Chapter 10 Chapter Ten

Like a blast of thunder illuminating the dark night sky, the words Tie Ao taught him many years ago entered his mind inexplicably.I forgot what he was arguing with Master when he was young and frivolous at that time. I just remember that Master suddenly said to him coldly: Remember your identity, don't think too much.Those gangsters in the rivers and lakes called us the minions of the imperial court. This is actually true. As long as the minions are sharp, it is enough to catch who, right? What are the consequences? That is the matter of the imperial court. If every arrester has his own ideas, None of the orders of the imperial court can be executed, do you understand?

"Fifth Master!" The leading young man pressed the saddle, jumped off the air, and bowed respectfully to the ground: "Fifth Master, as long as you are fine!" A pair of slanted and slender eyes were full of surprise. Feng Xihe pulled him up with one hand: "Good brother, you are finally here." Long Qing knew that Feng Xi and his subordinates had three generals, and Meng Hong had gone east to Duoyan Mountain a year ago to compete with the bandits in the Northeast, and rarely returned to the Red Mountain helm.The other two are Feng Xi and the Xiao family brothers who were single-handedly promoted. They traveled thousands of miles across the grasslands to expand the territory for Feng Xi and him. This person who came was the second child of the Xiao family brothers, named Xiao Shuang. He is a well-known gang leader.

"Where's Xiao Sa?" Feng Xihe asked with a frown. Xiao Shuang hurriedly replied: "Brother has no whereabouts, only heard that he received some urgent orders and went all the way south, I'm afraid...he has already passed the Huaihe River." There was slight anger on Feng Xihe's face, they had always been distinct from the bandits in the Central Plains, and they seldom crossed the Yellow River southward.There are many gangs in the Central Plains, there are many masters, and they are quite xenophobic. For several years, there have been constant disputes. Feng Xihe once issued a strict order that his disciples were not allowed to cross the Yinshan Mountain without his own letter. It turned out to be his beloved general Xiao Sa.

Although he was angry in his heart, there was no clue on his face, he just said coldly: "It's good if you come, if Fei Menghong's manpower is tight, this time it won't be taken advantage of by the Beiting Army." Su Kuang on the side has been patient, but he couldn't listen anymore when he heard this, he threw the knife in his hand, turned his head and left.The people behind Xiao Shuang didn't wait for orders, Hulala had already surrounded him. Feng Xi said softly: "Let him go, Su Kuang, I'm afraid the court won't tolerate you this time, if you are tempted, come back."

Without looking back, Su Kuang walked through the bushes of swords and guns: "If I come back, I will bring you to justice." Xiao Shuang said angrily: "Fifth Lord, can we just let him go like this?" Feng Xihe just smiled, watched Su Kuang's back gradually go away, and smiled: "He will come back, no matter why." But after saying a word, blood gushed out from his mouth and nose, and his body was already crumbling. , Feng Xihe covered his mouth with the back of his hand, and straightened his waist vigorously: "Xiao Shuang, you retreat fifty miles north and set up camp in the forest. I will go back to Hongshan first, and report to me immediately if there is a move."

Xiao Shuang nodded: "Yes." He cast a sneaky glance at Long Qing again, "Miss Long..." Feng Xihe turned her head, "Qing'er, you, are you still angry with me?" Long Qing said carelessly, "Forget it, the adults don't count the faults of the villains." When these words came out, the gangsters were really happy. The matter of Feng Wuye and Miss Long had been rumored for a long time. Xiao Shuang's mouth also became slippery: "Yes, yes, this subordinate will arrange it now. The fifth master and Miss...mother will go back to the mountain to rest early. If we don't go back, our fifth master may become the sixth master."

Long Qing was stunned for a moment, then realized in a blink of an eye, her face was blushing, and she raised her hand and hit: "Dare to find my mother's happiness!" It's just that everyone was laughing together, even Feng Xihe couldn't help but burst into laughter. Su Kuang left without looking back, but after walking a few steps, he sat down on the ground.Feng Xi and this kid had very sharp eyes, as if they saw that he had nowhere to go—just now, when the master left the barracks, he also broke free from the locks of the people behind him, and flew away.He, Su Kuang, is not a great hero who sacrificed his life for righteousness. It is better not to bear the crime of releasing Feng Xi privately and this kind of decapitation.It's just...Su Kuang picked up a stalk of tender grass and thought about it wildly. Was he really wrong?Preserving Feng Xihe and avoiding the wanton conflict between the Beiting army and the Saibei bandit gang, no matter from which angle you think about it, it is not wrong.

Like a blast of thunder illuminating the dark night sky, the words Tie Ao taught him many years ago entered his mind inexplicably.I forgot what he was arguing with Master when he was young and frivolous at that time. I just remember that Master suddenly said to him coldly: Remember your identity, don't think too much.Those gangsters in the rivers and lakes called us the minions of the imperial court. This is actually true. As long as the minions are sharp, it is enough to catch who, right? What are the consequences? That is the matter of the imperial court. If every arrester has his own ideas, None of the orders of the imperial court can be executed, do you understand?

"I understand..." Su Kuang knocked on his forehead, "I finally understand..." He found to his dismay that he was really not a competent policeman, his judgment seemed to be much higher than his ability to execute...or?It is more suitable to be a military adviser, a marshal, a... bandit leader?I have to admit enviously that being an excellent bandit is actually a very happy and free thing. Drinking big bowls of wine and eating meat, whoever you fancy, tsk tsk, fulfilling desires with violence is the inherent desire of every man Bar? If it was Master, he would definitely be able to control his emotions and thoughts, and complete the task without compromise; if it was Dan Feng, he would definitely realize his mistakes with grief, and strictly demand himself with the high standards of a first-class policeman... But, Now lying on the grass, Su Kuang is the one who thinks about the future, and a strange idea grows uncontrollably - if he can't be an excellent catcher, can he consider changing careers?

Scratching on the ground in a boring way-first point, one horizontal, and another point-damn!Su Kuang was inexplicably panicked, and wiped away the small part of the word vigorously, but there seemed to be a place in his heart that was rubbed uncomfortable... No, I saved Feng Xihe because today's Saibei can't afford to destroy the Great Wall like this , Su Kuang said to himself forcefully, as if he wanted to argue about something. Suddenly jumped up, and hurried to the barracks, Su Kuang let out a suffocating breath in his chest, and muttered something in his mouth: A great man is for the country and the people; a great man is for the country and the people...

It's a pity that Su Kuang, who was concerned about the country and the people with a righteous heart, still didn't dare to step into the Beiting military tent, and only looked around from afar.He walked half a circle around the barracks, saw the bloodstains on the ground, nodded slightly, and rushed in. On the simple camp bed, dozens of wounded soldiers were lying here and there, the older ones were still holding back, while the younger ones were moaning loudly, but the Beiting Army was extremely strict, and no one cried out loudly. . A man in his forties scolded loudly: "Zhi Niang is a bandit, you are so ruthless. I am a martyr with this leg." The obscene language was endless. An uninjured soldier on the side frowned, furiously: "Zhao Qi, take good care of your wounds, and wait for the brothers to avenge you. If you catch Feng Xihe, we will cut him alive and feed him to the dogs... Xiaohong , you are a big man, why are you crying? You are like a woman, you are really worthless." The one who was scolded was a young man who was crying silently, but after being scolded like this, he couldn't hold his hand anymore, and cried loudly: "Brother Ying, Changying is dead, Changying is dead! I grew up with him, joined the army, When he married his daughter-in-law, I helped him arrange it... We ran all the way to defend the country, why didn't we die at the hands of the northerners, but at the hands of the bandits? How can I explain to my sister-in-law when I go back? How can I tell my aunt? Confession?" When he cried, many people who had suppressed it also cried out. Most of the Beiting army came from the Heshuo area, and many of them were friends from the same village. The one called "Brother Ying" must have some prestige among the crowd, and he slapped the table hard: "Cry, why are you crying? If you have the strength to cry, heal my wounds early, and go back to find Feng Xi and settle the score! Mother, is it possible that our brothers are worse than those bandits? Didn’t they have more than 200 people killed by us?” ... Su Kuang who was outside the tent almost wanted to faint, Feng Xi and that sinister face began to circle in his mind - more than two hundred horse bandits, wiped out, Feng Xi and in a rage, will What are you doing? "Long Qing... Long Qing..." Su Kuang clenched the thin pillar supporting the military tent with one hand, and said viciously: "If you dare to follow him to collude with the North Kingdom, I will kill you as well." Suddenly, he was startled, his mind was clearly thinking about Feng Xihe who might be colluding with the Northern Kingdom, so why did he shout out that it was Long Qing? "Who is it?" Someone in the tent heard the noise, Su Kuang went back the same way without thinking. It's a pity that it's not midnight at this time, and Su Kuang can't hide his whereabouts in broad daylight after all.Last night, being disturbed by Long Qing, everyone turned their backs on their backs. The Beiting officers and soldiers were all shameless. When they saw Su Kuang, they immediately chased after him. Just as Su Kuang jumped up, two thin chains roared towards him, one from the left and one from the right, and crossed in front of him, only to hear a crisp sound, and two fire dragons immediately blocked in front of him. Upon impact, it burns immediately.Su Kuang couldn't dodge in time, half of his clothes were burned, and he hurriedly backed away. In just this time, the pursuers had already surrounded him, greeting them with swords, guns, swords and halberds. How dare Su Kuang fight against them, he was afraid that one of his subordinates would not be serious, and if he hurt any uncle, the master might have to skin himself alive. He spread out his hands to catch the shadows, and snatched the attacking swords one after another, but he couldn't dodge in time, the shoulder was still grazed by the blade, which was so hot that he twisted his body and dodged a heavy blow on the back, but it was too hard to attack the soldier , even rushed towards the gun of the man in front, Su Kuang quickly stretched out his hand to support his shoulder, the man turned his head, and punched him viciously in the chest, fortunately he had never practiced internal kung fu, although this punch It's too heavy to hurt Su Kuang.Seeing that if the fight continues like this, Fa-rectification must be done on the spot, Su Kuang shouted in a panic: "General Chu, help—" Chu Tianhe came out with a smile, took off his helmet with one hand, and touched his head a few times: "I thought it was some horse bandit who came to rob the camp again, so it was Captain Su." He didn't give the order to stop, and all the subordinates were happy to continue the siege. Su Kuang was extremely embarrassed, thinking that this old Suantou looked very loyal, but he was also extremely cunning. Naturally, he had discovered himself a long time ago, hiding aside and snickering, but wailing in his mouth He couldn't stop: "General, please forgive me, the villain saw his brothers were injured, so he came here to visit..." Just as Chu Tianhe was about to speak, Tie Ao on the side had already come out with a gloomy face: "The beast dares to talk too much, you colluded with bandits and fled privately, killing you a thousand times is enough, the general can just order to kill." When Su Kuang saw his master yelling, his heart felt relieved, and he simply stopped and knelt down: "Master, this disciple knows his mistake!" Chu Tianhe made a gesture, everyone stopped together, Tie Ao stepped forward, slapped seven or eight times in the left and right, then turned around and said with a smile: "General, you don't need to show me face, this kind of idiot, dragged out and beheaded." that is." Su Kuang nodded desperately: "Master was wronged, I was anxious last night, I just wanted to find a place to solve it quickly, so as not to fume the brothers, but after returning, the brothers disappeared... I am afraid that the general will be angry, and the master will blame me. I just came back today and surrendered myself." Chu Tianhe laughed loudly, and patted Tie Ao on the shoulder: "Old Tie, how did you teach this apprentice? How can you look like you?" Su Kuang laughed quickly: "Yes, yes, the villain is stubborn, please punish me, the general." Chu Tianhe's face darkened: "However, Lao Tie, he released Feng Xihe privately, and his crime is unforgivable. You can't just slap him a few times and get over." Tie Ao's face was also somewhat unsightly, and he smiled: "Su Kuang is really stubborn, but forgive him for not having the guts to collude with the enemy and treason the country. The general will allow him to make meritorious deeds. After returning to Beijing, I will naturally teach him well." "Forget it." Chu Tianhe turned around and left: "Old Tie, the Northern Army is only a hundred miles away from here, come here, I have something to ask you." Su Kuang, who was kneeling on one side, raised his head, looked at Master with a smirk, Tie Ao stared and scolded angrily: "Stupid thing, why don't you follow?" "Yes!" Su Kuang was overjoyed, got up and ran, Chu Tianhe paused slightly, Su Kuang quickly knelt down and kowtowed: "Thank you, General, for not killing me, the villain should be loyal to the country and make atonement .” Only then did Chu Tianhe walk forward, touching his garlic-like forehead while walking, shaking it three times, quite like an elderly and confused old man. "Dalinuoer Lake, Gangengnuoer Lake, Duolunuoer Lake." Chu Tianhe marked the three lake areas on the marching map, pointing to the side of his hand: "Our army is here, and the army is not familiar with water warfare. If you want to attack the army from the north, you have to go around the lake area. The east of the lake is Feng Xihe's men, and they will simply fight us. I'm afraid they will stand still and provoke troubles. Once the grain and grass transportation goes wrong, the One battle is likely to be irreparable. You see, the Northern Army marched south along the Xing'an Mountains, claiming to have 50,000 horses, and all cavalry. This number is twice as many as the usual plunder, but it does not look like they have the courage to send troops south. From my point of view, they are probably training soldiers, and I am afraid they will take advantage of it, and they will make a big move in the coming year." Su Kuang couldn't help asking: "Isn't our army also has 30,000 people?" Chu Tianhe smiled wryly: "Although the Beiting Army is known as the Great Wall of the Northern Kingdom, there are only about 13,000 elite troops, and most of the rest are recruits who have never been trained. And...we don't have enough horses." He clenched his hands tightly The cinnabar pen, "In recent years, many war horses have died of old age. I report it every year, and the court suppresses them all. In fact, it is more than just horses? The number of soldiers in the army has decreased but not increased. Compared with the Beiting Army three years ago, I am afraid that they are much bigger." Not as good." Su Kuang thought that after listening to other people's military situation, he was afraid that there would be no good things left, but it was too late to withdraw at this time, so he bit the bullet and asked: "The Beiting Army is the pillar of the country, and those people dare to suppress it?" Chu Tianhe resented: "Hmph, Mingli didn't dare to suppress it. I didn't know how many tricks I did in the dark. If I didn't give me a supply, it would cost me half my life." His voice grew louder, and Tie Ao was busy. Coughing lightly, Chu Tianhe laughed: "The old problem is repeated again. Alas, if it was the Beiting Army ten years ago, no matter how many Tartars came, they would all be wiped out! Look, the side of Dali Lake It is Hunshandake, the land is sandy and solid, and it has always been the best place for a big battle. Tomorrow, I will order the deputy general Mu Yunshan to lead 5,000 people to meet the northern striker, Su Kuang, I want you to go with me." Before the words finished, a domineering voice came from outside the tent: "General, Mu Yunshan is asking to see you." Chu Tianhe said: "Come in." At the top of the curtain, a stern and dignified young man strode in. The silver armor on his body was bright and exquisite, which was quite eye-catching.He glanced at Su Kuang and Tie Ao, and bowed: "General, how can you discuss with outsiders about important military affairs?" Although he was well-mannered, his tone was not even half respectful, both Chu Tianhe and Tie Ao had a hint of displeasure in their eyes.Seeing this, Su Kuang smiled and took a step forward: "Master, I have long heard that the Beiting Army has the strictest military discipline. Why has someone talked to General Chu like this since we haven't seen each other for a few years?" Tie Ao said indifferently: "Su Kuang, you are so rude. This son is the eldest grandson of Mu Xiao, the admiral of the Nine Gates, and Mr. Mu. Why don't you hurry up and get close to him?" Tie Ao's "Young Master" was even more embarrassing than Su Kuang's sarcasm. Mu Yunshan's face was already extremely embarrassed, so Su Kuang stepped forward and bowed: "Mr. Mu is good." Mu Yunshan said angrily, "You—" Tie Ao already smiled: "Young disciple Su Kuang, don't know how to behave, don't blame Mr. Mu." In a blink of an eye, Mu Yunshan had a normal look on his face, and he returned the salute: "Mu Yunshan is among the soldiers and horses. I am ashamed of this young master. I have admired Mr. Tie's name for a long time. I saw you today, and my name is indeed worthy... Mr. Is the student’s name taboo Su Kuang? It’s exactly the same as my cousin.” There was a trace of sadness in Su Kuang's eyes, but he still smiled on his face: "The villain is a fast catcher with no grades and ranks, and he dare not insult the respected relatives of adults." "Something interesting." Mu Yunshan's eyes suddenly lit up, he turned Su Kuang's face twice, then turned to Chu Tianhe and said, "General, am I going to take this arrester Su to the expedition tomorrow? What else can I say?" ?” Chu Tianhe said word by word: "Defeat the enemy's vanguard, cherish the strength of the troops." Mu Yunshan was obviously disappointed, but he still saluted: "This subordinate understands, so I will leave." It wasn't until Mu Yunshan's footsteps left that Tie Ao chuckled twice: "Lan Tou, I finally understand, it was Admiral Mu's arrangement?" "It's not up to you or me to ask how the imperial court arranges it." Chu Tianhe scratched his head helplessly: "Su Kuang, your martial arts skills are so strong, I'm afraid you are not inferior to Feng Xihe, I would like to invite you to come tomorrow." "Yes." Su Kuang laughed happily: "Does the general want me to sneak into the enemy's camp and kill the enemy's chieftain? Or watch over that Mu for you?" Chu Tianhe became a little embarrassed, and after pondering for a while, he gritted his teeth and said, "I want you to protect Mu Yunshan, and there will be no mistakes." Su Kuang was almost stunned, and couldn't believe that the words just came from Chu Tianhe's mouth - he was originally a famous general who ruled the army with an iron fist.Even Tie Ao, who was never impassive, was taken aback and didn't know what to say. A trace of embarrassment flashed across Chu Tianhe's face, and he smiled wryly: "When you are old, you will inevitably be a little scared...Old Tie, today's Beiting Army will not dare to offend Admiral Mu anymore." After he finished speaking, he waved his hand and strode forward Walking out of the camp, only Tie Ao's master and apprentice were left staring at each other. Su Kuang seemed to have suppressed it for a long time, and suddenly turned around and knelt down, "Master, can I... not go?" Tie Ao didn't answer, but Su Kuang had already recovered: "Your talkative again, Master, look at me , always say the wrong thing.” He stood up and left in a hurry, Tie Ao couldn't help sighing as he looked at this apprentice who had been raised by himself. That was twenty-three years ago, a small event happened in Zhenjiang Mansion... Su Tai, a mediocre man from the Zhenjiang Mansion, married Mu Xiao, a third-rank official of the imperial court, and the eldest daughter of his family. He was a perfect match, and he was the envy of many people. Mu Xiao and his son-in-law naturally had a bright future. Limited. It's just that Madam Mu gave birth to a son in eight months, but the baby was fat and cute, and she didn't appear to be less than a month old at all. It was inevitable that there would be some excuses, saying that it was no wonder Miss Mu was in a hurry to get married, so that was the case So, so and so... Su Tai was a little unhappy in his heart, but in a fit of anger, he casually mentioned that he wanted a blood test. The young lady of the Mu family really admired Su Tai's talent and knowledge, and she was a pure and innocent girl who had never done anything half-hearted.But for some reason, after hearing those rumors, I was the first to panic.One day, Su Tai got drunk after a social gathering, and muttered something about "testing marriage with blood". Madam Mu secretly pricked her husband's finger, shed a drop of blood, and then pricked the child's finger, demanding Peace of mind - who would have known that the blood of Su's father and son really couldn't be fused together, Madam Mu suddenly panicked, thinking about jumping into the Yellow River this time, she wouldn't be able to wash away. Shortly thereafter, Mu Xiaohe promoted his son-in-law and found him a civil post in Zhenjiang Mansion, which will take office immediately.Mrs. Mu herself was out of her wits, afraid that her husband would think of this again one day, and if she bleeds to recognize her relatives, her life's reputation will be in vain. As soon as she thought of this, she became indifferent to the child. A newborn baby would immediately feel uncomfortable if it was warm or cold. What's more, the child was inherently deficient, and soon fell ill. Su Tai was busy with work, so he could only go home once every three to five days, and went to the doctor every time for diagnosis and treatment, but the child's illness became more and more serious day by day, and finally died at the age of half a year. So everyone lamented together, saying that babies under the age of one month are really easy to die, the Su family couple cried to death, especially Mrs. Mu, she cried so much that she passed out countless times, she didn't think about eating and drinking, and she lost a few laps.A group of women wiped their eyes and tears with her, and only comforted her that she was still young, and she would just have a baby in the future. The baby had just passed away, and the government suddenly had an urgent matter. Su Tai had no choice but to go there reluctantly, and then came back to take care of the baby's funeral.It is not advisable to make a big fuss about a baby who died young, and even the ancestral grave cannot be entered. Only a thin coffin is prepared, and it does not stop working, so it is ready to be buried on the same day. But on that day, a friend of Su Tai came to Su's residence to comfort him. He passed by the young man's coffin and heard extremely weak breathing.The young man hastily opened the coffin, took the baby to the mother, and sent for a doctor, before running to the prefect of Zhenjiang to report. But... the next day, the child of the Su family who died was still buried as scheduled, and was not rescued... The young man was suspicious, so he ran to the mass grave in the middle of the night and dug out the child—the child was surprisingly dead, and he still had his last breath, as if he had been waiting for the young man's arrival. What a coincidence, that young man's investigation and tracking skills are unparalleled in the world. He quickly found countless medicinal herbs in the back garden of Su Zhai, and he didn't even survive the boil... This child just had a very common cold, but he almost died - Mrs. Mu didn't give him medicine at all, and deliberately let her own flesh and blood die quietly. The reason is nothing more than the rumors among the people, and the legendary "blood test". The young man let out a long sigh, and took the child away to the capital.Later, I also inquired about the Su family couple, and heard that Mu Xiaohe devoted himself to nurturing his son-in-law, and within a few years he became a magistrate, and Mrs. Mu gave birth to a smart and cute little son under the care of his wife. In order to commemorate the child who died that year, Also took the same name. ——Su Kuang. As for that young man, he faced many tragedies in the world, chased and killed many thieves and corrupt officials, his blood became colder and colder, and later he was unsmiling all the year round, and was called "the famous arrester with a cold face", Tie Ao. Tie Ao told Su Kuang his life experience when he was fifteen years old, and asked him to make his own choice, but Su Kuang just smiled—what else could he say or do besides smiling? That part of the past was just laughed off, until in this operation, Su Kuang had to impersonate the distant brother and go all the way to the northern part of Saibei to eradicate the banditry that has plagued this area for many years. And the most terrible thing is that tomorrow Su Kuang has to go out with that arrogant cousin, and also has to protect his safety... Su Kuang stood outside the barracks, still holding a grass stalk in his mouth, looking up at the starry sky, like countless mocking eyes, he couldn't help cursing—bad luck!