Chapter 300 The Mountains Shining on Me

Ping'an Prefecture is big and small. ₆₉ₛₕᵤₓ.cₒₘIts size depends on who it is compared with. Take Songjiang Prefecture for example, Ping'an Prefecture is really too big, three or four times as big. But compared with the big prefectures in the north and northwest, it is far inferior.

The embarrassing situation of being inferior to the top and better than the bottom does not affect the importance of Ping'an Prefecture. It is connected to the important road of the capital above and the prosperous land of Jiangnan below. Going out of the pass on the left side is the territory of Yun Guang, the governor of Chang'an. Moving to the right is Lu. These two places are also very important. One is the old place of Longxing of the Li family in Dayong, and the other is the granary of the world and the old place of the saint.

Such a dangerous place, if it were not for the mountains and rivers in the territory, it would be hard to find good farmland and bandits everywhere. As early as when Li Zhi ascended the throne, he should have led his troops to quell this major threat.

The reason why it was delayed until now was that, first, Li Zhi was unwilling to rashly raise troops to attack when he was not firmly established. Second, it was to allow the wavering nobles to further strengthen themselves.

It is said that war is the continuation of politics. Today, Chen Heng stood outside the camp, looking at the undulating green mountains in front of him, and could vaguely grasp Li Zhi's mind.

The mountain in front of him was always called the black mongoose by the local villagers. The mongoose is a long-tailed and long-haired creature that likes to dig holes and hide everywhere. Chen Heng didn't know if there was such an animal here, and he also guessed that it might be an alternative name for bandits by the people.

It had just rained last night, and the surrounding land was a little muddy. Fortunately, the sun was strong today, and the wet ground was slowly dissipating under the shining of the hot summer sun.

The military camp set up by Shi Ding was at the lower right of Ping'an Prefecture. It was along the south of the Yangtze River and interspersed from the lower right. On the left of the military camp was the jurisdiction of Feng Yuanzheng, the governor of Yongxing. These two territories are located at the lower part, and will shoulder the main responsibility of this bandit suppression together with the Jiangnan and other places behind them. Chang'an Jiedushi Yun Guang, as well as Lu Province and other places only need to guard the checkpoints to prevent the bandits from escaping everywhere.

Chen Heng didn't know much about military affairs. He walked around the rear army camp several times and felt that Shi Ding's arrangements were no different from what was said in the military books.

When he returned to his military tent, Xinda was sorting out today's military documents for him. Li Zhi appointed Chen Heng as the military counselor this time, responsible for taking care of the food and supplies of the entire army. This job inevitably involves dealing with the grain delivery teams from all over the country.

The major affairs of the country are sacrifices and war. Chen Heng changed his "good temper" in Songjiang Prefecture, and took samples of the grain teams sent from all over the country and checked them one by one, just asking himself to do his best.

With such a difficult-to-talk-to superior, some past military practices are naturally not easy to put on the table to fool around. If they searched for one or two bags of inferior goods, and directly arrested a few idiots to kill the chickens and monkeys, they would have nowhere to complain.

After communicating with Xinda about today's events, he saw that everything was normal. Chen Heng was still asking him to go to the granary to look after it late at night. Shi Ding's messenger had arrived outside the military tent, saying that the general had invited him.

Although Chen Heng had a military counselor, he was not actually a military officer leading the army. He was now nominally under the command of Shi Ding, but neither side had the power to interfere in each other's political affairs.

As a joke, the eunuchs who supervise the army are often mentioned in operas. In reality, they actually refer to people like Chen Heng. Otherwise, the former's catchphrase would not be "I will come to reward the three armies on behalf of His Majesty today."

Chen Heng had no right to interfere with Shi Ding's deployment of troops, and Shi Ding had no power to issue orders directly to Chen Heng. One civil and one military were the checks and balances left by Li Zhi in the army.

As the saying goes, a general is not subject to the orders of the emperor when he is away from home. But without food and supplies, even if the general wants to lead people to rebel, he has to consider whether he can feed tens of thousands of soldiers.

To put it in an unlucky way, if Shi Ding had just raised the flag of rebellion, Chen Heng would only need to burn the food and supplies in the rear. The other side had no other choice but to plunder everywhere and lead the world to attack together. Of course, there is no need to say much about Chen Heng's fate. As long as he can't run away, he will be cut into pieces.

Once Shi Ding succeeded in defeating the enemy, Chen Heng had to show up again and again, and he had to repeatedly tell the soldiers: His Majesty has ordered that the whole army kill chickens and sheep and drink for three days. This is to remind everyone that we are eating the emperor's food, so don't just think about our own superiors.

All in all, this is not a pleasant job. Chen Heng called the messenger into the tent, and heard him say, "The general said he wants to invite the second son of the Duke of Rong to go with him."

The Jia family's reputation was too useful in the military camp. Chen Heng had no intention of hiding Baoyu's whereabouts, but after two or three days, even Shi Ding in the central army heard the news of his coming.

Knowing that Shi Ding wanted to see Baoyu more than himself, Chen Heng waved his hand and asked the messenger to withdraw and wait. He ordered someone to call the bored Baoyu, who was very happy about Shi Ding's summons.

When he left the rear army gate, Jia Baoyu, who was riding on a horse, was still very excited. Before Chen Heng left Songjiang, he took Baochai to the county government to see off his cousin-in-law according to the respect of the two families. Who would have thought that the other party would detain him and Baochai without saying a word, and even arranged for several officers to tie him up and go on the road together.

Rushing to Ping'an Prefecture in such a confused manner, Baoyu has been jumping around in the military camp these days, fearing that Shi Ding doesn't know he's here. Baoyu doesn't know that Chen Heng is even more happy to see him do this. If Chen Heng hadn't been secretly fanning the flames, how could Shi Ding have known about it so quickly.

Sitting and watching Baoyu's joy and excitement along the way, when he arrived at the Chinese army camp, Chen Heng dismounted and coughed lightly. You really don't want to say anything, just like that, Jia Baoyu, who had just been beaming back, immediately lowered his eyebrows and looked down. The latter is really afraid of Chen Heng now. He knows that the other person is not a reasonable person, and he only hopes that Shi Ding can make the decision for him after a while.

When they arrived outside the general's tent, Shi Ding had already been waiting there with Jia Lian for a long time. When he saw Baoyu following Chen Heng, he looked like a frustrated little daughter-in-law. Both of them were so shocked that they didn't even pay attention to Chen Heng's greetings and rushed towards them to ask.

"Why are you so naughty? Marching and fighting are serious and dangerous things, and you dare to interfere. Let the old lady at home know that she will faint from anger." These words were said by Jia Lian.

Shi Ding's reaction was thought-provoking. He looked at Baoyu up and down, and then he breathed a sigh of relief and said, "It's best if you have nothing to do. Stay with me for the next few days. When you are free, you can follow your brother back to the capital."

Baoyu was very happy when he heard this and glanced at Chen Heng proudly. But he looked too cautiously, which made people see Baoyu's awe for Chen Heng.

Shi Ding and Jia Lian didn't know what Baoyu was afraid of, so they had to call them into the tent first. There were many inquiries, but Chen Heng was not held too accountable.

After all, he and Baoyu are also related. Chen Heng just took Baoyu to travel with him, not forcing him to go to the battlefield. All hell broke loose, apart from scolding Chen Heng for being so bold, there was no real crime that could be laid.

Shi Ding and Jia Lian deliberately ignored Chen Heng, but the latter was also happy to see the results. I just watched Baoyu being surrounded by a group of generals who came after hearing the news, and watched everyone keep greeting Baoyu.

"Master Jia, my father was once a personal soldier of the old prince, please call me..."

"Second Master, Second Master, do you still remember me? When you get married, I will..."

Without witnessing this scene with your own eyes, you cannot realize the importance of the Jia family in the military. Baoyu was still a little uncomfortable with it at first. He still preferred women with sweet fragrance and soft fragrance to the stinky soldiers and ruffians. But seeing the 'sincere' faces, Jia Baoyu himself smiled subconsciously, feeling proud of the glory that his ancestors had fought hard for.

Chen Heng was drinking tea by himself, while Shi Ding did not introduce his origins to everyone. Everyone also knew how to control the situation and did not dare to talk to Chen Heng rashly. But to say that there was any intention to offend, none of the soldiers dared to do so. What kind of simple thing can a person who can look calmly in a scholar's robe among a group of strong men wearing helmets and armor be?

Everyone had no intention of offending Chen Heng. After learning that the other party was still in charge of food, grass and baggage, they even looked at him with caution. Everything about eating is in the hands of the other party. Just don't do anything to offend others, and please try to please the second son of the Jia family in front of you.

Later, Shi Ding presided over a pre-military meeting and stated that in seven or eight days, the new commander-in-chief would arrive, and the entire army must not slack off. All the soldiers were ordered to make impassioned speeches, vowing to level the Black Mongoose Mountain and so on.

When it comes to the future, Chen Heng has nothing to do. There are laws and regulations in the army, so Shi Ding led everyone to entertain the Jia brothers. It's just that without the food and wine, it doesn't taste very appetizing.

As dusk fell on the horizon, Chen Heng got up and returned to camp. With Shi Ding and Jia Lian here, Baoyu would naturally not go with him. Chen Heng didn't care and waited until he returned to the rear army camp. When Xinda saw his elder brother leaving alone and going back alone, he couldn't help but wonder: "Brother, you went through all the trouble to bring him here just to make it easier for him to return to the capital?"

Xinda really didn't understand Chen Heng's operation, but the latter said confidently: "Don't worry, he can't run away."

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"What, you're not leaving?!"

Jia Lian didn't understand Baoyu's stubbornness. Shibo was here to lead troops to fight, so you were just joining in the fun.

Baoyu also had troubles that he couldn't tell. His wife was still sitting in the Huating County government office. He remembered Chen Heng's threats to him when he left Songjiang.

'If you dare to run away, I will ask Yu'er to take Baochai to the military camp to suppress the battle. ’

This statement scares Jia Lian and others, and will only be regarded as nonsense by the other party. But for a wealthy young master like Jia Baoyu who has never seen many people, he is not sure that Chen Heng does not have the courage.

The self-esteem deep down in her heart made Baoyu unwilling to show her timidity in front of her family. He simply took out the excuse Chen Heng had prepared for him and explained: "I want to wait here for news from Brother Xue."

Jia Lian's nose was almost crooked with anger. He didn't know that the relationship between Baoyu and Xue Pan could be so good. Jia Lian couldn't figure it out, so he had to put his hands behind his back and try to persuade you: "I have to explain to you that as soon as Prince Beijing arrives, I will have a face-to-face meeting with him, and then I will set off back to Beijing. When I see the old lady, I will take you When we talk about what happened in Ping'an Prefecture, do you think what the old lady will do..."

"Second brother, just go back. I'm not going to the battlefield, so don't worry about me." Baoyu waved his hands quickly. He was very afraid of outsiders, but he was very confident about his own family. That's not right, he is still afraid of his father Jia Zheng. Except for Jia Zheng, Baoyu is not afraid of anyone in the Jia family.

Jia Lian tried hard to persuade him, but he still didn't let go when he saw Baoyu. He was also helpless, not knowing what kind of medicine the other party was selling. He had no choice but to lift the curtain and go out to find Shi Ding to tell him about it.

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Seven or eight days later, Wang Shuirong of Beijing, who arrived at the camp, was surprised to learn about this from Jia Lian.

"Why is your Baoyu here?"

Jia Lian himself did not understand Chen Heng's intention, so he had to explain the whole story. Shui Rong frowned and said, "Well, don't worry about it first. Come with me to the camp to meet the generals."

Jia Lian received the order and carefully accompanied Shui Rong inside. When they arrived at the tent, Shi Ding had already led the generals to wait here. Logically, Shui Rong, the commander-in-chief, came in person. These people would not be too much to go out ten miles to greet him, but they were waiting in the tent so calmly. It was nothing more than to give Shui Rong a warning for Shi Ding's face.

Shui Rong himself did not care, and still had a smile on his face, and even took the initiative to greet Shi Ding. Who knew that Shi Ding's reaction was very cold. When others saw it, they thought that it was true that Shi Ding and Shui Rong were not on good terms.

Jia Baoyu was happiest about Shui Rong's arrival, because in addition to Wang Ziteng's staff, he also had a group of noble children following him. Feng Ziying and Wei Ruolan were among them.

These three people have known each other for many years. They were surprised to see each other here. Before Feng Ziying and Wei Ruolan asked, Jia Baoyu asked the other party's purpose.

"What else can I do? I came to make merit." Feng Ziying spread his hands and said with some helplessness, "My family has no ability to make a living. My father has only me as a son. I can't go to the dangerous border, so I have to come to Ping'an Prefecture to get some credit for suppressing bandits."

When Baoyu heard this, he remembered Feng Yuanzheng, the governor of Yongxing, who was a distant relative of their family.

And Wei Ruolan's situation was similar to Feng Ziying. Li Zhi intended to confiscate the nobles of various families. A group of families either spent money to settle the matter or made meritorious contributions. After thinking about it, there was a ready-made Ping'an Prefecture in front of them. Everyone was happy to follow Shi Ding and pick up some ready-made merits.

Baoyu nodded when he heard this, and hurriedly ignored Feng Ziying's questioning, and only focused on Xue Pan, whose life and death were uncertain.

The three of them sighed for a while about Xue Pan's situation, but they didn't say much. Jia Lian had already come in and said that Shui Rong had a banquet in the tent, and asked them to go there quickly.

This was a formal meeting between the generals of the three armies. There were nobles from various families supporting the scene, and Wang Ziteng's staff accompanied Shui Rong. The atmosphere during the period was also very harmonious.

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Chen Heng, who was in the rear army, was inspecting the granary when he learned of Shui Rong's arrival. He knew that once the commander-in-chief arrived, the day of sending troops would not be too far away. He hurriedly gathered the clerks drawn from various counties together, put the granary accounts together, and stated his requirements and laws.

He had no control over the march and the war. But the entry and exit of food and grass could not be carried out at will without the order of the generals. Afterwards, the records must be kept and filed, and submitted to the Ministry of War after the war is over. Chen Heng is the immediate superior of these people, so there is no reason for them not to obey.

After three or five orders, Chen Heng re-set the order of the guards' patrol in the camp. The people in the rear army camp had no chance to go to the battlefield. Shi Ding only left 5,000 soldiers to prevent thieves from attacking at night. These people do not listen to Chen Heng's dispatch, so there is no need to control them too much.

But the tens of thousands of civilians in the camp followed the local clerks and followed Chen Heng's lead. Chen Heng also wanted to use these people. Although there is no armor or sword in hand, more people can be sent to take care of food and firearms, which can also ensure that everything is safe.

After assigning the tasks to everyone, Chen Heng and Xinda gathered in front of the simple sand table they made by themselves. There are three official roads in Ping'an Prefecture, most of which go around the mountain. There were only a few dangerous places, but Chen Heng could not mark them on the map because he did not have competent scouts.

At night, the worried Chen Heng had not had time to rest. Suddenly, someone outside the tent sent a message saying that the new general of the rear army came to visit.

This is a rare person. Chen Heng has been here for some time, and this is the first time to visit.

He hurriedly dressed up and asked Xinda to hold the light before waiting for the visitor to enter. He himself said in surprise: "Lord Lu, why is it you?!"

The old unlucky Lu Yingxiong smiled bitterly and arched his hands. He gave up the good Wucheng Bingmasi and came here because Wang Ziteng made trouble in private.

"Lord Chen, I am suffering." Lu Yingxiong clasped his fists and cried. He had no one to protect him, and he was in such an official situation that his grandmother and uncle did not love him. If he was lucky, he could get some benefits like Mei Hanlin. If you have bad luck, you can be rubbed by others and treated as they please.

"Sit down first, sit down first." Seeing Lu Yingxiong's bitter face, Chen Heng didn't dare to laugh, and hurriedly pulled the other's hand to sit down.

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"Wake up, wake up quickly."

Liu Xianglian stretched out his hand to wake up Xue Pan who was still sleeping. The two had been hiding in the mountains for half a month, and they were already in a mess. Xue Pan, who woke up from his dream, subconsciously clenched the long knife snatched from the bandits.

"Is there a situation?" He whispered to Liu Xianglian.

After a period of hiding, Xue Pan's face covered with dirt already had some visible murderous intent. He had followed Liu Xianglian for so long, and he had inevitably seen blood on his hands. The thrill of surviving on the edge of a knife made the former Jinling Overlord grow up a lot.

Liu Xianglian saw Xue Pan's nervousness and tried to comfort him: "I just went out to check while you were asleep. Many of the guards have been withdrawn..."

Under the bright moonlight, Xue Pan's face gradually showed excitement. He heard the meaning of Liu Xianglian's words, tried his best to suppress the excitement in his heart, and asked quietly: "Can we go home?"

"Yes." Liu Xianglian nodded heavily.

I don’t know how much grievances Xue Pan has suffered these days, but he actually burst into tears when he heard the voice. He wiped his tears with his sleeves and said in a trembling voice: "When I go back this time, I must build ten temples and repair ten Taoist temples for his grandmother. Thank God for your protection."

After all, they have been through hardships together. Liu Xianglian rarely spoke out: "Instead of doing these things for gods and Buddhas, you might as well turn over a new leaf and do some good things."

"Yes, Brother Liu is right." Xue Pan smiled softly, "I will never make a fool of myself in the future. No matter how rich and glorious it is, it is not as good as living a down-to-earth life..."

Seeing that Xue Pan was talking more and more, Liu Xianglian smiled and just looked up at the moonlight silently. It is said that a prodigal son who returns is more valuable than gold. I don’t know if this experience is a blessing in disguise for Xue Pan, or...

Ahahahaha, here I come.