Chapter 17 6. Obtain an ovary in the busy city

When Zhu Quanzhong was worried about the lack of someone to support the planner, he found a person in the downtown area of ​​Kaifeng.The man's name was Jing Xiang, and later became Zhu Quanzhong's Zhang Zifang. In the Chang'an coup, Tian Lingzi hijacked the emperor and ran away at night.Li Keyong, who is close, has no interest in getting too involved in the dispute.Zhu Quanzhong, who was far away, was so preoccupied with himself that he didn't even bother to raise his eyelids, because Zhu Quanzhong was fighting for survival, a life-and-death battle. Only by surviving first can we develop again.

Only by settling yourself first can you help others. Zhu Quanzhong was very busy, Zhu Quanzhong fought extremely hard, and Zhu Quanzhong fought brilliantly. Because, Zhu Quanzhong met a more difficult person. This person is more difficult to deal with than Huang Chao, more lethal than Huang Chao, and more lawless than Huang Chao. This person is Qin Zongquan. Qin Zongquan, a small person who released enormous energy. After the Battle of Chenzhou, Huang Chao suffered a crushing defeat, led his remnants to retreat eastward, and committed suicide in despair on Mount Tai.However, Qin Zongquan survived the protracted fight between the official army and the rebel army. Not only did he survive, but he also grew vigorously and crazily like a poisonous weed, and quickly became a plague that swept across the Central Plains.

The first thing Qin Zongquan threatened was Zhu Quanzhong, because they were too close.Too close creates hatred. Zhu Quanzhong was the commander-in-chief of the former enemy. He commanded several towns to wipe out Huang Chao, and even attacked the mighty Li Keyong.Zhu Quanzhong's reputation is growing day by day, his military achievements are outstanding, and he has become a rapidly rising new star in the feudal domain.Zhu Quanzhong felt very happy in his heart. On this day, the wind and the sun are beautiful. Zhu Quanzhong came to Kaifeng Street to walk around to see the customs of the world and the people.The market has been plagued by war for a long time, and the scars are everywhere.With the pacification of Huangchao and the easing of the war, Kaifeng's population gradually recovered, and its popularity gradually gathered. Although it was not prosperous, it was not depressed.As Zhu Quanzhong walked, he saw a lot of people gathered in one place, most of them were poor people from their clothes.Zhu Quanzhong stepped forward and stood on the outside to find out.Zhu Quanzhong asked an old man: "Old man, what are you doing?" In addition, after coming to Kaifeng, he was busy fighting Huang Chao every day, and rarely showed his face on the street, so the old man didn't know Zhu Quanzhong either.Zhu Quanzhong heard that he was writing the letter on behalf of someone else, and thought it was meaningless, so he turned to leave.Suddenly, Zhu Quanzhong heard someone in the crowd read aloud: "My son is serving in the army, and my mother is worried at home. I just hope that nothing will happen, and I will go home and reunite as soon as possible." Many people echoed: "Mr. That's what it means." Zhu Quanzhong heard the succinct and catchy language of these letters, and felt that the gentleman had some thoughts, so he involuntarily stopped his leaving steps, turned around and squeezed into the crowd.Zhu Quanzhong was tall and tall, and when he passed the crowd, he saw a young man who was writing with his head down, and the wooden table that was just a few feet away was tightly surrounded by men, women and children.The young man finished writing another piece of paper in a while, and handed it to a woman with a child.In order to make the seeker understand the meaning of the letter, the young man repeated it in his mouth: "Mother and son are looking forward to at home, parents are even more pitiful; the sky is full of wind and rain, and farming is the most difficult; be careful in war, and return home as soon as possible." When someone read the letter, Zhu Quanzhong saw the young man's face clearly.The young man had a yellowish-white complexion, a pair of delicate eyes under two thick eyebrows, deep and slightly melancholic, a straight nose, a straight mouth, a restrained expression, and a thin body covered with shabby coarse cloth.Zhu Quanzhong thought for a while, hesitated again, then turned and left.On the way back, he asked his attendants, "Who is that young man who writes?" Someone replied, "Master, this man's name is Jing Xiang, a foreigner, and he has been writing letters for a living here for more than a month." .It is said that he is a fellow of Wang Fa, the observation envoy. Jing Xiang’s letter is well written, and I also asked him to help write a letter to my family.”

Zhu Quanzhong returned to the commander-in-chief's mansion, and as soon as he sat down, someone played a report: "Marshal, we have drafted a Anmin Announcement, please decide." Zhu Quanzhong leaned on Hu's bed and said, "Read." The person unfolded the bulletin and bowed his head and read: "All the gentry, Li, common, merchants, and passers-by, my commander was ordered by the king to take care of the southeast. When the yellow bandits rebelled, the world was in turmoil, and the holy cause was destroyed. Therefore, the commander-in-chief used the title of the capital to unify the towns. Let's work together to defeat the bandits in Chencai and drive out the bandits in Xuzheng. Fortunately, thanks to my emperor's divine power, the yellow thieves are wiped out, and I hope that everyone will live in peace from now on..."

"Stop, stop, stop reading." Zhu Quanzhong interrupted the narrator, shrugged his shoulders and said, "It's difficult for me to listen to what you wrote. Can ordinary people on the street understand it?" Zhu Quanzhong had never read any books since he was a child, and he couldn't read a basket of big characters.Zhu Quanzhong didn't think there was any hindrance to this before, but now that the official has become bigger and bigger, he feels that it is really inconvenient not to study.Zhu Quanzhong has been very troubled recently, and it is also related to reading and literacy.Because of the governor of a town and the frequent wars, letters to the court to report official affairs are frequent.These memorials were written in a very elegant manner by the subordinates, which did not reach Zhu Quanzhong's mind.The edicts from the imperial court often beat around the bush, making it difficult for Zhu Quanzhong to understand.Zhu Quanzhong looked down on scholars from the bottom of his heart, thinking that they only know how to chew words, show off mysteries, and have no practical ability.A very simple thing, after being processed by these humanities, it becomes more complicated than it is long-winded.Therefore, Zhu Quanzhong has been planning to find someone who can convey the meaning of the text to him.

Zhu Quanzhong paused for a while, pondered for a while, and said, "Go, bring me Wang Fa." After a while, Wang Fa hurried over.Because I don't know what happened, I feel a little nervous.Wang Fa asked: "Marshal, what orders do you have for me?" Zhu Quanzhong touched his stubble-covered chin with his hand, and asked, "I heard that you have a fellow villager named Jing Xiang?" "Exactly, he is from Feng Yi, the hometown of Xiaguan, Tongzhou. We used to be neighbors. His ancestor was Wang Jinghui of Pingyang in the Shenlong period. Jingxiang was good at reading and writing since he was a child. During the Qianfu period, he failed in many examinations. After the capture of Chang'an, Jing Xiang left his hometown and went to Kanto to avoid the war. A few months ago, he heard that I was in Kaifeng, so he came to join him." Wang Fa slowly introduced Jing Xiang's situation to Zhu Quanzhong.

Zhu Quanzhong nodded and said, "Go find Jing Xiang." Wang Fa went in without knowing, like a rabbit in his arms. I don't know how Zhu Quanzhong knew about Jing Xiang?And why did you become interested in Jingxiang?Is it a good thing or a bad thing?Wang Fa rushed to Kaifeng Street in a wild way of thinking, and found Jing Xiang after a while.Wang Fa took Jing Xiang's hand and left.Jing Xiang was writing a letter to someone at this time, seeing that it was Wang Fa, he asked, "Brother Fa, why is it so urgent?" Wang Fa pulled Jing Xiang away and said, "The commander-in-chief is looking for you."

"Marshal? Marshal Zhu? What is he looking for?" Jing Xiang asked. "I don't know either. Just now, the commander-in-chief suddenly asked me to find you quickly." Wang Fa was a little out of breath from running, and replied shortly. Zhu Quanzhong has a violent temper and strict laws.The things ordered must be carried out and completed quickly, and no one dares to delay.So, Wang Fa took Jing Xiang and ran all the way to the Marshal's Mansion. Jing Xiang followed Wang Fa into the handsome hall, and saw Zhu Quanzhong sitting on a stool wiping his saber.Wang Fa gave a deep salute and said, "Report to Commander-in-Chief, I will bring Jing Xiang here."

Zhu Quanzhong raised his eyelids to look at Jing Xiang, and said slowly, "Are you Jing Xiang?" Jing Xiang replied neither humble nor overbearing: "It is the grassroots." Zhu Quanzhong said: "I heard that you are good at writing articles. Now that Huang Chao has been destroyed and the war is settled, you come and write an article for the commander-in-chief." Jing Xiang said cautiously: "Caomin has never served in the military, and has never been close to Wang Mingshuai. I will try to write a copy and ask the commander to judge." Zhu Quanzhong signaled Jingxiang to sit behind the desk.Paper pens and inkstones have already been arranged on the desk.Jing Xiang picked up the pen and meditated for a while, then he brushed like a snake, brushed a little bit, all in one go, and the time spent before and after was less than a cup of tea.

Zhu Quanzhong walked to the desk and said, "You read it to me." Jingxiang stood up, held the list in front of his chest with both hands, and read aloud: "Huangchao rebelled against the bandits, causing troubles everywhere, causing harm for many years, and the people are in dire straits. The commander came from the east and was ordered to hunt down the bandits. Every town killed the enemy, and the army and the people responded. Today, The rebellion is over, the people have their jobs and their duties. Farmers have to cultivate, merchants have to distribute, and the army has to garrison. Kill people to pay for their lives, debts to pay back money, and anyone who violates government orders and military regulations. The commander will not show mercy. "

Zhu Quanzhong listened to Jingxiang's recitation with his hands behind his back, while pacing. After Jingxiang finished reading, Zhu Quanzhong slapped his hands and said with a laugh: "Well, that's what it means. It's easy to understand, simple and clear, well written, and just right I do." Jing Xiang saluted with both hands: "The commander-in-chief is laughing." Zhu Quanzhong ordered people to copy several copies of this list, distribute it all over the prefectures and counties, and post announcements.Then, Zhu Quanzhong stroked Jing Xiang's shoulder and said, "Jing Xiang, you have a great literary talent, so you can work in our army." Jing Xiang said: "Thank you for your love, Marshal. I was originally a child, and I came to join my old friend. Because I have no long-term plans, it is difficult to settle down, and I make a living by writing letters for me all day long. If I can be used by the Marshal, it will be a blessing for Jing Xiang." .” Zhu Quanzhong said: "Then what kind of job does the gentleman plan to seek?" "Marshal, Jing Xiang is a down-and-out scholar, and he would like to be a civil servant, maybe it's my specialty." Jing Xiang replied respectfully. Zhu Quanzhong smiled slightly and said: "In that case, then you will be the post inspector and be responsible for drafting various memorial documents by my side." Jing Xiang bowed and saluted: "Thank you, Marshal." At dusk, Zhu Quanzhong was in a good mood today, so he ordered a banquet, and invited Jing Xiang and Wang Fa to have dinner in the Shuai's mansion.Wang Fa is also very happy, he has been looking for work for Jingxiang, but he has no suitable opportunities, now Jingxiang is appreciated by Zhu Quanzhong, which is naturally a great thing. During the banquet, Zhu Quanzhong said: "Although Huang Chao has been wiped out, Luanjia has been relocated again. The world is in chaos." Jingxiang put down his chopsticks, and said in a cautious and methodical manner: "The Great Tang Empire has gone through three hundred years. Capable ministers, invigorate and strive to become strong, but in the end, they are alone, but they are short-lived and unable to recover. After Yizong, cronies caused disasters, eunuchs ran rampant, local vassals and towns were in their own ways, and there were endless levies and miscellaneous taxes. All over the country, the world is in chaos. Now, the feudal conferment cannot be controlled by the temple, the emperor's prestige cannot reach outside the palace, and the imperial edict is difficult to carry out. Gai Yuanzi's court system has collapsed, government orders have been abolished, the world's governance is at a loss, and the virtuous and loyal are disappointed. For today's plan, revival cannot rely on ordinary strategies, only those with great talents and general plans rise up to share the sorrows and sorrows of the court, seek the well-being of the people, and relieve difficulties. This is an extraordinary feat." Zhu Quanzhong listened to Jingxiang's generous statement of the current situation, and was touched by it, thinking that Jingxiang's words were very reasonable and broad-minded.Zhu Quanzhong personally added a glass of wine to Jingxiang, and said: "Sir, you have great insight, and you know the current situation in the world. Please enlighten me, how can I govern Xuanwu?" Jing Xiang was also a little excited, moved by Zhu Quanzhong's kindness and courtesy, raised his head and drank the wine in the glass, under the influence of alcohol and blood pressure, his face turned reddish, and said: "Xuanwu is the navel of the world, connecting the north and the south, and the east and west. The transportation of goods and wealth in the world gathers. The Yellow River is sheltered in the north, and the fortress of the Hulao is in the west. It controls Guanzhong and overlooks the southeast. The narrow-minded man of Shi Pu, the hero of Gao Pian's decline, the only one who can resist the Qin thieves is the commander. Li Keyong is the man who dominates, and he will be the one who will compete with the commander in the future. The commander should put a firm foothold as the first The most important thing is to connect with the princes outside, seek self-improvement inside, entrust the king's order at the top, caress the people at the bottom, manage the army and the military, and persuade farmers and mulberry. In a few years, Xuanwu will be a strong town for the world." Zhu Quanzhong was fascinated when he heard it, and took the initiative to sit in front of Jing Xiang, took Jing Xiang's arm, and said repeatedly: "It's too late to meet you, sir, it's too late to meet you!" Zhu Quanzhong and Jing Xiang had a very friendly conversation, and the banquet lasted until midnight.Zhu Quanzhong returned to the back house, couldn't restrain his excitement, and said to Mrs. Zhang: "I got the treasure today, and I found my Zhang's ovary." What happened to Jing Xiang is actually not an isolated case, but a very representative phenomenon.At the end of the Tang Dynasty, the political situation was chaotic, the imperial examinations almost came to a standstill, and it was difficult for students to continue their studies, and there was no way out after studying.Therefore, many scholars who studied have begun to leave the exam to advance to the right path and seek other opportunities for development.Walking among the warlords has become a more realistic choice.This is actually a signal, marking the decline of official politics and the division of class groups.People who originally had a family background and status and fame began to flow to the bottom of society, and combined with Zhu Quanzhong, a new force rising from the bottom.The encounter between Zhu Quanzhong and Jing Xiang, Li Keyong in Hedong, Yang Xingmi in Huaiyang, and Wang Jian in Sichuan all encountered such reckless talents who were underappreciated, recruited them into the shogunate, became their powerful team, and formed a counterweight to the so-called famous families of the imperial court. . Sure enough, as Jingxiang said, Qin Zongquan quickly grew into a hybrid monster of officials, bandits, and robbers, and released huge energy.