Chapter 14 Chapter Fourteen The Storm Is Coming

On May 15th, Wuyang City unfurled the banner of "Rebuilding the Republic" and declared Guangyang's independence, and Zheng Zhao also disclosed his identity.There are so many things to do next, Zheng Zhao can't get away now, Zheng Sichu can relax for a while. On the 16th day, Zheng Sichu was sitting in the shade of a tree reading a book when Shen Zhixin walked over, and after about ten steps, she called out, "Brother Sichu, look who's here!" Zheng Sichu put down his book, only to see Shen Zhixin walking over accompanied by someone.This man was wearing a military uniform, not tall, only slightly taller than Shen Zhixin, but extremely strong, his shoulders were wider than Zheng Sichu's, and he had a square face with Zhang Guozi's face.

who is thisZheng Sichu was about to search for memories, but the man rushed forward, put his hands on Zheng Sichu's shoulders and shouted, "Sichu! I haven't seen you for more than ten years!" Ten years?Zheng Sichu's memory suddenly flooded his mind, and he said joyfully, "Ah Shun! You are Ah Shun!" Shen Zhixin said that Ah Shun's name is Nian Jingshun, and now he is the leader of the young military officer of Wuyang City, and the leader of the third generation of Seven Heavenly Generals.It's just that Ah Shun was thin and tall in memory, but now it's completely different. The strength of the arms on his shoulders is stronger than his strength.Seeing Zheng Sichu call out his name, Nian Jingshun said with a smile, "Yes. I also want to thank you for saving my life."

Zheng Sichu was startled, and said, "How did I save you?" Nian Jingshun smiled and said, "Didn't you remind Prefect Shen that someone had kidnapped my uncle? Prefect Shen then sent someone to rescue me." Only then did Zheng Sichu remember that when he went to see Shen Shitu that night, Shen Shitu had indeed asked Fei Tie to investigate Nian Jingshun's whereabouts.At that time, Fei Tie said that Nian Jingshun's whereabouts were unknown, and it turned out that he was taken hostage.He frowned and said, "Who was the one who robbed you?" Nian Jingshun said: "I heard that it is the Big Dipper Lord sent by the Datong. That man's swordsmanship is really good. I heard that they came to assassinate Uncle Zheng?"

Thinking of the assassination of Lord Beidou Sanxing that night, Zheng Sichu also had lingering fears in his heart.The assassination methods of those three people were extremely clever. In retrospect, the person who finally stabbed the mother slowed down for some reason, otherwise they would have succeeded.He nodded and said: "Yes, the means of the Great Control are really powerful." Nian Jingshun said: "They are powerful, but you are even more powerful. Didn't you take them all down. Lord Seven Stars of the Big Dipper, Lord Six Stars of the South Dipper, plus the two heavenly officials from the north and the south, I heard that all of them are very capable."

Eight of the thirteen star kings have died, and the rest will definitely come again.Zheng Sichu said: "Yes." Seeing that Nian Jingshun didn't want to talk about the Beidou matter, probably because he was taken hostage by them, which would be a great shame, he pulled Nian Jingshun to sit down and said, "Ah Shun, these Have you been in the army since then?" Nian Jingshun said: "Yes. I joined the army after graduating from the military academy. Although I have a little reputation in Wuyang City, it is far behind you. When I was waiting for the Republic Medal, I told you, Si Chu, that you would be very promising."

Shen Zhixin interrupted and said, "Ah Shun is not easy, you are the leader of the Seven Heavenly Generals." Nian Jingshun smiled lightly and said, "It's just doing things behind closed doors. The money that the brothers gave us, in front of real gold and silver like Si Chu, we will be worthless in the past seven days, haha. By the way, I heard that my aunt was injured?" Zheng Sichu said: "Yes. My mother was seriously injured and has not recovered yet." Seeing him unhappy, Nian Jingshun said, "Si Chu, don't worry too much, Auntie is auspicious, she must be fine." Speaking of this, the two of them felt that they had nothing to say.When they were young, the two of them and Shen Zhixin often played together and talked about everything, but now that they are adults after all, they are not as close as they were when they were young.Zheng Sichu also felt a little cold, and said: "By the way, Ah Shun, how is the situation in the army now?"

Nian Jingshun said: "Prefect Shen is wise and decisive, and the whole army is united as one, with no two minds." Zheng Sichu frowned secretly.Nian Jingshun's words are really clichés, purely bureaucratic, he doesn't believe that the whole army is monolithic, and no one objected to raising the flag.He said: "Ah Shun, this is an extraordinary period, so don't be careless. What is the strength of Wuyang City now?" Nian Jingshun said: "The standing army has 50,000 troops, including 20,000 marine troops and 30,000 marine troops. However, Prefect Shen has vigorously promoted military training in various schools over the years, so the reserve force is very sufficient. If necessary, it can be expanded in a short time. to hundreds of thousands of people."

Zheng Sichu thought that Shen Shitu was indeed a man of foresight and foresight.The population of Wuyang City is more than 500,000, and there are nearly 3 million people in the whole province. It is really not difficult to expand to 100,000.He asked some more about the establishment, and Nian Jingshun was indeed Yu Chenggong's right-hand man, and he talked eloquently, knowing everything in detail.He also knows a lot about the equipment and equipment of various armies.Zheng Sichu was secretly admired when he heard it, and thought: Ah Shun really has his abilities.Even if his art of war is still insufficient, he is an excellent talent in the Chinese army based on his ability to dispatch and check points alone. Yu Chenggong didn't use him just because he cited private individuals.

The two chatted for a while, Nian Jingshun stood up and said, "Si Chu, it's getting late and there are a lot of affairs in the army. I'm going to visit my aunt before I go back. If you are free, come and play in our army Well, our comrades have always wanted to see you." Zheng Sichu said: "There are a lot of things going on in the army right now?" Nian Jingshun said: "Yes. In the next two or three months, Wuyang City will face a bloody battle." Zheng Sichu was also a little sad.The current Wuyang City is indeed peaceful, but it won't be long before Deng Canglan's soldiers come under pressure, and it will look different again.If Deng Canglan's ability is as good as the legend, probably no one will be his opponent, and Nian Jingshun must be lacking in confidence.Thinking of this, Zheng Sichu smiled and said, "Ah Shun, it's up to people. Don't think that you can't do anything."

Nian Jingshun seemed to be startled suddenly, raised his head and said, "Si Chu, you..." Zheng Sichu said: "There is absolutely no general who is always victorious and invincible in the world. He is the one who dominates the situation." Nian Jingshun grinned, but the smile was dry after all.After a while, he sighed and said, "Yes, it's up to people to do it. How will you know if you don't do it?" Zheng Sichu and Shen Zhixin led Nian Jingshun to visit Mrs. Zheng.But Mrs. Zheng was unconscious and didn't know anything, and Nian Jingshun only bowed at the bedside before retreating.When Nian Jingshun was going out, he suddenly heard a few ding ding dong dong sounds from the pipa nearby. When he looked up, he saw a group of people sitting around a man, who was holding a pipa in his arms.He was startled and said: "Zhixin, men can also play the pipa?"

Shen Zhixin pursed her lips and said with a smile: "Ha, you don't know yet? What's so unusual about a man playing the pipa? Brother Si Chu's flute is also very good, but you can't do anything." Nian Jingshun was even more surprised when he heard that Zheng Sichu could play the flute. He looked at Zheng Sichu and said, "Si Chu, you really know how to play the flute? I can't believe it. I've been a rough person all these years." Zheng Sichu secretly felt it was funny.When he was young, Ah Shun had to compete with himself in everything. He ran fast, and he also practiced running hard. He insisted on being faster than himself. If he climbed trees and climbed higher, he wanted to climb higher. Thick and short, playing the flute and pipa is something you will never learn in a lifetime.He said: "It's just some trivial skills, nothing to worry about." After seeing off Nian Jingshun and Shen Zhixin, Zheng Sichu was about to walk back when Xuan Minglei suddenly emerged from the bushes and said, "Brother Zheng." Zheng Sichu was taken aback when he saw him come out from here, and asked, "Brother Xuan, didn't I just see you playing the pipa over there?" Xuan Minglei said: "That's right. Who came with Miss Shen just now?" Zheng Sichu said: "He is Nian Jingshun, my childhood friend, and now the leader of the Seven Heavenly Generals in Wuyang City." Xuan Minglei frowned and said, "Is that Yu Chenggong's nephew?" "Yes." Seeing Xuan Minglei's pensive look, he smiled, "What's wrong?" Xuan Minglei said in a low voice: "If I remember correctly, he once went to Dongping City to meet Deng Shuai." Zheng Sichu said: "It's not surprising. Deng Shuai was stationed in Wuyang City for several years. He is the Chinese army of Wuyang City's garrison. Of course, he is also familiar with Deng Shuai." Xuan Minglei murmured: "Yes, it's not surprising. It's just that Deng Shuai was full of praise for him, saying that this man has a strong chest and excellent fist and kick skills." Zheng Sichu said: "Is he good at fisting and kicking? Not bad." Just as he was about to say that as a soldier, it is not surprising that he is good at fisting and kicking, but he felt a strange feeling in his heart, and he looked at Xuan Ming unconsciously. Lei, Xuan Minglei also nodded. Excellent fisting skills! Would such a person be easily hijacked by Mr. Beidou Xing unharmed?Zheng Sichu felt a chill all over his body, and felt an indescribable discomfort, but he just thought in his heart: No!wrong!Ah Shun didn't tell the truth! It is said that four of the Big Dipper Lords came to Wuyang City, three of them came to assassinate Zheng Zhao, and one looked at Nian Jingshun. Later, Shen Shitu sent people to find out the whereabouts of Nian Jingshun, and the Big Dipper Lord escaped.But the more Zheng Sichu thought about it, the more he felt that something was wrong. Nian Jingshun's temperament seemed to be a person who would rather bend than bend. If his fist and kick skills were similar to his own, it would be easy for Big Dipper to assassinate him, but it would be difficult to capture him alive. not that simple.At first glance, there is nothing strange about this incident, but when you think about it carefully, there are actually many flaws in it. Could it be that Nian Jingshun is the one who controls the party?The more Zheng Sichu thought about it, the more chilling he became.If Nian Jingshun surrendered secretly when Deng Canglan came to attack, it would be a serious problem.He said: "Okay, I will go to see my father and Governor Shen immediately." This matter must be let Shen Taishou and his father know in time.But Zheng Sichu also secretly made up his mind that he must save Nian Jingshun's life, even if he has evil intentions.After all, Nian Jingshun was his childhood friend, and this friendship has surpassed the dispute of positions.He can be unkind to himself, but he cannot be unrighteous to him. Thinking of this, Zheng Sichu explained a few words to the head of the guards sent by Shen Shitu to protect everyone, and rode a horse to the eunuch's mansion.But when he arrived at the prefect's mansion, he wasted a lot of talking at the door.The gatekeeper of the prefect's mansion didn't know him, and at this time there were leaders from various ministries in the prefect's mansion having a meeting to discuss. Zheng Sichu waited for a long time before someone came out and said, "So it's Mr. Zheng, Mr. Zheng invites you in." .” The man led Zheng Sichu in.Usually the prefect's mansion is not as heavily guarded as it is now, but now it is a post every five steps, and a post every ten steps.After turning a few turns, the man came to a room, knocked on the door and said, "Mr. Zheng, Mr. Zheng is here." "Come in." Hearing his father's voice, Zheng Sichu couldn't wait to walk in.Once inside, I saw Zheng Zhaozheng sitting in front of the case, with a large pile of files in front of him.Seeing Zheng Sichu coming in, Zheng Zhao said, "Si Chu, what's the matter?" Zheng Sichu closed the door, took a step forward and said, "Father, there is something you must pay attention to..." He briefly explained what Xuan Minglei said, Zheng Zhao frowned after hearing this, and said, "Really? No wonder this person has never met me face to face." Seeing that Zheng Sichu still seemed to have something to say, he asked , "Si Chu, what else do you have to say?" Zheng Sichu swallowed and said, "Father, there is something I want to ask you to agree to." "what?" "If..." Zheng Sichu paused before saying, "If Ah Shun really harbors evil intentions, please don't kill him." Zheng Zhao was startled, and a mocking smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, "If this person really wants to do this, then he will put our family to death, and you still plead for him?" Zheng Sichu said: "Everyone has his own ambition. Father, even if he wants to do this, he is my friend after all." friend?Zheng Zhao's heart skipped a beat.Once upon a time, he and Henry Ding were also close friends of Nan Wu, but Nan Wu showed no mercy to him and Henry Ding.He said sternly: "Si Chu, it's important to make decisions. Don't procrastinate, or you will harm others and yourself sooner or later. Your personal relationship with him is just a trivial matter, but it is a matter of life and death for rebuilding the great cause of the republic. Want to kill your mother?" Hearing this, Zheng Sichu's heart was twisted like a knife.He knew that what his father said was not wrong, if someone else pleaded with him, he would probably say the same.But when things happened to him, he realized that he couldn't be ruthless after all.He said: "After all... Besides, Ah Shun is the central army of the Wuyang City Garrison. If he is purged, Yu Chenggong will definitely be uneasy. I'm afraid it will cause even bigger troubles." Zheng Zhao thought for a while, then sighed: "Although you are also irrational, it is not unreasonable. How about it, if I find out, I will lock him up and not take his life, okay?" Seeing that his father agreed not to kill Nian Jingshun, Zheng Sichu was relieved.He said, "Father, has the situation changed?" Zheng Zhao smiled slightly and said, "Yesterday, the secret envoy sent to Nan'an City has written a report, saying that although Gao Shiqian can't stand with us on the surface, he will definitely act cheaply in secret. In addition, there will be some people in other provinces these days. Hui Yin, apart from Zhijiang Province, there will be no twists and turns in the other provinces. Among them, Tianshui Province is also likely to belong to us." Min Rong only had 5,000 garrisons, and it was just to guard against sporadic pirates. Being sandwiched between Zhijiang and Guangyang provinces, Gao Shiqian could only do this, and this was the best result Zheng Zhao expected.But Tianshui Province is different. Fang Ruoshui was originally in charge of the Tianshui Military Region. At the beginning of the year, Fang Ruoshui’s expedition was defeated and he was dismissed by the General Administration along with Hu Jitang. The new Chief of the Tianshui Military Region was General Qiao Yuanlang. Jin Shengse was single-handedly promoted by Zheng Zhao at the beginning. After Zheng Zhao turned against Datong, although Datong didn't touch him for the time being, Jin Shengse definitely felt that his status was in danger, and he was even more likely to be won over.Tianshui is one of the five major military regions of the Republic. If Tianshui Province can be won over, two of the five major military regions will already be obtained.And Dajiang is the natural moat that divides the Republic from north to south. The three military regions south of Dajiang got two, and it can be said that half of the country has been obtained.At this time, Zheng Zhao was looking at the information of the top and bottom officials of Tianshui Province, to see how this gap could be opened. Zheng Sichu said: "It would be the best if Tianshui Province can be attached. It's just father, Deng Shuai will definitely launch an attack on Wuyang City next, how should we deal with it?" Zheng Zhao nodded and said: "This is indeed a difficulty. If you can't break his attack, everything will be empty talk. Si Chu, I have discussed with Governor Shen, and I plan to incorporate you and Xuan Minglei into the army. You join the Marine Corps, he goes to the Marine Corps, and then it depends on your abilities, and you should get familiar with him as soon as possible." Zheng Sichu felt a little dizzy.It was a nightmare for him to be dismissed from the army. He only felt that he would never be able to go to the army again in his life. He never thought that he would have to put on his shirt again so soon.He said, "Yes, father." When you first enter, you will naturally not be the chief general, but you will not start as a leading soldier either.It is very possible that both myself and Xuan Minglei joined the army as marching staff officers.The marching staff officer was supposed to give advice to the general, but because of his special status, he would actually be able to command an army to fight.The most important thing now is to integrate with the soldiers in the army as soon as possible.He paused and said: "There is one more thing. My uncle is now focusing on the research of civilian equipment. I think he should send more people to develop a new type of combat equipment that can surpass the Northern Army. Our odds of winning will be higher.” Zheng Zhaodao: "I've already mentioned this matter, Governor Shen also felt that he had neglected it before, but it's not too late now..." As soon as he said this, there were two more rings outside the door, Zheng Zhaoyang said: "What's the matter? " "General Nian Jingshun asks to see you." See you Nian Jingshun!Zheng Sichu suddenly raised his heart.Could it be that Nian Jingshun is going to take the risk and put all his eggs in one basket?His hand touched the Ruyi hook next to him, Zheng Zhao was obviously a little surprised, and said, "Please come in." Then he whispered, "Si Chu, you go into the inner room and wait and see what happens." With myself standing by his father's side, even if Nian Jingshun has outstanding fists and feet, he can finally handle it.Thinking of this, Zheng Sichu whispered: "Father, be careful." He turned around and walked towards the inner room.This inner room is a small study room, which is used for taking a rest when you are tired from working.Zheng Sichu sat down, feeling a little dazed.If Ah Shun did not hesitate to die and made a sudden attack, would he still have time to stop him?And at such a critical moment, if he really had to die to relieve his father's danger, would he be able to do it?Although he was uneasy, he admired his father's composure, and thought that although his father was not a warrior, his composure was far superior to his own, and he was far from worrying about gains and losses like himself. Zheng Sichu went to the inner room and just sat down when the door rang twice, and the messenger said from outside: "General Nian Jingshun has arrived." "Come in." The door opened with a bang.Nian Jingshun walked in and saw Zheng Zhao sitting in front of the case, but he didn't step forward, he just bowed deeply and said, "Duke Zheng." Now Zheng Zhao has no real job, but Shen Shitu has already carried him out when the flag was raised. In this new government, Zheng Zhao must be the leader.Zheng Zhao looked at him and said, "General Nian, please sit down." Nian Jingshun sat down, but looked straight at Zheng Zhao.Zheng Zhao looked at him for a while, then smiled with relief, and said, "General Nian, just say what you have to say." Nian Jingshun was stunned, and thought: Didn't you say that he knows everything?Is it just a rumor?But Zheng Zhao asked, and he also said directly: "The last general will die, if there is something hidden to tell, I hope Duke Zheng will forgive me." Zheng Zhaodao: "Is it a matter of secretly wanting to submit to the Northern Army?" Although Nian Jingshun expected that Zheng Zhaoding already knew about it, he was still startled when Zheng Zhao said this, and said in a low voice: "Yes."Ah Shun actually told the truth?What is he trying to do? Zheng Zhao looked at him and sighed, "Everyone has hard things to hide and hard things to do. General Nian, I already know your difficulties. But you know how to turn back when you go astray. There is nothing great about it." Nian Jingshun raised his head, with tears in his eyes, he thought: Mr. Zheng is really magnanimous.He gritted his teeth and said, "The last general has been greatly favored by Marshal Deng, but Wuyang City is the hometown of my parents, and what the Great Commander has done has also deviated from the belief of the republic. Come today, and ask Zheng Gong to punish him." Zheng Zhao smiled and said, "General Nian is being polite. You and Xiao'er are close friends. My son has repeatedly told me that General Nian is heroic and selfless. I also know that General Nian is a hero in the world. You came today, not only No fault, but great merit.” Nian Jingshun was shocked again, and muttered: "Great work?" Zheng Zhao stood up and walked to him, putting his hands on his shoulders.Zheng Sichu could see clearly through the window in the inner room, he was very anxious, and said to himself: Father, why are you so careless?Nian Jingshun was sitting opposite his father, even if he got into trouble and broke through the door by himself, he could stop him in time, but now his father was standing beside Nian Jingshun, if Nian Jingshun made a sudden move, it would be too late for him to stop him .But Zheng Zhao didn't realize it, and patted Nian Jingshun on the shoulder and said, "I also admire Deng Shuai very much. But people have their own ambitions, personal friendships are personal friendships, and business affairs are business affairs. General Nian, can you come today?" I have already made a great contribution, is there still a Big Dipper in Wuyang City who slipped through the net?" Nian Jingshun shook his head and said, "No more. They only came this time with three people. They took Deng Shuai's warrant and asked me to cooperate with them. These three people have already died, and there is no one else. When I know that Si Chu also In Wuyang City, I really regret it in my heart." Only then did Zheng Sichu know why Mr. Big Dipper knew the location of the remote house where his family lived.Shen Shitu's house had been prepared for a long time, but there was no one living in the house at that time, so naturally there was no need to hide it from others. As Nian Jingshun, a member of the army stationed in Wuyang City, he knew that Shen Shitu's plan to build such a house must be for the Zheng family. that's it.It was precisely because of the way Nian Jingshun led them that Mr. Big Dipper came to the door so quickly.He was already angry, but when he heard Nian Jingshun's regretful voice, his heart softened, and he thought: Ah Shun is not a villain after all, so he was so sincere by his mother during the day, he was begging her to forgive him. Zheng Zhaodao: "Ah Shun, don't think too much, Si Chu is your friend, I won't tell him about it." Hearing what Zheng Zhao said, Nian Jingshun also changed his title, and was even more excited. He stood up suddenly, but knelt down on the ground again, kowtowed and said, "Thank you Zheng Gong." The public kowtow ceremony has long been abolished, but there are still reservations to the elders in private.Zheng Zhao helped him up and said, "Ah Shun, don't say anything now, Big Dipper will definitely contact you again. But the kindness of teachers is not as good as that of parents. Your father and fellow villagers are all in Wuyang. Once Wuyang City becomes Deng Shuai You have been ruined, people are devastated, and this crime is so serious that you will never die. Now, your kindness has saved millions of people in Wuyang City." Nian Jingshun raised his head and said, "Yes. As long as they contact me again, I will definitely do this countermeasure." Zheng Zhao smiled slightly, and thought, "Brother Shitu is right. Although Jing Shun is Yu Chenggong's nephew this year, his ability is far superior to that of his uncle.Although Nian Jingshun looks like a loyal person, his mind is also so quick. He knew the meaning of his words by drawing inferences from one instance. Me. Now, General Nian, you have to come back alive, you still have the important task of guarding Wuyang City on your shoulders." Nian Jingshun saw Mr. Big Dipper come to assassinate Zheng's family, causing Mrs. Zheng to be ignorant of personnel affairs, and she kept blaming herself in her heart. After seeing Zheng Sichu today, she felt even more regretful, and came to confess to Zheng Zhao at the cost of death.But after hearing what Zheng Zhao said, not only did he not blame himself, but he would reuse him. He was very grateful in his heart, and kowtowed again: "Thank you, Mr. Zheng." After Nian Jingshun left, Zheng Zhaocai said in a low voice, "Si Chu, come out." Zheng Sichu came out.The situation just now was beyond his expectation, although everything was perfect, but for some reason he still felt a little uncomfortable in his heart.Ah Shun was his childhood friend, but eventually got farther and farther away.Seeing his gloomy face, Zheng Zhao smiled and said, "Now you should be relieved, right? He explained everything first." Zheng Sichu said: "Yes. Father, do you really want him to plot against you?" Zheng Zhaodao: "Deng Canglan is not using him as a disciple? The way of using the middle is that there is me among the enemies, and there is an enemy among us. Although Nian Jingshun has a strategy, he is not a talent for the middle. On this point, Deng Canglan It was the wrong person and the wrong plan. However, Si Chu, this person can be a subordinate, but he can't be regarded as a friend, so we still have to guard against him." Zheng Sichu felt more and more uncomfortable.Maybe Nian Jingshun will become a loyal and capable subordinate from today, but the most precious friendship with him has disappeared.He said in a low voice: "Yes." What appeared in front of his eyes was that Ah Shun who climbed up the lychee tree with him many years ago to pick the reddest lychee, and Shen Zhixin with pigtails under the tree pointed and said she wanted this and that. scene. On May 17th, the appointment orders of Zheng Sichu and Xuan Minglei came down. They were both marching staff officers, and their military ranks were tentatively designated as Xiaoqi.This is the highest level among the lower four levels. If a new soldier enlists in the army, no matter how excellent his grades in the military academy are, he cannot be assigned to this level.But Zheng Sichu and Xuan Minglei were originally soldiers, Zheng Sichu was a school lieutenant, Xuan Minglei was also a wing lieutenant, and Zheng Sichu was awarded the second-class Republican Medal, so no one objected.However, unlike what Zheng Sichu estimated, he and Xuan Minglei joined the water team.Probably Zheng Zhao was thinking about Nian Jingshun, if Zheng Sichu was sent to the Marine Corps, Nian Jingshun would feel uncomfortable seeing him.In terms of position, Nian Jingshun is in the central army, much higher than Zheng Sichu's marching staff officer, but under the circumstances that Nian Jingshun is required to command Zheng Sichu, he probably can't say it himself. To avoid embarrassment, It is also for the sake of Jingshun to deal with it wholeheartedly in the coming war, so Zheng Zhao made such a decision. Another decision is to worry that I can't bear Ah Shun to use countermeasures at that time.Zheng Sichu thought.Although he is considered an old soldier, he has always been in the army, and it was his first time in the navy, so he was a bit at a loss. Fortunately, Xuan Minglei was there to take care of him, so he wouldn't make a fool of himself. The navy in Wuyang City has been famous since ancient times, and was once known as "the strongest navy in the world".However, after Deng Canglan led the navy to rise up, the world agreed that the Wuyang City navy had been surpassed by the navy under Deng Canglan's command.But later Deng Canglan also came to Wuyang City to garrison, and the navy in Wuyang City was personally instructed by Deng Canglan, so now it's hard to say which navy is the strongest. However, it will soon be possible to compete in actual combat. Zheng Sichu and Xuan Minglei had just arrived at the water team, and they were greeted by a young officer who called himself Tan Wantong.This Tan Wantong was very thin, and his conversation was very elegant, more like an official, but when he shook hands with Zheng Sichu, Zheng Sichu noticed that his hands were quite strong.Tan Wantong is in the middle army of the water team. Compared with Nian Jingshun's position, he is also one of the new generation of seven-day generals in Wuyang City, ranking only under Nian Jingshun. Tan Wantong led them around.Because Xuan Minglei was originally an officer of the Navy, he was used to seeing it, but Zheng Sichu saw it very freshly.There are many rivers around Guangyang Province, and cavalry troops are often difficult to use. Therefore, there are very few cavalry troops in Wuyang City's army, and very few horses in the navy army.The training method of the navy is also very different from that of the army. Zheng Sichu saw that the sailors were all standing on a springboard suspended by ropes at both ends, or fighting with wooden knives, or with fists and feet. Rarely used.Tan Wantong said that during the water battles, the hand-to-hand combat was all on the deck of the ship.The boat is also relatively narrow, and spears are often not able to show their strengths, so most of them use knives and fists.Training on the diving board is also to imitate the shaking deck. Zheng Sichu's director is horseback riding and shooting. Although his boxing, kicking and saber skills are quite good, he is still inferior to other spearmen. That time Nandou Zhuxingjun ambushed his family on the road, when he used a waist knife to fight The enemy is not the enemy of the two star kings joining forces, only after winning the wishful hook can they turn defeat into victory.He thought to himself that now that he is in the navy, he can't show his strengths on the boat. He can only fight the enemy with fists, feet, waist and knives. He must practice these two disciplines diligently, but he said to Xuan Minglei: "Brother Xuan, let's try it too. Bar." Seeing Zheng Sichu's challenge, Xuan Minglei thought to himself: I am not as good as you in spear skills right away, but if you fight me with swords and fists, I will not lose.Then he smiled and said, "Okay, I hope Brother Zheng will be merciful." Tan Wantong saw that the two of them wanted to compete, so he asked someone to give up a springboard and took two wooden knives.Although the wooden knife has no edge, it still has some weight. If it hits a person with all its strength, it will still injure the opponent, so the edge is covered with a layer of cotton wool.Zheng Sichu took the knife and tried it, and felt that the weight and weight were suitable for his hand, but when he stood on the diving board, the diving board shook for a while, making him a little unsteady.At this time Xuan Minglei was already standing at the other end, holding the wooden knife in his arms, and said with a faint smile: "Brother Zheng, be careful." The wooden knife in his hand suddenly slashed twice in front of him, but Zheng Sichu felt that his figure was also blurred for an instant, as if he was seen through a thin curtain.Tan Wantong, who was watching the battle, gasped when he saw Xuan Minglei's sword technique.Zheng Sichu was also surprised, and thought: What kind of saber technique is he using? Xuan Minglei's wooden knife could no longer be seen clearly.Can't see the opponent's saber movement clearly, how can this match be compared?Zheng Sichu felt a little flustered in his heart, but immediately calmed down, and secretly said: Let him change in ever-changing ways, I have my own rules.Anyway, he will attack sooner or later, and attack in front of me, if you don't believe me, you still can't see his saber movement clearly. The springboard was still shaking, Zheng Sichu could only stand still with both feet, but Xuan Minglei could advance and retreat freely.At this time, he made a mistake with his feet and took a few steps forward.In the original competition, people on both ends of the springboard moved forward at the same time, fighting in the middle, but Zheng Sichu could only move slowly, far less flexible than Xuan Minglei, and the two were about to meet on Zheng Sichu's side.Seeing Xuan Minglei's light footwork, the soldiers of the Shui Zhan Army who were watching the battle were all heartbroken, and thought to themselves: This new marching staff officer is an expert!It's just another one that looks like a layman. At this time, the sabers of Zheng Sichu and Xuan Minglei were already facing each other.As soon as Xuan Minglei's saber struck, Zheng Sichu felt the wind of the saber suddenly.His heart brightened, and he thought to himself: Although he can hide the sword's momentum, he can't hide the sword's wind no matter what.A strike with a knife will definitely cause the air to fluctuate, unless the opponent swings the knife very slowly.But once he swung the saber slowly, he couldn't hide the saber's momentum again, and Xuan Minglei's saber technique must also use the saber wind to conceal the saber's momentum.Therefore, as long as one looks for his saber wind, he will definitely be able to grasp his saber momentum. It's just that, but Xuan Minglei's strikes are so fast that it's frightening. Zheng Sichu often has to wait until Xuan Minglei's saber has penetrated only a few inches in front of him before he can react.For a moment, the two wooden knives rattled, and after more than a dozen blows, Tan Wantong, who was watching the battle, became more and more amazed, and thought: I thought this Zhanying knife was unique to Wuyang City, but I didn't expect this Xuanminglei Yes, even... more authentic than I know! He learned Zhanying Dao from a distant uncle of his.According to this uncle, he also learned it by accident when he was a teenager.At that time, it was still in the imperial period, and Wuyang City was governed by the He clan.He's most trusted are the three old men, who are called "Wanghai Sanhao".When his uncle was young, he was ordered to serve Wanghai Sanhao. One time they saw one of the old men teaching a young boy how to use the Zhanying Dao. At that time, they only thought that it would be no problem for the little servant to see it. Who knew his uncle was young, But it was the nephew of Yu Shi, a well-known bodyguard in Wuyang City. He had learned saber skills since he was a child. Seeing the miraculous saber skills performed by the old man, he secretly remembered them.It's just that he watched it for a few days before being sent to another place, so he only learned about 70% of it.The 70% sword technique alone is already very powerful. Tan Wantong's uncle made up for it with other changes, and later passed it on to Tan Wantong.Tan Wantong now sees that 60% to 70% of Xuan Minglei's sword techniques are similar to what he has learned. It seems that he knows the whole set. At this time, Zheng Sichu and Xuan Minglei had already fought seventeen or eight moves on the springboard, Zheng Sichu was completely at a disadvantage, but still guarded the door extremely tightly.Xuan Minglei became more and more amazed as he fought, and thought: I only thought Brother Zheng was good at spears and horses, but I didn't expect that his sword skills are also quite good.Although he has the upper hand, Zheng Sichu is clearly in danger, and seems to be shot off the springboard by himself, but no matter how he changes, Zheng Sichu always blocks his lore at the very moment.After attacking a few more moves, he felt that Zheng Sichu's counter-shock power was getting stronger and stronger. Xuan Minglei knew that it wasn't that his strength was getting bigger and bigger, but that he couldn't attack for a long time, but Zheng Sichu stood still. Only defending but not attacking consumes much less physical energy than myself, because my own strength is weakened.At this time, his wooden knife was pushed forward, and Zheng Sichuge caught it. With the force of this block, Xuan Minglei had jumped back two steps.Although the springboard was narrow, he swayed and moved on the springboard like walking on the ground. Although he retreated, he was applauded by the others.Unexpectedly, as soon as he stepped back, Zheng Sichu also took a step forward and took a straight stab at the middle palace. Zheng Sichu also knew that he was only defending but not attacking. Although he could save his energy, he was already in an invincible position.If you can't attack, you can only let Xuan Minglei attack, and sooner or later you will be knocked off the springboard by him.At this time Xuan Minglei took a step back, and the springboard was shaking endlessly. He didn't have Xuan Minglei's ability to walk on a level ground in a turbulent place, so he took a step with his front foot, and dragged his back foot after standing firmly.This way, although the progress is slow, it can be much more stable.Seeing Zheng Sichu take a step forward, Xuan Minglei already understood his intention.I can take a few steps back to breathe a sigh of relief and recover my strength. If Zheng Sichu can't help but force me up, I have less room to retreat. In the end, I will really be forced off the springboard by him.He shook the wooden knife in his hand, and felt that his physical strength had recovered by seven or eight points. Before Zheng Sichu could take another step forward, he jumped forward and jumped in front of Zheng Sichu.The spectators on both sides saw that he could advance and retreat freely, and there were only a handful of people with this ability in the entire water team, so they couldn't help applauding again. Although Xuan Minglei's sword technique remained the same this time, his speed was doubled.Zheng Sichu received a few knives, only to feel that the impact on the knife was getting stronger and stronger, and he was secretly startled.Although he knew that Xuan Minglei's sword skills were very good, after all, he had never competed with him before, and only now did he really know Xuan Minglei's true ability when he met him.The strongest swordsman Zheng Sichu has ever encountered is Chen Zhong from the Wude Camp.But Chen Zhong used the sword on the horse, and relied on his almost irresistible strength. Xuan Minglei's strength was obviously not much stronger than his own, but he also had the illusion that he was facing Chen Zhong. At this moment, Xuan Minglei wanted to fight quickly, and the wooden saber was even more elusive. Even Tan Wantong, who knew Zhanyingdao, was terrified at seeing it, and thought: His Zhanyingdao is indeed a direct inheritance!But no matter how dazzling Xuan Minglei's saber technique was, Zheng Sichu's feet were still firmly planted on the diving board, and the wooden knife in his hand seemed to form an iron wall, which Xuan Minglei couldn't break through no matter what. The two of them fought each other on the diving board, surrounded by more and more spectators.The diving board was only about one foot wide, and it kept shaking. Normally, when competing on the diving board, one person would fall off before long, but this time, Zheng Sichu and Xuan Minglei fought for a long time without a winner , As a result, even the soldiers who were practicing on the side springboard stopped and came over to watch.宣鸣雷见看的人越来越多，自己久攻不下，郑司楚却站得越来越稳，心下也有点焦躁了。他可不是厚道人，心想：郑兄站不惯跳板，他这样只守不攻，要击败他还要半日工夫。 心里这般想，脚下已猛地一踩跳板。跳板两头用粗绳吊着，本来就晃晃悠悠，被宣鸣雷这般一踩，更是剧烈晃动起来。郑司楚双脚抓牢跳板，原本已有点熟悉在这种地方动手了，但跳板突然动得这般厉害，他再也无法站稳。见宣鸣雷使出这样一招，郑司楚忖道：不妙，我比不上宣兄能在这种地方如履平地，必要速战速决！ 两人都想速战速决，不约而同，两人同时跳了起来。两柄木刀在空中一撞，这回已是短兵相接，再无余地，胜负立见分晓。旁人虽然知道这等比试不会有性命之忧，但见两人刀势一下大变，无不心惊。如果这是真的白刃对战，鲜血马上就要飞溅出来。 砰砰两声，木刀在空中相击了两次。宣鸣雷觉郑司楚的刀势竟是沉重非常，心下一沉，暗道：我以为郑兄枪马之术远比我高明，刀术却定不是我斩影刀的对手，没想到他尽能挡得住！ 斩影刀是种奇妙之极的刀法，郑司楚所用只是军中习见的刀术，平实朴素，可是在真正交手时，刀法的优劣其实并不是胜负的唯一关键。郑司楚的刀术纵不及宣鸣雷，可他是真正上过战场的人，宣鸣雷却只是平时与人练习，现在反是他感到了一种无形的迫力。虽然木刀相交仅仅两次，宣鸣雷却已觉得似乎过了许久，自己亦如身处一场狂风骤雨之中。他咬了咬牙，心道：我就不信我会输！ 他这路斩影刀进攻时可隐去刀势，防守时却不能如进攻时这般劈出刀风，因此斩影刀是攻多守少的刀术。宣鸣雷的打算本来就是让郑司楚站立不稳，一举将他击落跳板，谁知郑司楚见站立不住，索性只攻不守，让他弃己之长，一时间反而落入下风。可纵然郑司楚在这一刻占了上风，宣鸣雷也知道这仅仅是一瞬而已。郑司楚的胜机仅在于这跃起的一刻，只消自己能挡住他这一轮猛攻，郑司楚就必败无疑了。想到此处，他索性将木刀一收，挡在胸前，来个只守不攻。这样一来斩影刀的奇招妙势用不出来，却也守若铜墙铁壁。 宣鸣雷赌的，就是郑司楚在这一瞬击不溃自己的防守。只消两人身形一落下来，郑司楚便大势已去。郑司楚刹那间亦已明白宣鸣雷的用意，但他仍是不焦不躁，手中木刀还是向前击去。 又是砰砰两声。一个人跳起来又落下地，那自然只是片刻的功夫，而在这一刻郑司楚竟然能连劈四刀，宣鸣雷居然还能有暇变招，边上看的人无不目不暇接，心驰神移，齐齐叫了声“好”。只是这一声好话音未落，两人都已落了下来。 虽然两人同时跃起，但郑司楚只攻不守，宣鸣雷只守不攻，郑司楚的木刀在宣鸣雷的木刀上连击四下，宣鸣雷自然落下得更快一些。当宣鸣雷的脚尖一踩上跳板，他突然脚尖一振，跳板又是一晃。此时郑司楚也已落下来，本来他已看准了落点，只是宣鸣雷又晃了下跳板，他登时有半个脚踩在了外面。脚下一滑，人自是站立不住，郑司楚心知不好，一咬牙，又是挥起一刀向宣鸣雷的木刀劈去。 只消劈中，借这一击之力，郑司楚的身形可以趁势减缓下落之势，便能在跳板上站稳了。但宣鸣雷之计正是要趁郑司楚站立不稳之机取胜，见郑司楚一刀击来，他本待后退。只消这一刀劈空，郑司楚自然就站不住了。可是郑司楚这一刀也快得异乎寻常，他脚尖还不待发力，郑司楚木刀已到。他反应却也极快，右手一松，已松开了木板。郑司楚的刀劈来，正中他的木刀，但刀上却毫无反抗之力，宣鸣雷的木刀被他一下击落，可郑司楚这一刀已用尽全力，这般一扑空，连半个脚都站不住了，一个踉跄向前扑去。他心下一沉，用尽最后的力气猛地将身形一转，人落下了跳板，却不曾摔倒，还是站着。宣鸣雷却在此刻已后退了半步，踩在晃动不休的跳板上，身体像是粘在上面一样。 Lost!郑司楚心头一阵沮丧。在跳板上对战，到底还不如宣鸣雷。虽然自己也将宣鸣雷的刀击落，但郑司楚知道方才自己已全然失去平衡，宣鸣雷拳术亦极是出色，若是真个以命搏杀，一拳足以将他自己打晕。他一落下地，便颓然道：“我败了。” 自承失败，虽然只是一场练习，他心中仍是不太高兴。郑司楚的枪马之术极其出色，上阵后除了那一次在陈忠无可抵挡的巨力之下失败，实未尝过在单挑中败北，可这一次却是不折不扣地败了。 宣鸣雷跳下跳板，听郑司楚说败了，他吁了口气，叹道：“郑兄，只怕败的是我。” 虽然只是练习，但两人都自承失败，倒也不曾有过。谈晚同上前拣起宣鸣雷的木刀，微笑道：“两位将军真是棋逢对手，不过宣将军还是稍胜一筹。” 他在边上看得清楚。最后一招虽然郑司楚击落了宣鸣雷的木刀，但宣鸣雷那是故意弃刀，当时完全可以以拳脚反攻得手。宣鸣雷却苦笑一下道：“谈将军，方才虽然有胜了半招，但你可知郑将军向来都是马上将军吗？” 谈晚同吃了一惊，问道：“郑将军，你真个从未在这跳板上练过？” 郑司楚点了点头，又摇了摇头道：“败了还是败了。”他看看宣鸣雷，又笑道，“宣兄，你这路刀法，可能教给我吗？” 宣鸣雷抹了抹嘴，笑道：“这个自然。只不过，郑兄，你只消在跳板上练个十天半月，我就肯定不是你的对手了。” 宣鸣雷心比天高，向不服人。在邓沧澜麾下虽与傅雁书齐名，但说起来都是“傅宣”并称，公认他比傅雁书稍逊一筹，他向来不肯服气，背地里给傅雁书取了个“傅驴子”的外号。只是这回说来，却也诚恳。郑司楚的实战功夫，亦非他能够想象。谈晚同在一边见他二人说得投机，全无芥蒂，心下一宽，暗道：这两人的心胸倒都甚是宽广。其实宣鸣雷的心胸算不得如何宽广，只是宣鸣雷性子直，有一说一，有二说二，他对郑司楚本来就甚是佩服，现在更加佩服，也就显得心胸宽广了。谈晚同上前一步道：“郑将军的刀法是军中所传，只是宣将军，你用的可是斩影刀啊。” 宣鸣雷吃了一惊道：“谈将军也知道斩影刀？” 谈晚同道：“是。这刀术据说本来是天水省秘传，后来流传到五羊城，宣将军大概是从天水省直接学来的吧？” 宣鸣雷摇了摇头道：“不是，我这刀术是得自家传。” 谈晚同哦了一声道：“那只怕是斩影刀北传了。还有一门斩铁拳，不知宣将军可会？” 宣鸣雷也吃了一惊道：“斩铁拳在五羊城也有？” 谈晚同道：“是啊。斩影刀，斩铁拳，拳刀并称。不过我看宣兄所学斩影刀比我学到的更完整，以后还要向宣兄请教。”他本来对宣鸣雷客客气气地称“宣将军”，现在改了口，更显亲热，亦是盼着宣鸣雷答应。宣鸣雷点点头道：“这个不妨。只是奇怪，我当初学来时，师父说这一拳一刀不再有外人学得。谈将军，不知你学的斩影刀和斩铁拳与我有什么不同？” 谈晚同道：“方才我见宣将军所用，与我一般无二。”他说着，退后两步，伸刀在身前一纵一横划了两刀，果然与宣鸣雷所用一般无二，刀势变得不可捉摸。宣鸣雷看得越来越奇，叫道：“果然是斩影刀！” 谈晚同与他说得越来越投机，将木刀递给边上一人道：“不瞒宣兄，五羊城的斩铁拳和斩影刀其实有所失传，城中会这两样的人亦不多。若宣兄能够赐教，那再好不过。两位将军也都累了吧？今天也别练了，先去洗个澡，我做东大家喝几杯去，也好让军中弟兄来见过两位将军。” 郑司楚和宣鸣雷现在的首要任务便是融入军中，与军官们熟识起来，何况谈晚同说到要喝几杯。郑司楚就甚好杯中物，宣鸣雷更是无酒不欢，练了一会儿刀身上亦已出了汗，听他这般说，宣鸣雷笑道：“那就叨扰谈兄了。” 洗过了澡，换上军服，两人一出来，谈晚同已领着几人过来了。一见郑宣两人，谈晚同便上前道：“郑兄，宣兄，我给你们引见一下，这位是纪岑纪将军，这位是崔王祥崔将军。”说到这儿，他又笑了笑道：“纪崔二兄，与在下都腆列五羊城七天将，我们三人都在水军，也被弟兄们贴金称我们是'水天三杰'。” 郑司楚听得谈晚同和纪崔两人都是七天将，心想：阿顺他们另外四人大概都在陆战队了，大概就是“地天四杰”了。他拱了拱手道：“久仰久仰。” 纪岑个子短小，极是精悍，崔王祥却是个五羊城中少见的大汉。两人都英华内敛，精神凝聚，两人上前见过了郑司楚和宣鸣雷，谈晚同道：“酒席已经备好，郑兄和宣兄请吧。” 说是酒席，其实也就是军官食堂里摆了一小桌。不过五羊城的食馔极精，就算是军中，伙房做出来的菜倒也色香味俱全。谈晚同给他们各斟了一杯酒，倒出来的竟是绿色的酒液。宣鸣雷还不曾见过这种酒，闻到酒香四溢，诧道：“这是什么酒？”郑司楚却道：“是沁碧兰浆！谈兄，真是破费了。” 谈晚同笑道：“郑兄也是五羊城人吧？还记得这沁碧兰浆。宣兄，这酒别处可是没有的，便是在五羊城也很难得，配上这海蛸脍，风味绝佳，请宣兄尝尝。” 海蛸脍郑司楚倒是吃过，那是种海中的贝类，长得活像一根粗棍子。但沁碧兰浆却是难得之物，是生在悬崖上的一种名叫“沁碧兰”的异苍中所生的一种名叫“碧兰蛆”的小虫，撒上一小撮盐后化成的。这沁碧兰浆极是难得，封在坛中埋入土里，时间越久，香味越是浓郁，酒劲也越大。虽然早就知道这东西，但郑司楚很早就离开了五羊城，那时年纪小不能喝酒，郑昭又对酒没什么爱好，是以他从没喝过。后来长大了，虽然曾向母亲写信说想讨要一点沁碧兰浆来尝尝，但母亲回信说沁碧兰浆的性子极寒，不是在南方苦热之地喝的话，只怕会损伤身体，就算在五羊城，也只能是天热时才喝。而且这酒光喝也不见如何，非要配上海蛸脍才有至味。沁碧兰浆好带，海蛸脍却只能吃生鲜的，没办法带到雾云城，只有等他将来回五羊城再尝尝了。郑司楚见母亲这般说，便也死了心，没想到在这儿终于尝到了。他心想宣鸣雷若是知道沁碧兰浆是一种小虫子化成的，只怕要觉得恶心，便说：“宣兄，你尝尝看吧。” 宣鸣雷在东平城时虽也吃过海味，但这海蛸脍却是闻所未闻。他挟起一筷放进口中，皱了皱眉道：“好腥！” 海蛸脍是生食的，吃不惯之人自觉腥气甚重。谈晚同笑道：“宣兄请再尝尝沁碧兰浆。兰浆与海蛸脍在口中汇合，方有奇味。” 宣鸣雷喝酒是海量，这种小盅子喝酒在他看来实是很不过瘾。本来想一口喝干，谁知刚抿了一口，只觉唇上冰寒彻骨，简直像是触到了寒冰。他刚觉难受，但口中马上升腾起一种奇异的滋味，竟是鲜美得异乎寻常。他从未尝过这种东西，惊得张口结舌说不出话来。崔王祥在一边见他的模样，笑道：“宣兄，滋味如何？” 宣鸣雷吃了一口，咂了咂嘴，叹道：“白活了！以前这二十多年真是白活了！崔兄，五羊城民真是活在天上！” 海蛸脍虽然不是难得之物，但沁碧兰浆却不是寻常人能喝到的。纪岑也看得有趣，笑道：“五羊城的饮食，冠绝天下。宣兄，日子还长，以后还可尝尝别的。” 宣鸣雷叹道：“天下之大，无奇不有。” 酒桌之上，最易拉近距离。他们都是军人，更有共同话题。几人边喝边聊，酒过三巡，说得也更熟络了。纪岑与崔王祥都不是健谈之人，但谈晚同谈锋甚健，说着说着，但说到斩影刀与斩铁拳了。谈晚同说这两门本领是当初一个叫海老的人传下，自己一个远房伯父偷学了回来，却不曾学全。宣鸣雷却没听说过海老这一号人物，他说自己的师父也是一个远房叔父，但他没说起斩影刀和斩铁拳的来历，只说是自己一族之人中，选出聪明子弟学习，自己是学得最好的一个。后来从军，从没见过别人也会这刀法和拳术，就以为是自己族中独得之秘，没想到源头是在天水省。 从这一日起，郑司楚和宣鸣雷便在五羊城水战队里住下了。谈晚同、纪岑和崔王祥三人是水战队少壮军官的头面人物，他们五人相得甚欢，日日在一起练刀练拳，训练士卒。他们都知道，用不了多久，一场大战便将来临。现在多练一刻，便是给这大战增添一份胜机，因此不敢稍有怠慢。