Six steeds galloped into the city. The person in the lead was Zhang Mao. The five people behind him were all dressed in earthy grey robes with long sabers with red tassels slung on their backs. Although the men on the horses were dressed in ordinary clothes, they had a heroic air about them that made people feel intimidated.
The hooves of the horses pounded. Even if they did not recognize Bazhou's Zhang Mao or the Ringing Horse Bandits, their awe-inspiring aura still made the people avoid them in fear. As soon as he entered the west city gate, Zhang Mao saw a string of bloody heads on a tall flagpole. He could not help but gasp in shock and rein in his warhorse.
His legs kicked lightly and the horse started to gallop lightly, taking him around the execution ground twice. Zhang Mao raised his head to look at the bloody heads. Suddenly he shook his stirrup and left the saddle, walking in big strides toward the execution ground.
The soldiers guarding the execution ground saw several burly men, each of them had a saber on their body. Immediately they raised their spears and cautiously approached. One of the officers with a saber shouted, "Stop! You can only watch from a distance, you must not approach."
Zhang Mao did not seem to hear and stared blankly for a while before turning his head to ask, "Who is being executed today?"
The officer with the saber recognized Zhang Mao. Seeing him, he could not help but cry out, "Master Zhang!" Only after this did he realize that Zhang Mao was now a bandit and a prisoner. The day before yesterday, he had been released by the imperial envoy to summon the Ringing Horse Bandits. Now was not like the past. He was a soldier and he was a prisoner. Calling him master was really beneath his status. He could not help but blush.
Zhang Mao smiled faintly and unconcernedly cupped his hands and said, "Sir, I wonder who is being executed today?"
In the face of his accumulated power, the officer did not know whether to return the greeting or to continue standing proudly. After a moment of awkwardness, he could only reply, "By the imperial envoy's order, the executioners today are the Bazhou criminals Zhang Zhong, Fan Mo Li, Gui Dan and a total of thirty-one people."
Zhang Mao sucked in a breath of cold air. As expected, they were the ones who had died. The once insufferably mighty Bazhou guard, Zhizhou, and Tongzhi were now only human heads hanging on a tall pole. Their faces were so badly mutilated that it was difficult to tell. Zhang Mao felt a burst of sorrow in his heart. Abandoning his horsewhip, he walked to the middle of the execution ground. Suddenly facing the tall flagpole, he knelt down and solemnly kowtowed.
Liu Liu came closer and said in a low voice, "Dage, these dog officials, which one of them is a good thing? If he's dead, then he's dead. We once risked our lives to save him, we've already shown extreme benevolence and duty, why would we worship him?"
Zhang Mao straightened up and said in a deep voice, "No matter why Zhang Zhong is protecting me, he is still my brother. He has helped me many times, so it's only right for him to receive three bows from me."
Liu Liu said emotionally, "Alright, Zhang Zhong is Big Brother's sworn brother, which means he's also our sworn brother. Brothers, come over and pay our respects!"
Feng Lei and three good Rustling Horse Bandits walked in unison behind Liu Liu and paid their respects to the flagpole. The soldiers did not dare to act rashly. Zhang Mao and the others paid their respects three times, then stood up and walked out of the execution ground. Turning over, they mounted their horses and galloped towards the imperial envoy's temporary quarters with a thundering sound of hooves.
When Yang Ling received the news that Zhang Mao had led his men to surrender, he was overjoyed. He predicted that the imperial envoy would arrive either today or tomorrow. If Zhang Mao could not convince the Rustling Horse Bandits, he would have no choice but to abandon this matter and return to the capital. Leaving one of the four pests of Bazhou alive would always be a sore point. Now it was finally a success.
Yang Ling happily welcomed Zhang Mao, Liu Liu, and the others into the temporary quarters. Seeing that State Duke Wei personally came out to welcome them, they could feel his sincerity. These arrogant and unruly men could not help but retract their arrogance.
These Rustling Horse Bandits had some self-awareness and did not dare to ask for an exorbitant price. The group of Rustling Horse Bandits only requested to let bygones be bygones and join the Bazhou garrison as a colonel. As for the subordinates who were unwilling to join the army, they would be given a few acres of land by the government to survive. As for those who originally had land at home but secretly became bandits, once they turned themselves in, their past crimes would not be pursued.
These conditions were originally within the acceptable range of Yang Ling. In addition, he could return to the capital at any time. He hoped that these matters could be settled before he left so that the people of Bazhou, who had suffered so many disasters, could take a breather. Therefore, he did not want to cause unnecessary trouble on these matters. One side was sincere in surrendering while the other side was willing to accept the surrender. The negotiations went very smoothly.
The Bazhou Prefect and Imperial Judge were summoned and agreed to Liu Liu and Feng Lei's conditions in the name of the local government to settle the Rustling Horse Bandits and erase their crimes of turning themselves in. However, as for the arrangements for the bandits, Yang Ling did not agree to let them join Jiang Bin's army. Instead, he placed them in the Bazhou Bandit Squad and the Bazhou Guards.
Jiang Bin's troops were currently the most elite troops in the entire Bazhou. Moreover, the troops of the You Ji General were highly mobile and were often ordered to fight on the move. Zhang Mao, Liu Liu and the others had just surrendered and were still bandits. It was not suitable for them to join such a troop. Moreover, Jiang Bin and Zhang Mao were cousins. If these people were to be together, it would definitely corrupt the military discipline. Placing them in the fixed guard station in Bazhou would also keep them in check.
These few people were all given official positions no lower than Baihu. Their past crimes were also written off and they happily agreed to serve the government from now on. After everything was settled, Liu Liu and Feng Lei took the letters of appointment and pardon and rushed out of the city to inform Liu Qi, Tiger Xing and the others to lead their troops into the city to turn themselves in. Zhang Mao, accompanied by Imperial Judge Hua, went to the prison to release the hostages Jiang Bin and his two sons. At the same time, he explained to his comrades in prison that all the bandits agreed to surrender to the government.
In the afternoon, the Bazhou Guards lined up to welcome the surrender. Under the leadership of Liu Liu and the others, more than four hundred Rustling Horse Bandits surrendered to the government. They handed over their weapons and registered a name list. These arrangements were all handled by Mu Zhizhou and Imperial Judge Hua. When the surrender was over in the evening, Jiang Bin was entrusted by Yang Ling to host a banquet in the city to welcome the leaders of the Rustling Horse Bandits and welcome them to turn over a new leaf. Zhang Mao, Liu Liu and the others all wore new military uniforms and were warmly received by the officials of Bazhou.
The Rustling Horse Bandits in Bazhou were far more powerful than the three Wokou pirates of the East Sea. As a Marquis, Yang Ling's status was high so he did not attend the banquet.
Last time, in order to lure the Rustling Horse Bandits, the goods that were loaded onto the carriages were all fake. This time, they were really going back to the capital. He predicted that the envoy from the capital would arrive the next day and at night he counted the goods in the boxes again.
After counting, he closed the doors of the storehouse and returned to his bedroom. Liu Da Bang Chui hurriedly chased after him and said anxiously, "Marquis, someone from the capital has arrived. They want you and the Deputy Imperial Envoy to receive the imperial edict."
Yang Ling was startled. He did not expect the envoy to arrive at this time. He hurriedly went to the front hall and saw a eunuch sitting in the hall drinking tea. Beside him were four bodyguards dressed in embroidered robes, holding onto their spring embroidery knives as they stood solemnly behind him. On the side seats were Mu Zhizhou and a few officials who were there to receive the Imperial Envoy. Seeing that he had arrived, the eunuch hurriedly put down his teacup and bowed to him. He said respectfully, "I, Mo Yunxiang, greet Marquis."
Yang Ling hurriedly raised his hand and said, "Liang Gonggong, you may dispense with the formalities. Does the Emperor have an edict?"
Mo Gonggong was the eunuch of the Department of Rites. He was in his twenties and had a good appearance. He had delicate features and a tall figure. He bowed and said, "Yes, the Emperor has an important edict. Marquis and the Deputy Imperial Envoy, Commander Liang, please receive the edict together."
Yang Ling hurriedly nodded and said to Liu Da Bang Chui, "Quickly go and invite Deputy Liang to the front hall to receive the edict."
Liang Hong and two of his trusted eunuchs were busy in the room. There was a table full of money. There were golden beans, silver ingots, copper coins that emitted all kinds of smells, and Ming Destiny's banknotes. The three of them were busy sorting and counting. Before they could come up with a number, there was a bang from the door outside, startling Liang Hong.
There was another bang from outside. Then came Liu Da Bang Chui's voice, "Liang Gonggong, are you asleep so early? Marquis invites you to the front hall. There is an edict from the capital. Bang! Liang Gonggong, are you awake? Bang! Bang! Bang! "
Liang Xing was so angry that he grunted. He hurriedly signaled the two eunuchs to cover the table cloth from the four corners and cover the money on the table. He then lowered his voice and said, "I'll be back soon. You continue to count and put the number in the box under the table. There's no need to count the Ming Destiny's banknotes. I'll give them to you. Do you understand?"
The two eunuchs, who were only eleven or twelve years old, hurriedly agreed. Liang Hong finally stood up and stuffed the small copper abacus that hung around his neck back into his collar. He went to the door and coughed, then opened it. He pretended to be calm and said, "Bodyguard Liu, don't knock. Are you banging on the door? Are you beating a drum?"
Liu Da Bang Chui laughed dryly and said, "Hey, Liang Gonggong, my hands are strong." He poked his head in to take a look and said in surprise, "You're not asleep? Did you bring the two boys to sit under the lamp and chat? Why did you lock the door? "
Liang Hong hurriedly walked out and closed the door. He said, "Oh, it's nothing. I was just chatting with the bored. What did you say? Someone from the capital is here?"
Liu Da Bang Chui slapped his forehead. "That's right. How did I end up chatting with you here? Liang Gonggong, hurry up. The Duke and the Imperial Envoy are waiting in the hall."
Liang Hong hurriedly went to the front hall with Yang Ling. He entered the door and smiled apologetically. "Duke, sorry to keep you waiting. The capital … Oh, Little Mo, you're here to deliver the edict. "
Liang Hong was also from the Bureau of Rites and had always been familiar with Mo Yunxiang. Seeing that he had arrived, he happily went forward to chat. Mo Yunxiang, however, put on a straight face and said in a deep voice, "Duke Wei Yang Ling, Jin Wu Wei Right Commander Liang, come forward to receive the edict!"
Yang Ling and Liang Hong hurriedly tidied their robes and went forward to kneel to receive the edict. Eunuch Mo took the edict from the Imperial Bodyguard and slowly unfolded it. He announced, "In accordance with the will of the Emperor, the current Empress Dowager has passed away …"
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"The Empress Dowager has passed away?" Cheng Qiyun was dressed in a scholar's white robe. She muttered, "The Empress Dowager has passed away. His Excellency must return to the capital. The battle with Liu Jin must be brought forward. I don't know if he is fully prepared. If he loses this battle, he won't have the strength to make a comeback. The implications are too great … No, I have to rush back to the capital immediately! "
Chu Ling was dressed in a green attendant's attire. She had pleasant features and was pretty. She asked, "But what about Bazhou? Are we just going to let this go? "
Cheng Qiyun frowned. "This woman is too cunning. I have sent out six groups of people but still couldn't find any trace of her. Sigh! The inner faction has always been successful in handling cases. I am not willing to fall into her hands … "
As Cheng Qiyun spoke, she turned and saw Chu Ling's nose wrinkling and the corners of her mouth curling up. She had a faint smile on her face. She couldn't help but scold, "What are you thinking now?"
Chu Ling giggled. "Oh, I don't know where the smell of vinegar and cabbage is coming from. It's so sour, so sour!"
Cheng Qiyun glared at her and couldn't help but laugh. "Forget it. We have to weigh the pros and cons. His Excellency's matters are more important. Who has the time to be jealous of her? I'm just worried … She said she wanted to poke a big hole for His Excellency to mend. It's not without purpose.
His Excellency is in a high position and is coveted by many. One wrong step and he will be consigned to eternal damnation. He is a person who values friendship. If Hong Niangzi really causes a huge disaster, His Excellency can't bear to stand by and watch. He will inevitably be implicated. If that's the case … sigh! It's a pity that our manpower is mainly deployed at the frontier fortress and Jiangnan. Now we have transferred a batch of capable manpower to the various countries in Nanyang. This Qingzhou … has too shallow a foundation. "
Chu Ling said, "Not only that, the commoners here simply treat the government as their enemy. Liu Jin, Bi Zhen, and their group of people have slaughtered people here, causing the commoners in Qingzhou to keep a respectful distance from outsiders. There aren't many horse and carriage shops, wine shops, and brothels here. The people we come into contact with are also very few countrymen. Even if our people dress up as peddlers and wander around the villages, it will inevitably arouse the vigilance of the local commoners. Moreover, many of them are in contact with the bandits on Taihang Mountains. They are ten times more careful with strangers. "
Cheng Qiyun sighed. "So, I can only sit here and wait. Hong Niangzi ran to Qingzhou. It can't be that she is willing to be a peasant woman and come here to live in seclusion. As long as she has other intentions, there will be a time when she shows up and enters the city. Unfortunately, I can't wait anymore … "
Chu Ling bit her lips and probed, "If … if Miss finds her, what do you want to do?"
Cheng Qiyun said without thinking, "Catch her! If you can't catch her alive, then kill her! I absolutely can't let her become Daren's burden! "
Chu Ling's body trembled. She said in a low voice, "She … is the person that Daren likes. You … you dare to kill her?"
Cheng Qiyun was silent for a long time. She faintly sighed and said, "At worst … I will let Daren kill me again."
She cast a glance at Chu Ling and said with a bitter smile, "Don't blame me for being ruthless. Yang Hu and his wife have long wanted to rebel. I don't know how Daren formed an ill-fated relationship with Hong Niangzi, but if Hong Niangzi really rebelled, it is hard to say that it will not cause great harm to Daren. If by any chance Daren is implicated, it will be a great crime that will have his family exterminated. How do you expect Daren to make up for such a great disaster? "
Chu Ling sighed softly. "Daren, of all women, you have to touch her. Ai! It has really been hard on Miss. Miss used Daren's return to the capital as an excuse to immediately set off for the capital. Could it be … could it be that you are also purposely looking for an excuse to avoid her so that you won't be forced into a fight? "
Cheng Qiyun faintly smiled and said, "You are my good sister after all … Only you know what is on my mind. I have never escaped before, but this time … I want to catch her and find out what she wants to do, but I am also afraid that if I really find out the truth, I must be the one to get rid of her. Ai! Wanting to kill her is out of selfishness. Not wanting to kill her is also out of selfishness. I really regret coming to Qingzhou. Hong Niangzi, Hong Niangzi, you better behave yourself … "
※ ※ ※
Hong Niangzi was dressed in coarse clothes. Her complexion was sallow and her eyebrows were thick. She leaned against the carriage with one leg hanging on the shaft and the other on the carriage. She looked like a careless young man. However, although he had deliberately dressed up, his exquisite facial features still looked very handsome.
The side door opened, and two bald donkeys pulled a vegetable cart and slowly drove into Prince Heng's Mansion. Heng Wangfu was located in the southwest of Qingzhou. It was magnificent, simple and elegant. Heng Wangfu was the seventh son of Ming Xianzong. He was conferred the title of Heng Wangfu in the 23rd year of Chenghua.
Because of his young age, Zhu Youzong did not become a vassal until the 12th year of Hongzhi. Hongzhi Emperor treated him very well and allocated a large amount of silver to build this Heng Wangfu.
Heng Wangfu was young and vigorous. Hongzhi Emperor was kind and forgiving, allowing him to build this Heng Wangfu exactly like the Forbidden City. Although the whole palace was not the most luxurious and spectacular building among the various vassal kings' mansions, the architectural pattern, furnishings, and staffing were completely a copy of the Forbidden City, just on a smaller scale. It was just like a country within a country.
The vegetable cart could not go through the 'Wu Chao Wang Gate', which was the gate that civil and military officials entered and exited when they kowtowed to Heng Wangfu. Hong Niangzi went through the corner gate of Xihua Gate. The palace was divided into the Imperial City and the Inner City. The inspection to enter the Imperial City was not so strict, especially the cart that often delivered vegetables, charcoal, and various palace goods.
The vegetable cart smoothly arrived at the Imperial Kitchen. Eunuch Zhao shouted with a croaky voice: "The food is delivered, quickly unload the cart. Little bastard, do you have any eyesight?"
With his scolding, several little eunuchs hurriedly ran out and carried the vegetable baskets down the cart one by one. Eunuch Zhao said with a smile: "Little Cui, come with me to get some money."
Chief Steward Zhao took Cui Ying 'er into his room. When he looked back and saw that there was no one, he quickly closed the door sneakily. He ran to the bedside and pulled out a small bundle from under the bed. He said: "Fortunately, Wangye is young and strong, so you don't need these things. It has been in the warehouse for many years before I dare to touch it. Little Cui, we and Imperial Doctor Chen have taken a great risk."
Cui Ying 'er quickly said with an apologetic smile: "This little one thanks Eunuch Zhao. Eunuch Zhao is very benevolent and righteous, this little one is really grateful." She took out a cloth bag from her bosom, took the bag with one hand and handed it over with the other.
Eunuch Zhao took it and weighed it in his hand. He suddenly revealed a smile on his face and said with a chuckle: "These precious tonics in the Wangye have almost been emptied by us. Next time, even if you have money, you won't be able to buy them. How is it? Is your relative's illness better?"
Cui Ying 'er put the tonics in her bosom and said with an apologetic smile: "It's much better. After taking a few more, he will be completely cured. Many thanks, Eunuch Zhao."
Eunuch Zhao patted his chest and said: "Oh, that's good. This family has done a good deed. Hehe, although your relative is a rich person, these tonics are very hard to get in this world. These were bestowed to our Wangye by the Former Emperor. They are the treasures of the Imperial Palace. After taking so much money from you, if he still can't be cured, this family will feel very guilty.
Cui Ying 'er thanked him again and again before leaving the palace. She drove the empty cart out of the city. An ordinary donkey cart and a seemingly ordinary and poor looking vegetable vendor, who would pay attention to them? The donkey cart slowly left the city and slowly moved along the country road.
Feeling the medicine in her bosom, Cui Ying 'er's heart was filled with excitement. These treasures of the Imperial Palace could not be bought by the common people even if they had money. She had spent a lot of money to find Eunuch Zhao's way of getting these medicines from the Imperial Palace in batches. Once he finished eating these medicines, he would be completely cured.
Thinking of this, Cui Ying 'er couldn't suppress the excitement in her heart. With a swoosh, she waved her whip and made a beautiful flower of the whip. The flower of the whip exploded like the sound of firecrackers, but the two old donkeys were still unhurried and leisurely, completely ignoring her. Cui Ying 'er realized that she had forgotten herself and thought that she was riding on a horse. She couldn't help giving a bitter laugh.
The flower of the whip attracted the attention of the two people. They were the officials that Cheng Qiyun had placed in the city of Qingzhou. Most of the people who drove the cart could use the flower of the whip, but there were also many tricks. The young man on the donkey cart did not even move his arms, but he was able to make such a beautiful flower of the whip. How strong was his wrist? Especially when she was driving a donkey cart and the whip she used was not a long black horse whip. Strange!
It was just a little bit of doubt, but for the officials who had no clues, this little bit of clue was worth investigating. The two people gave each other a look and stopped far away.
Black tiles, green bricks, red railings, white walls, this house seemed to be relatively wealthy in this village. The cart arrived in front of the door. Cui Ying 'er hurriedly tied the reins to the wooden stake in front of the door and then hurriedly entered the courtyard.
An old man in his fifties in a green robe was pushing a stone mill. When he saw her return, he quickly clapped his hands and limped over to welcome her. He said with a smile, "Ying 'er, you're back. The medicine …"
Cui Ying 'er smiled and said, "Third uncle, the medicine is back. Let's go back to the house and talk."
"That's good." When the old man heard this, the wrinkles on his face smoothed out. In the house, an old woman was playing with a child on the kang bed. The little fellow had big eyes and a sharp chin. He was white and clean, wearing a tiger-skin hat and a hundred kinds of clothes. He was lying in the middle of the guardrail made of quilts.
Although he looked thin, the little fellow was very energetic. He was trying his best to stretch out his little hands and grab the old woman's fingers. Once he grabbed them, he would not let go. If the two fingers were held by his little hands, he would be able to lift him up. It was just that the child's neck was still soft, so he did not dare to lift him up. It was very rare for such a small baby to have such strength.
Seeing Cui Ying 'er come in, the old woman also smiled and straightened her back.
"Third aunt."
"Hey, you're back. Did you get the medicine back?"
Third uncle interrupted and said with a smile, "I got it back. This is good. This child's life is a bit bitter. What a handsome boy. It's just that he was born prematurely and had some problems in the womb. His parents were heartless and threw him away. Luckily, he met Ying 'er and brought him back to the mountain. Otherwise, tsk tsk, wouldn't he be fed to the wolves? "
Cui Ying 'er's expression was not very comfortable. She changed the topic and asked, "Third aunt, it's almost noon. Is the water boiled?"
"Yes, it's boiled. It's just sitting there." Third aunt got up and dusted the front of her clothes. She took a large wooden basin and placed it on the kang bed. Then, she slowly went to fetch the water and said, "Old man, don't say that. I think this child is lucky to be picked up by Ying 'er. Otherwise, with the problems in the womb caused by premature birth, how can an ordinary family afford to treat it? Now, the commoners can't live anymore. They can't even take care of the adults, so who can take care of the child? "
Third uncle ignored her. He bent down and played with the child. He chuckled and said, "Look at how handsome this child is. When he grows up, he will be amazing. Who knows how many girls will fall for him. Qiqiu, give Third Grandpa a smile. Hey, look, look at him smiling. This child, when he smiles, his eyebrows and eyes are so happy. It's very rare. "
He scratched the little guy's face and teased him, "Hehe, you little pervert. You're so happy when I say you're going to get a wife. Hey, Ying 'er, you and this child are fated. The longer he grows up, the more fated he is with you. His eyebrows … "
He sat down by the kang bed and said, "But then again, a godson is still a godson. Why are you and Huzi fighting? Wasn't it good in the past? Ever since we went to the capital last year, look at the two of you fighting. The last time we came back, Boss was also glaring at Huzi. Could it be … that he's flirting outside? "
Cui Ying 'er said in annoyance, "Third uncle, don't say anymore."
"I won't say anymore. Sometimes, it's better to turn a blind eye and pretend to be confused. Look at your Third Uncle. When he was young, hmph, he was also a cat that stole food! Between husband and wife, you can't be impulsive. They have been fighting for more than a year. As the saying goes, fight at the head of the bed and reconcile at the end. They have been fighting for almost a year. It's time for them to reconcile. Third aunt is still looking forward to carrying the child for you. Women always have to have their own biological child, right? "
Third aunt said while pouring hot water into a large wooden basin with a large kettle. The large kettle was filled with water and weighed more than ten catties, but in her hands, it was as light as a feather. Don't be fooled by her benevolent appearance. She walked slowly. This old woman used to be a tigress in the Cui family's mountain village. She held a pair of shining hunting tridents in her hands. Her martial arts skills were not below her husband's.
Cui Ying 'er's mother died early. It was Third aunt who brought her up. Her relationship with this couple was no less than that of her biological parents. They knew that she didn't like to hear it, but only this couple dared to talk in front of her.
When Third Uncle heard his wife mentioning his past when he was young again, he quickly stiffened his neck and turned to the side.
Cui Ying 'er sighed and didn't reply. She knew that Third Uncle and Third Aunt meant well, but could she still reconcile with Yang Hu? At first, she didn't want to say that Yang Hu had betrayed his brotherhood because she lost her chastity first and felt that she had wronged him.
Later, Yang Hu was blinded by greed and his desire to rebel became stronger and stronger. However, under Eldest Cui's strict order, all the people in the Cui family's old house had retreated. Red Lady lived alone in her old boudoir and sometimes went down the mountain for a walk. She was a loner, just like when she was still unmarried. After cutting off contact with him, she was even more lazy to care about his affairs.
Unexpectedly, Zhou Dean, the commander of Bazhou, received the imperial edict to suppress the bandits. Because the main force of Yang Hu's mountain village had heard the news and fled far away, there weren't many bandits left to suppress. In order to make a name for himself, he began to implicate the innocent. He lured them into surrendering and broke into the Cui family's stronghold. He killed many women and children. The Cui family's stronghold was caught unprepared and even Eldest Cui was killed by a sharp arrow.
How could they not take revenge for such a deep blood feud? How could they not hate the imperial court for betraying them? The surviving people in the Cui family's old house unanimously decided to join Yang Hu's volunteer army and rebel to avenge the thousands of lives in the Cui family's stronghold. At this point, Cui Ying 'er couldn't stop it and could only tell Second Uncle about Yang Hu's shameful deeds.
However, the Cui family's stronghold was now full of hatred for the government and Zhou Dean, who was responsible for thousands of lives in the stronghold. As for Yang Hu, he killed the people in the Yang Family's stronghold. After all, Cui Laowu was only lured away by Yang Hu with the trick of luring the tiger away from the mountain so that it was convenient for him to kill him. However, he met the Maitreya Cult Master and lost his life.
If they really wanted to calculate, how could this hatred compare to the great hatred of the stronghold being destroyed, the eldest brother being killed, and the thousands of brothers, women, and children being abandoned in the mountains? Third Uncle was injured and crippled in the early years, so he didn't pay much attention to the affairs in the stronghold. Fifth Uncle was also dead, so Second Uncle and Fourth Uncle secretly discussed and decided to keep the news a secret. They used Yang Hu's rebellion to achieve their wish of revenge. Yang Hu wanted the world, and they wanted Zhou Dean's head. Was it using each other and taking what they needed?
Cui Ying 'er was helpless. Her elders and brothers were bent on avenging her father. As a daughter, how could she stay out of it for her own selfishness? Yang Hu was powerful, and the heavily injured Cui family's stronghold no longer had the deterrent power it used to have in the past. She really couldn't feel at ease sending the people of the Cui family's stronghold to Yang Hu, who looked like a tiger king but was actually a wolf.
However, if she wanted to protect them as much as possible, she could only be their leader and firmly control this force. As long as Cui Ying 'er was willing to stay in the village, she would naturally be the leader of this troop. No one would be able to replace her position. Because of this friendship and this tie, she could only follow her subordinates who were eager for revenge to the Qingzhou Province.
However, there was another tie …
She gently stroked the child's smooth cheek and sighed faintly.
The water was ready, and Cui Ying 'er woke up from her daze. She tested the temperature of the water and took out the prepared medicine to dissolve in the basin. Then, she untied the little fellow's clothes and gently soaked him in the warm water.
Third uncle smacked his lips and said, "When you were a child, your father gave you this prescription and had your third aunt soak you in this medicine every day. This way, you'll have a good foundation for practicing martial arts. Oh, this child's foundation is even better than yours. He's just a bit congenitally deficient and has some problems since he was born. Once he eats the medicine you brought back, he'll be fine. If this child is properly taught, he'll be a bit more brilliant than you in the future. "
Cui Ying 'er's heart was filled with joy. She slightly pursed her lips with a smile and didn't say anything. The child was very comfortable lying in the warm water. His head was in Cui Ying 'er's hands as he lay in the water with his limbs spread out. From time to time, he would kick a few times. His pair of bright black eyes looked at people with a hint of a smile.
The water gradually cooled down. Cui Ying 'er gently carried the child out and placed him on the mattress that was laid out earlier. She used a towel to wipe the water droplets off his body and softly said, "Don't cry. I'll dry your body and carry you to the door to bask in the sun, okay?"
At this time, there was a flurry of footsteps in the courtyard. A man with a green cloth covering his head rushed in and shouted, "Third Master!"
Third Uncle rushed out and asked, "What's the matter?"
The man hurriedly said, "Just now, someone followed Eldest Miss's carriage back. They were still chatting with the people in the village. They wanted to know how long our family has been here and what they do for a living. From their actions, they look like Eagle Claw."
Third Uncle's face tightened and hurriedly asked, "Where are they?"
"They are very vigilant. As soon as we noticed them, the two of them left and went to Qingzhou City."
Third Uncle thought for a while and waved his hand, "Go and watch at the village entrance." After saying that, he flashed into the house.
Cui Ying 'er had already wrapped up the child and handed it to Third Aunt. She said, "I heard it. The people who followed me might not know my identity. But in the future, we don't need to go to the Prince's Residence to ask for medicine. This identity is also useless. There's no need to stay here and take risks. Let's go back to the mountain and leave immediately!"
* * *
"Eldest Brother, your prestige is like the sun in the sky. Now, not only do the Taihang bandits follow your lead, but the people in Qingzhou also follow your lead. Not only are there many hunters, tenant farmers, and poor people coming up the mountain to seek refuge, but there are also three local tyrants who have recently sold their family's wealth to you. This is the trend of the people and the trend of the times."
Mu Yun said respectfully to Yang Hu who was sitting on the tiger skin chair. He was a newcomer to the mountain and brought more than a dozen brothers with him. He was originally a hunter from Zhuyin County in Qingzhou. Because of his dignified appearance, extraordinary martial arts, shrewd personality, and eloquent personality, it didn't take long for him to stand out and be highly regarded by Yang Hu.
A trace of pride flashed across Yang Hu's face. But thinking about the current situation, he shook his head and said, "It's true that this is the trend of the people in Qingzhou and the trend of the times in Taihang Mountain. But it's not easy to make the people in the world follow your lead. We have the fortress at the north, the capital to the west, and the boundless sea to the east. It's fine to call ourselves the king of Taihang Mountain, but if we start a rebellion and the army of the court gathers … "
He shook his head and sighed, "We've suffered a series of setbacks in the past year. If we lose this base, then we'll really lose everything. We have to be careful."
Yang Hu furrowed his brows and said, "But we can't just keep waiting. There are so many of us. We could survive if we split up and rob others, but now we've gathered together for a rebellion. Tens of thousands of soldiers need to eat and drink. Our food and money won't last long. And with so many soldiers gathered together, it's hard to keep it a secret. If we continue like this, the government will find out. Sigh, this is difficult."
Mu Yun smiled and said, "Big Brother, if we can't go to the east, north, and west, then what about the south? Tens of thousands of miles of rivers and mountains, a thousand miles from Taihang Mountain, isn't it easy to get what you want? The three moneybags who joined you brought all their belongings up the mountain. You've seen for yourself how rich they are in this barren land. North and south of the Yangtze River, there are many people who are ten times, a hundred times, or even a thousand times richer than them. If you go there, it'll be easy for you to raise funds for the army and recruit soldiers. "
Yang Hu shook his head and said, "Brother Mu, you're wrong. How many soldiers will there be if we mobilize the Taihang Army? Only tens of thousands. Once we start the rebellion, we can only recruit thirty thousand soldiers from all the counties in Qingzhou. Going deep into the Central Plains with forty thousand soldiers? Haha, a loach entering the sea, what waves can it make? "
Mu Yun's eyes flashed with a hint of mystery and he said in a low voice, "Big Brother, you're a great hero who is open and aboveboard. Some things are not as clear as us poor hunters who haven't seen the world."
He moved closer to Yang Hu's ear and whispered something. Yang Hu's eyes widened and he said with a horrified face, "This … this is too vicious. Will this plan work?"
Mu Yun smiled and said, "Big Brother, since ancient times, 'a general's success is built on the bones of ten thousand', let alone an emperor. Since ancient times, which founding emperor's throne was not piled up with piles of bones? If Big Brother uses this plan, millions of soldiers can be obtained in an instant. At that time, Big Brother will be a fierce tiger coming down the mountain and a dragon entering the sea. The country of Ming Destiny may change masters just like that. Big Brother, we're in a corner and the land is poor and the people are few. Other than this, do you have any other brilliant plan to fight against the imperial court? "
Yang Hu's expression changed several times. His flickering eyes finally calmed down and a murderous look slowly condensed. He nodded slowly and said, "This is the only plan for now. Brother Mu, hurry up recruiting soldiers and buying horses. Save money and food. Prepare for another month, and then … "
He suddenly stood up and put his palms together. He waved them in the air with a murderous look on his face!
* * *
The wind was chilly, and Liang Hong stood at the top of the city wall, cupping his hand to cool his eyes as he watched Yang Ling's carriages gradually disappear into the distance. He let out a long sigh, feeling as though he was stepping on cotton. "Your old servant … Our family … My … Grandpa can also be the master of the family?"
Liang Hong looked around as if he was dreaming. All the officials of Bazhou were standing three steps behind him respectfully. He couldn't help but have a heroic feeling of being all-powerful and looking down on the world.
Master Mu came forward and said respectfully, "Eunuch Liang, High Duke has gone far away. The wind here is quite strong. Let's go back. Uh … In order to celebrate Eunuch Liang's appointment as Bazhou's Guard, the officials have prepared a banquet at 'Fish Viewing Pavilion'. They invite you to the banquet tonight. I hope Eunuch Liang will not refuse and do me the honor of coming. "
As soon as he heard that the officials of Bazhou were going to hold a banquet to celebrate him, Liang Hong immediately bowed out of habit and put on a flattering smile. He was about to express his gratitude when he suddenly realized that he was now the Bazhou's Guard, the highest official in Bazhou. These people in front of him had to act according to his wishes. His habitual bowing back straightened up. He smiled reservedly and said slowly, "This … I've just been appointed and I'm very busy. There's no need for me to welcome and send people off, right?"
Master Mu smiled apologetically and said, "It's my duty, my duty. I'll work with Eunuch Liang in the future and have many things to ask you. Everyone is not familiar with Eunuch Liang. It's only right to meet and get familiar with each other. Eunuch Liang, you must give us face."
"Yes, yes, Eunuch Liang, you must come."
Liang Hong chuckled and said, "Well … it's hard to refuse such hospitality. Alright, this time, I'll make an exception and attend the banquet. Let's not do it again, huh?"
"Yes, yes, yes. Let's not do it again, let's not do it again."
"Hmm." Liang Hong smiled proudly and said, "Then … let's disperse first. I still have to return to the Guard's Residence to hand over some affairs. See you tonight, see you tonight, hehehe …"
The officials hurriedly smiled apologetically and left. Liang Hong walked to his sedan proudly and got on it. A gong opened the way and he went straight to the Guard's Eunuch's Residence.
After sitting in the sedan and enjoying himself for a while, Liang Hong suddenly remembered the conversation he had with Mo Yunxiang last night and couldn't help but worry again. The higher the official, the greater the responsibility. Now that he was a Guard, it was impressive, but this responsibility … this responsibility of making money … Sigh!
Liu Jin had given him two tasks. The first was to think of a way to protect Zhang Zhong and the officials of Bazhou. Whether these people should be killed or not was one thing, but they were on Liu Jin's side. If they were punished by Yang Ling, then Liu Jin's reputation and political position would be damaged. If there was a chance to save them, he would naturally spare no effort.
Unfortunately, Mo Yunxiang didn't expect Yang Ling to act on his own and get rid of Zhang Zhong so quickly. This also helped Liang Hong greatly. Otherwise, he really didn't know how to exonerate Zhang Zhong and save him. The second task was that the task that was originally given to Liang Zhong was now given to him. He still had to think of a way to raise the hundred thousand taels of silver.
Liang Hong pinched his chin and started to worry, "Zhang Zhong has just been killed. He can't use his methods of squeezing the rich and powerful anymore. In my opinion, the reason why Old Zhang was destroyed was because he was too evil. He took advantage of the poor to get rich and offended too many people.
The local tyrants and the government were always inextricably linked. Who knows which one of them was connected to the heavens. If he offended all of them, would he still be able to stand firm? He had to keep in touch with the tyrants and landlords. Filial piety was naturally indispensable, but he also had to let them live.
Raising taxes … was doable, but not now. He had to wait for this storm to blow over. Then what should he do? Eunuch Liu gave me this task and gave me a total of two tasks. Zhang Zhong is now hanging on the flagpole, so there's no need to save him. If I can't raise the hundred thousand taels of silver, Eunuch Liu can immediately remove me from my position and transfer me back to the Department of Rites. I'm afraid that if I lose Eunuch Liu's favor, I won't be able to stay in the Department of Rites anymore. If he transfers me to the Cold Palace as a janitor … "
Liang Hong felt a chill in his heart and the feeling of being in the limelight was swept away. He had just tasted the feeling of being the center of attention and the moon surrounded by the stars. He felt that it was especially precious. Now that he had returned to his previous identity, it was an unbearable pain, not to mention being reduced to a powerless old eunuch in the Cold Palace that no one cared about.
"I must complete the task that Eunuch Liu has given me, or else my ending won't be much better than Zhang Zhong's! But … silver, a full hundred thousand taels of silver, where are we going to find the money? " Once he thought of this, the first fire of a new official burned in Liang Hong's heart, burning him to the point that he felt like his liver was being scratched.
Liang Hong unhappily opened the curtain of the sedan and took a few heavy breaths. When he looked up, he saw Zhang Mao, Jiang Bin, Liu Qi and the other generals riding on horses, talking and laughing as they walked on the other side of the street. They were pointing and talking, as if they were about to enter a restaurant. Seeing this scene, Liang Hong's heart suddenly brightened. In the current Bazhou, to raise the hundred thousand taels of silver, one couldn't target the officials, the gentry, or the common people. Then who else could they target? Silver wouldn't fall from the sky, would they target the horse bandits?
Liang Hong thought with a clear conscience, "Zhang Mao is a rich man, and Liu Qi and the others must have a lot of money as well. After robbing people for so many years, isn't it easy for them to earn money? Hmm … they have just surrendered and don't have many acquaintances in the officialdom. If I want to punish them, it will be much easier. Moreover, the local gentry and common people secretly hate these bandits. If I punish them, I can get a good reputation.
Now that these people have seen the light and exposed themselves, they can't be the horse bandits anymore. They have no way out, so won't they be obedient and be at my mercy? As long as I threaten and intimidate them, these bandits will obediently hand over the hundred thousand taels … No! Wouldn't 120,000 taels of silver be a piece of cake?
Yang Ling is a big sweeper! He can really sweep, and he's really clean! I remember that there are countless gold and silver in Zhang Zhong's Garrison Residence. Yang Ling, this big sweeper, went to sweep around and made dust fly. When I arrived, he left an empty house for me, and all the valuable things were recorded in the treasury.
Damn, now that I'm the Garrison Residence of Bazhou, I can't be too shabby. This house has guards, maids, and maids, it should be extravagant. It's not too much to ask for an extra twenty thousand taels from them, right? "
Looking out from the sedan chair, Liang Hong saw that Zhang Mao, Liu Liu, Feng Lei, Xing Laohu, and the others had already turned red, like ripe persimmons. It was really … really tempting!
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