Chapter 72 Alarms are frequent

In leap November of the fifteenth year of Chongzhen, Huang Zongxi returned to Yangzhou.When Fang Yizhi was about to leave Beijing, Fang Yizhi had a letter that he trusted to bring to Maoxiang, so Huang Zongxi did not cross the river immediately, but took Huang An, bought a boat along the Yunyan River, and went eastward to Rugao first.When he arrived at Mao's house, it was the 15th day of the first lunar month. Maoxiang was very happy when he heard that he was visiting, and immediately welcomed him into the mansion. Frustrated in the second township examination.But everyone didn't want to expose this scar more, and after a few words of comfort to each other, they changed the topic to other aspects, such as the war between the North and the South, Mao Xiang and his friends scolding Ruan Dacheng in Nanjing, Huang Zongxi on the way back and forth. News and news, news from Beijing, and so on.Later, Huang Zongxi handed over Fang Yizhi's letter.

This letter is actually nothing particularly important, but after Fang Yizhi broke up with Maoxiang at the foot of Jinshan in Zhenjiang that day, he has been thinking about Dong Xiaowan's matter, so he specially wrote to ask and supervise.Since Mao Xiang entrusted Liu Luding to go to Suzhou to deal with this matter at the end of last month, he has not heard from him until now, and he doesn't know whether it will be done or not.Huang Zongxi wanted to ask what was in the letter, but seeing Maoxiang's expression was not good, he seemed to have something on his mind, after reading the letter, he folded it without saying a word, put it in his sleeve, and didn't tell him what he meant. It's not easy to ask.

In the evening, Huang Zongxi was watching Huang An pack up his things in the guest room, when Mao Xiang came in suddenly, saying that his father Mao Qizong knew that Huang Zongxi was coming and wanted to see him very much.Tonight, I will set up a drink in Zhuocuntang, and invite Huang Zongxi to meet him.Naturally, Huang Zongxi couldn't refuse, so he gave Huang An some instructions, and then followed Mao Xiang through the Zhuocun Hall. The Mao family is the richest man in Rugao County. Apart from this big mansion in the city, there are several garden villas inside and outside the city. The most beautiful and elegant one is the water painting garden in the northeast of the city.A few years ago, Huang Zongxi once lived in the garden for a few days, and found that it was really amazing because of its situation and extremely skillful workmanship.So far, Huang Zongxi still remembers all kinds of names, such as Miaoyin Xianglin, Yimozhai, Zhenyan Pavilion, Hanbitang, Xibochi, Yuxiang Temple, Shuiminglou, Xiaowuxi, Heyu, Xiaosanwu, Muyu Ji, Boyan Yuting, Xiangzhong Pavilion, Xuanliu Shanfang, Yinshulou, Shilangbo, Jingge, Biluolu and so on.At that time Huang Zongxi lived in the Shuiming Building.The building is composed of the front pavilion, the middle pavilion and the attic, which are connected by a long corridor. The front of the corridor and the side of the pavilion are dotted with bamboo trees and rockery, which is very unique; in front of the building is the Xibochi.Those nights happened to have a moon.Standing in front of the building, you can see the cool silver light rippling in the clear water, which illuminates the courtyard brightly and mistyly.At that time, Huang Zongxi couldn't help but read Du Fu's famous line "Wugeng Mountain spits out the moon, and the night of the remnant Shuiming Tower", and was deeply intoxicated by the beautiful scenery in front of him... "Oh, today also happens to be the fifteenth day, Shuiming The moonlight in front of the building must still be beautiful, right? But when the scars are everywhere and the building is about to collapse, how long can this beautiful day last?" This sudden thought made Huang Zongxi's heart tighten, and then he He became heavy, and his steps slowed down, even Mao Xiang didn't bother to talk to him anymore.

When they arrived at the Zhuocuntang, there were already two or three Qing customers waiting there first.After meeting each other and chatting a few gossips, Mao Qizong came out.The Vice-Minister Xian, who had abandoned his official position and returned home, was not tall, his temples were slightly white, and he was meticulous in his attire.His face can be called rich and delicate, but now it looks a little haggard.Supported by two maidservants, he came out slowly from behind the screen. When he saw the guests, his slender eyes were narrowed under his wide eyebrows, and he smiled kindly. When Huang Zongxi saw it, he quickly stepped forward, called him "Uncle Shi", and bowed down.

Mao Qizong bent down to help him up, took Huang Zongxi's hand, looked at him carefully for a while, and asked him kindly about everything in his family.Hearing that Huang Zongxi's mother was at home in good health, and that his four younger brothers, Zongyan, Zonghui, Zongyuan, and Zongyi had all married and established businesses, he nodded and said with emotion: "For more than ten years, I have been busy in official careers, and I have gone through a lot of work. I heard that there is nothing to be happy about. Fortunately, those who are the sons of the old people have grown up and become mature. Even if the future is in great trouble, there will be someone to follow. The old man is incompetent like me, so he can rest his shoulders from now on!"

After Mao Qizong said something, his expression was already gloomy.When Maoxiang saw it, he hurriedly went to comfort him and said, "Daddy, why do you need to say these things? Brother Taichong came from a long way, and he knows a lot about the news in Beijing. Shicai'er didn't have time to inquire about it. Please take a seat now, please be careful, Taichong." Come on in detail." After saying this, he asked Huang Zongxi and the Qing guests to go first, and he personally supported Mao Qizong, and walked into the west hall with everyone. The west hall is not big, it is next to the main hall, there is already a seat in the middle, a hexagonal palace lantern on top, and bright red candles on all sides.On behalf of the host, Maoxiang served cups and wine, and the guests saluted as usual, but they also gave in. After a delay, the guests and hosts were divided into their respective seats.

So, everyone drank and chatted.When Mao Qizong asked about the situation in the north, Huang Zongxi briefly talked about the political chaos in central Beijing, rampant factories and guards, factional strife, people's livelihood, and the emperor's secret proposal to make peace with the captives, and Chen Xinjia was imprisoned and executed for leaking secrets. Everyone really sighed.Huang Zongxi was eager to understand the situation in the south. He knew that Mao Qizong had fought against the peasant army in Hubei not long ago, so he must be very familiar with the situation there. Therefore, when the topic about Beijing stopped for a while, he couldn't wait to ask:

"When my nephew was in Beijing, I often heard discussions saying that building captives is certainly something to worry about, but the big trouble for Ming's confidantes is the bandits. I heard that in the Battle of Kaifeng, the bandits and officers and soldiers fought each other to fill the river. Hundreds of thousands of people died. The famous city for hundreds of years was once dilapidated, and my heart was terrified. When I returned to Yangzhou, I heard that Sun Gong, the governor of Shaanxi, had recently lost a persimmon garden, and Nanyang was slaughtered by thieves. The corruption of the Central Plains has reached this point! I dare not ask the old man Uncle, what is the reason for this traitor to be so rampant! Could it be that it is beyond control?"

For a long time, Mao Qizong didn't answer.He fiddled with the wine glass in his hand, stared blankly at something invisible, his expression became more and more melancholy, and finally, with a sigh, he said: "I'm afraid this matter is just a change from heaven." , Punish the people here. In the past, I also heard about it, but I didn't see it in person. I didn't know the details until I was transferred to Xiangyang in the autumn, and I went to and from the battles day and night. Probably this bandit has been raging for more than 20 years. It is true that those who are prosperous and unable to settle down for a long time, the rich and violent, and natural disasters prevail; Li Wanqing and others all say that he is not fond of wine and sex, is not greedy for gold and silk, and shares the common clothes and rough food with his subordinates. He is firm but tolerant, and has the capacity to tolerate others. Ri Qiang made up the phrase 'Exemption from levy for three years, one person will not be killed', and spread it everywhere, fooling the people not to notice, and following the popularity..."

"Ah, 'No levy for three years, no people killed', I wonder if this thief can implement it?" Huang Zongxi blurted out, obviously attracted by this unheard-of description of Li Zicheng, and was surprised. Mao Qizong glanced at him, as if he was a little surprised that he asked this question. "Does nephew think he can carry it out?" He asked back.After being silent for a while, seeing that Huang Zongxi did not respond, he said slowly again: "When the city of Dongxiang was broken, the intruders angered Gongsheng Li Yongqi to welcome Shan Governor Wang Gong and refused to defend. He arrested 190 scholars in the city and cut their noses. Cut off the foot, and slaughter Yongqi's clan, and he will not kill him!"

"Hey, Brother Taichong!" An old Qing guest surnamed Lu seemed a little unhappy when he saw Mao Qizong, and hurriedly said, "It's the nature of a thief to kill and set fire; if he can't kill, the thief can't do it." Are you done?" After saying this self-satisfied "quitline", he stroked his goatee and laughed. Huang Zongxi ignored him, blinked his eyes, and asked again: "However, Uncle Shicai said that once Li Chuang's words of 'no levy for three years, no people will be killed' came out, foolish people from all directions followed. As bloodthirsty as before, how can it be this far?" Mao Qizong didn't expect Huang Zongxi to ask such a question, so he was stunned and didn't know how to answer.In addition, he still didn't understand Huang Zongxi's temperament of insisting on getting to the bottom of every question. He only thought that the other party sympathized with the bandits and deliberately contradicted him, so he put down the wine glass lightly, and his face sank. Mao Xiang, who was sitting at the bottom, was very familiar with his friend from the company. Seeing his father's unfriendly expression, he quickly intervened and said, "Brother Taichong, no wonder everyone says you are a hot-headed person who always asks you about everything." In the end. However, why can’t you figure out such an obvious truth?” "Oh, I really don't understand." Huang Zongxi replied honestly. "The reason is very simple: the meaning of trespassers is nothing more than that those who belong to them can not be killed. I heard that every time trespassers attack a city, those who meet the surrender with their hands tied will not be killed or burned. Those who defend for a day will kill three out of ten. For two days, seven out of ten will be killed, and for three days, the entire city will be slaughtered. Foolish people are afraid of death, so they heard the news and joined them!" Mao Xiang said while winking at Mao Qizong. Only then did Huang Zongxi suddenly realize.He nodded, cupped his hands towards Maoxiang and said, "So that's how it is, I'm here to teach you!" This time, it made Mao Qizong and the Qing guests smile. Therefore, Mao Qizong then talked about some battles with the peasant army, and under Huang Zongxi's questioning, he specifically explained the peasant army's "three walls" formation and the "release" siege method.According to him, the so-called "three walls" means that 30,000 cavalry are used as the vanguard and divided into three teams. If the front team flees without authorization, the rear team can kill them; The enemy chased in, with 30,000 infantry, each holding a long spear to resist the enemy, and the cavalry suddenly turned around and attacked them very fiercely.As for the "Fangju method", when attacking the city, instead of using the traditional method of erecting ladders, holes were dug under the city wall, gunpowder cans were placed, and the city was blown apart.When there is no gunpowder, the hole is deepened and enlarged so that it can accommodate hundreds of people; an earth pillar is left every three to five steps for support. Hold on to the rope, only to hear an earth-shattering cry, and immediately the pillars collapse and the city collapses.This method is also very powerful. Li Zicheng used it to capture countless cities. Mao Qizong spoke in a low tone, and the rest of the people stopped their cups and chopsticks and listened quietly, with expressions of horror and horror on their faces.Although they have never personally experienced such a situation, it is not difficult for them to imagine the thrilling and cruel scene at that time; at the same time, they can't help but think of what kind of terrible ending one day when such a catastrophic change befalls them. Actually, it's not impossible... Finally, Mao Qizong stopped talking.He looked at everyone, smiled reluctantly, and added: "Although the country is unfortunate, and this monster has been born, but the troubles have been so far, this monster is exhausted, and it will be defeated soon!" Having said that, he paused.But everyone's emotions were so oppressed just now, they didn't immediately relieve themselves because of this sentence.Mao Qizong saw that everyone was just staring in surprise and did not make a sound, so he raised his wine glass, took a sip of the wine, and said with a serious expression, "This matter should be regarded as a great achievement of the late Shan Governor Wang Gong! , the ancestral tomb of the intruder is in Wanshan, Mizhi County. After Wang Gong detected it, he reported it to the imperial court, so he sent people into the mountain, and tried every means to find out the tomb site. After digging, he saw that the light was still bright, so he immediately extinguished it; The copper coin has a red snake tail twisting in it. It is about three or four inches long and has horns. When it sees the sun, it flies up to a height of more than ten feet. It greets the sun with its mouth. Die. Wang Gong ordered this snake wax to be sealed, together with the skull of the thief's ancestor, and sent to the court. You think, the thief's ability to run rampant in the world is really due to the protection of this lamp and snake, and now the snake is dead. If the lamp goes out, can he continue to do evil for a long time?" As soon as Mao Qizong said this, everyone present couldn't help but "ah", and then it fell silent again, as if silently savoring the unusual meaning contained in this news.Gradually, everyone's faces became brighter, and some people even smiled.Finally, the Qing guest surnamed Lu stood up first, raised his glass excitedly, and said sharply: "Okay! This is called the traitor of the death of the sky, and things will be reversed at the extreme. There is hope for the Ming Dynasty's revival! Come, let Dong Weng make clear this very good news!" "Yes, yes!" The rest of the people also raised their glasses happily. Only Huang Zongxi sat still.He lowered his head, frowned tightly, and said nothing, as if he couldn't hear or see what was going on around him. "Hey, Tai Chong, come quickly!" Mao Xiang urged. Huang Zongxi still didn't respond. Mao Xiang exchanged an inexplicable look with everyone, and was about to urge him again, when suddenly Huang Zongxi raised his head. "But, is this true?" he asked, his face full of distress. "In this way, Li Zigong will really be defeated? Don't rush to reform, recruit talents and use energy, promote advantages and eliminate disadvantages, rescue disasters and people, eliminate What’s the use of just destroying Li Zicheng’s ancestral tomb? Ah, what’s the use?” His voice became high-pitched, and he glared at everyone angrily, but his eyes started to turn red and tears came out . All the people present were stunned.Mao Xiang glanced at his father who silently put down his wine glass and slowly walked away, then turned to Huang Zongxi, wanting to persuade him, but he didn't know what to say in a hurry.When he was hesitating, he suddenly saw Mao Cheng's head appearing on the window sill, gesturing towards him.Mao Xiang had no choice but to put Huang Zongxi down for the time being, told Mao Qizong, and hurried out of the room. "Master, here we come!" Mao Cheng said nervously as soon as he saw him. "What's coming?" "Hey, Master Liu!" Mao Xiang's heart skipped a beat: "What? Master Liu is here? Where is it?" He asked hastily. "It's in the east hall. Seeing that the young master is accompanying the master, I don't know whether to report it, so..." Mao Xiang was no longer in the mood to listen to his explanation.He quickly took a big step and walked quickly to the east hall. Liu Luding was there as expected.Perhaps because of the hard work of the past month, coupled with the exhaustion of travel and boats, under the lights, he looked tired and haggard, but his expression was still excited.As soon as he saw Maoxiang, he greeted him excitedly. "Fortunately, I didn't disgrace my life, and the good news came late, so I still pray for forgiveness!" He said with a long bow. "Well, what about her?" Mao Xiang hurriedly returned the gift and asked. "Don't worry, could Brother Fei bring her here? When our ship arrived at the pier, we sent someone to report to Brother, but we couldn't find him. When Sister-in-law heard about it, she immediately sent her maid , Lighted the lantern, carried the sedan chair to pick it up, and now I think it’s settled—Bijiang, it’s not a compliment from Brother Yu, it’s really rare to be as wise as Sister-in-law!” "Oh!" Mao Xiang breathed a sigh of relief.He regained his composure and saluted Liu Luding again to thank him. Liu Luding shook his head: "Don't thank me! You should thank Qian Muzhai well. This time, if he wasn't enthusiastic about presiding over it, I'm afraid it really won't work." "Ah, what?" "It's hard to explain, you should read the letter first!" Liu Luding said, and took out a letter from his arms, "This is what Qian Mu Lao entrusted me to deliver to brother." Mao Xiang opened the letter suspiciously, and saw that it read: "I ordered someone to purchase that thank-you gift temporarily, and gave it to him in your name." Liu Lvding explained, and then roughly talked about the twists and turns in Suzhou this time.Seeing that Mao Xiang was silent, as if he was thinking about something, he sighed slightly, and added: "Yeah, this happy event came at a bit of an inopportune time. It just happened that the Jianlu invaded the army. I don't know how chaotic it is going to be!" Mao Xiang didn't make a sound, as if he was still immersed in his own thoughts.Suddenly, he came back to his senses: "Ah, what, what did you say?" "Jianlu has entered the fortress on the sixth day of last month, and the capital is under martial law. The imperial court issued an edict to recruit all the towns to lead troops into the fortress. The Tang newspaper has arrived half a month ago. Now there are many rumors outside that the Great Wall has fallen, and Jianlu is divided. Drive straight from east to west, and the vanguard has already arrived in Jizhou—why, brother, you don’t know?” Mao Xiang was taken aback, and froze like a thunderbolt exploding in the clear sky.After a while, he shook his head, took a step back, and slumped on the chair; then, he stood up abruptly again, without calling Liu Luding, Guan Zi stumbled towards the west hall. From May 1981 to May 1983, the first draft Completed in December 1983 Revised in October 1994 Revised in July 2011