian tribe, and she doesn't care about the personal grudges between Bayan and her. She will never step forward and use her influence to fight against Bayan.
Moreover, she is far away from the Mongolian tribes. It is more advantageous for Bayan to gather power in his hands. If he is smart, he will make a big fuss that Madam was kidnapped by us. With a common enemy... I think... we have done Bayan a great favor this time. "
Miao Kui and Xu Tai were somewhat perturbed. Yang Ling shook his head and said with a smile, "A pity he should not have released the news earlier that Manduhai is dead. He should not have imprisoned her alone outside the tribe. Isn't he slapping his own face by saying so? Before knowing whether Manduhai is dead or alive, Bayan will definitely observe the situation and even hide the news. But I do not know how much he knows now. "
Xu Tai hesitated for a moment. He swallowed and said, "Daren, the camp we attacked... there is no one left alive. When the army marched into the desert, they were all dressed as Mongolians. Even if Bayan has suspicions, he may not dare to conclude that it is our doing."
Yang Ling was startled at first. He immediately understood. Those Tatars who were responsible for keeping Manduhai under house arrest have all been killed. That maidservant is most likely in the chaotic army... Xu Tai knows that this matter is of great importance. After weighing the two sides, he told the truth. "
He secretly sighed in his heart and pretended not to know anything. He said, "He is uncertain of the situation. We might as well keep the news that Manduhai is in our hands strictly confidential. As for Manduhai's refusal to cooperate, it is not a problem. There are more than one or two ambitious wolves on the grassland. We do not need Manduhai to be willing to do anything. As long as the ambitious ones know of her situation, they will naturally make use of her to make a big fuss."
He looked around at everyone. He picked up a piece of meat and threw it into the boiling pot. He said with a smile, "Success is due to Xiao He. Failure is also due to Xiao He. She contributed to the Tatars' strength. Her decline will also be caused by her. She is a rare commodity!
Chief Yang, report this matter to the Acting King. Find a residence in the city of Datong and settle her down. The news must be kept absolutely confidential. Her heart is concerned about the grassland. As long as she is not forced to do anything, she will live well. When some ferocious tiger has grown its fangs and is eager to have a go at Boyan, we will then hand her over to give this ferocious tiger a pair of wings. "
Although Yang Ling spoke calmly, everyone present, whether civil or military, could imagine the bloody smell in his words. Zhang Yong and Miao Kui could not help but steal a glance at him. They thought, "This guy is really black-hearted!"
Du Renguo laughed heartily and said, "Wonderful! This is a wonderful plan. Damn it. Every year, who knows how many people's homes are destroyed. How many women hang themselves. Their families are separated. It is a tragic sight. We cannot be soft-hearted towards these Tatars!
The imperial envoy is very capable. When I kill people, I need to use my sword to see blood. You only need to move your lips. I am afraid you have killed more people than me. Hmm... people who have studied are different. What is this called again? Oh yes, there are large blades in the books! "
※ ※ ※
Xiao Village was not small. The place that Yang Hu mentioned was only a small mountain village that belonged to Xiao Village. It was located halfway up the mountain. The winter snow sealed the mountain, so the people rarely went out. Occasionally, a relative would visit, and the neighbors could see them. Therefore, Yang Hu did not quietly enter the mountain until it was deep into the night.
He had come here many times when he smuggled good horses from outside the pass to raise money, so he was familiar with the place. He knocked on the door when he arrived at the door. Amidst the wild barking of dogs, Xiao Laosi put on a large cotton-padded jacket and came to open the door with a lantern. When he saw it was Yang Hu and his men, he was shocked and quickly let them in.
Xiao Laosi had been a horse thief for less than two years. Because his leg was chopped off when the soldiers were suppressing the thieves, he had to leave Bazhou and return to his hometown. Yang Hu often spent the night at his place when he smuggled horses.
Xiao Laosi quietly let them stay in the backyard. Only then did he pull Yang Hu and said nervously, "Boss Yang, are you crazy? What season is it now? More than a hundred thousand soldiers are fighting inside and outside the pass. Who would dare to sell horses to you at this time? If the officials treat them as spies, they won't be able to escape. "
Xiao Laosi had retired from Jianghu. How would Yang Hu dare to tell him something as big as assassinating the emperor? He smiled and said, "Brother Xiao is right. I don't know the market, so I could take advantage of the opportunity. In the end, I didn't find a good horse here. I want to leave, but there are many obstacles along the way. I have no choice but to lie low here and wait for the news to die down."
As Yang Hu spoke, he took out a few yellow, round golden beans from his pocket and handed them to Xiao Laosi. He said with a smile, "Fourth Brother, it's not easy living in this poor mountain valley. I can't spend your money to feed the horses. Here, take these golden beans."
Xiao Laosi knew that these golden beans did not come from a good source, so he took them without hesitation and mumbled, "It's okay to live here. I'm also the head guard. The villagers are all honest people from the mountains and have never been to the county town in their lives. If they know that there are guests at home, they won't gossip. Let's leave as soon as the news dies down. It's not easy to do business these days."
Behind them was a row of houses with stone, mud, and straw roofs. The one in the middle was slightly better. It was the residence of Yang Hu and his wife. When Xiao Laosi had settled them in the backyard, he had already sent them some simple food.
Yang Hu sent the limping Xiao Laosi out of the backyard and walked back to the eaves. Just as he was about to return to his room, he suddenly heard his name vaguely mentioned in the room to his left. He unconsciously paused and quietly walked over.
This house had been unoccupied for a long time. The window lattice was already broken, and the paper on the window was rustling, revealing some gaps. Yang Hu leaned against the window lattice and peered in. He saw Feng Fuzhi, Lang Laoer, and Hu Dachui, who were nicknamed Big-tailed Wolf, staying in this room.
Feng Fuzhi filled the hole in the stove in the middle of the kang bed with firewood and said, "Today you've seen the bravery of the imperial army. That Qian Zong who is known as the Ghost King, my God, is a hero in the Green Forest. I think even Brother Hu may not be his match. Cutting a horse with one slash, that awe-inspiring power, tsk tsk tsk!"
Hu Dachui frowned and said, "When we were in Bazhou, looking at the cowardly soldiers, I thought all the soldiers in the world were of the same character. Alas, in the end, in the capital, two hundred tall men were swallowed in one gulp and they didn't even frown.
Let's not talk about the soldiers' awe-inspiring power today. If it wasn't for the Tartars coming at the right time, we would have fallen into Yang Ling's trap. Killing the Emperor? Until now, we haven't even seen the Emperor's shadow. "
Big-tailed Wolf grinned and rubbed his feet. He laughed and said, "Speaking of which, have you noticed Sister-in-law Tiger? She seems to be special to that official surnamed Yang.
Ever since she married into our mountain village, when have you ever seen her speak softly to anyone? Look at her when she speaks to that imperial envoy surnamed Yang. Her voice is as gentle as a young girl's, submissive and bashful, tsk tsk tsk...!
Hey, Dachui, didn't Sister-in-law Tiger capture that surnamed Yang for two days in the capital? Did they develop feelings for each other after a long time? I heard that those who are educated are cunning and good at coaxing people. Otherwise, why would the woman with the red horsetail whisk follow Li Jing and not like the bearded man? Our Sister-in-law Tiger grew up in the Green Forest and has never seen a literate teacher. Maybe … "
Yang Hu was furious when he heard this. When Hong Niangzi came out of the cave, her expression was evasive. He was already suspicious, but when he thought of his wife's usual behavior, he dispelled his suspicions. He didn't expect that this group of brothers also saw through it and even talked behind her back. But how could he clarify this matter?
The more Yang Hu heard, the angrier he became. Just as he was about to angrily turn around and leave, he saw Feng Fuzhi throw a few more pieces of firewood into the cave of the kang bed. He clapped his hands and climbed onto the kang bed. He lazily scolded, "Move your stinky feet further away."
He lay down on the head of the kang bed and used his hands as a pillow. He sighed, "Don't talk about these useless things. Is Sister-in-law that kind of person? I feel that what Sister-in-law said is true. We are the kings of the mountains in Bazhou. How free and unfettered are we? Ever since we entered the capital and made contact with this Yang Ling, we have suffered heavy casualties. Now, even the mountain gate of Bazhou has been raided by the soldiers.
Immortal Liu is from the damn Maitreya Sect. Can the words of that group of demons be trusted? Brother Hu is not the material to sit on the throne. There is nothing to say about our brothers in the mountains, but if the heroes who have pledged allegiance to our Crouching Tiger Mountain knew about this, would they still wholeheartedly support Brother Hu as the boss? "
Yang Hu was so angry that his hands trembled. Originally, he did not have much ambition when he roamed the mountains. But after being flattered by Immortal Liu, he believed it to be true. Greed rose and took root in his heart. Now that he had invested so much effort, he was no longer as free and easy as he used to be.
Ever since he heard Feng Fuzhi's words that day, he pretended to be nonchalant on the surface, but in fact, he was very concerned in his heart. Liu Shenxian's lie about him being the reincarnation of Ziwei, the True Dragon Son of Heaven, was once a weapon that made him famous and motivated his ambition, but now it had become a sore point in his heart, a reverse scale under his neck that he could not even touch.
Hearing Feng Fuzhi's words, he only felt that his brother was ruining his stage. The more he was afraid of something, the more Feng Fuzhi said, and what he said was the truth, causing him to burn with anger. However, he was too guilty to show his face. That kind of complicated feeling was really hard to describe.
Yang Hu secretly clenched his teeth, and a vicious thought gradually formed in his heart. "I have already invested so much effort and put in so much effort. Now, I am the number one hero in the Northern Lulin, and it is all because of my identity as the True Dragon Son of Heaven. If they leak the news when I return, won't all my previous efforts go to waste?"
"Ying 'er … no matter what, she's still my wife. She won't ruin my plans. Fifth Uncle Huo is an astute person who knows what to say and what not to say. But what about these big mouths? Asking them to help me deceive people? How can I say such a thing? "
Yang Hu quietly walked away and looked at the cold stars in the sky. He thought for a while, and the cold light in his eyes gradually condensed into a line. He clenched his fists. The thought that had suddenly appeared in his heart once again, biting him like a poisonous snake, injecting its venom into his heart bit by bit. "Those who achieve great things do not bother with trifles. A man must be ruthless!"
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.
