Chapter 12 Reluctantly stay behind

While the righteous people in eastern Zhejiang were working hard for the establishment of King Lu's regime, in Haining County, which is located on the north bank of the Qiantang River estuary and across the water from Shaoxing, Maoxiang and his family, due to the chaos in the city, Trapped in constant panic. At the beginning of April this year, on the eve of the fall of Yangzhou, Maoxiang and Dong Xiaowan hurried back to their home in Rugao County, packed their bags, and then hurried south with their mother and family to join their father who was supervising water transportation in Haining.As the news of Liudu's surrender soon came, the whole family stayed behind.At first, they also considered whether to continue to flee south, but because the much-anticipated King Lu is near Hangzhou, it is estimated that with the support of the people, they can stick to it for a while; So I decided to wait and see what happened.Unexpectedly, in a few days, King Lu had already opened the door to welcome the surrender, and Hangzhou declared its fall.Immediately afterwards, the magistrate of Haining County abandoned his official position and fled, causing chaos in the city...

It stands to reason that the county shouldn't be in chaos so quickly.Because the Qing soldiers are planning to go south with all their strength, and they can't take care of Haining, which is in a remote corner for the time being, and the officers and soldiers of the Ming Dynasty in the city are unanimously determined to stick to it. With the full support of a group of gentry headed by Jinshi Yu Yuanliang, the situation should be stable. If not, at least it can last for a few days.However, those thousands of households in the guards who commanded the troops were eager to expand their troops and raise food and salaries. Originally, this was not wrong in terms of preparing for war and defending against the enemy, but as a result of hasty decisions and a crowd of people, things got messed up set.The discipline of those officers and soldiers is not very good, and the newly recruited volunteers are inevitably mixed.As a result, the practice of asking for wages along the door and apportioning them indiscriminately became popular.What's more, these people are very overbearing. They will curse and beat people who can't afford the money or don't have enough money, and even tear down the house and search their homes.As for those who take the opportunity to form cliques and avenge themselves, let alone make a fortune.Last month, the gentry Ge Zhengqi's magnificent mansion inside the south gate was completely burned down and robbed of everything because of a small dispute.Subsequently, fires broke out in Xichengmen and Yaqian Street one after another within 20 days, destroying thousands of houses.As a result, the wealthy families in the city panicked and began to flee to the countryside for refuge.Maoxiang's family was naturally anxious like ants on a hot pot. It was only because Maoxiang himself objected, thinking that the Qing soldiers were near Hangzhou and would attack at any time. When they went to the countryside, their safety was even more uncertain, so they reluctantly delayed...

However, at the end of June, facing the panic of the whole family, even Maoxiang began to waver a little.So on this day, he finally rushed to the south of the city to visit a local friend of his—— Zhang Weichi, a scholar who was studying, and discussed with him whether he could find a remote and safer place outside the city, and temporarily move the whole family out for shelter. shelter from the limelight.Zhang Weichi was receiving Yu Yuanliang, Zha Jizuo and other rebellious gentry at home. After hearing Maoxiang's thoughts, he agreed wholeheartedly, saying that his family had a villa named "Dabaiju" outside the west city, with more than a dozen rooms. The house can accommodate Maoxiang's family.However, the group of gentry present advised Mao Xiang not to rush out of the city, because although the city is chaotic at the moment, they are discussing ways to rectify the order, and it is estimated that the situation will get better in a few days.Everyone also happily told him the exciting news that all counties in eastern Zhejiang, across the river from Haining, have recently raised the flag of anti-Qing righteousness, and have welcomed King Lu, who is taking refuge in Taizhou, to Shaoxing to be imprisoned. country.Not only that, but they also received a notice that Shaoxing was going to send Xiong Rulin, the former official officer, as an envoy to Haining to contact and discuss joint efforts to fight against the Qing Dynasty.It seems that a new situation is about to emerge; a famous talent like Mao Xiang will definitely do a lot in the future.

After listening to everyone's introduction and persuasion, Mao Xiang was a little moved again.Because as far as he is concerned, he is actually very unwilling to take the step of fleeing with his family.Not to mention that a year ago, they fled Rugao with their whole family in order to avoid Gao Jie's rebellious soldiers in Yangzhou. It turned out that it was not only unnecessary, but also prepared for hardships and dangers in vain, resulting in heavy losses.Take the present as an example, the country is ruined to such an extent that the Qing soldiers have stepped on their heads. If you don’t want to be conquered and enslaved by these barbarians from outside the customs, the only way is to stand up and fight with each other to the death !If we say that a few days ago, relying on a mere Haining, it was too weak, almost blocking the car with a mantis arm, and hitting a rock with an egg, then now, the entire eastern Zhejiang has all moved, and the situation is very different. Fight it!And as long as the top and bottom work together and plan properly, revival of the Ming Dynasty may not be hopeless!That being the case, I really might as well stay here for the time being.Of course, Mao Xiang also knew that he had to report this matter to his father and get his old man's consent.He worried that he would not be strong enough to speak by himself, so after the party was over, he invited Zhang Weichi to go home with him, so that he could tell his father about the latest situation...

Now, the two friends, escorted by Maocheng and other followers, are hurrying northward along Yaqian Street, which was hit by fire just a few days ago.In the west of Zhejiang, although Haining is not the most affluent county, as its name boasted, it has always been a peaceful and peaceful place.It is said that since the Yuan Dynasty, for three or four hundred years, the residents here have not been disturbed by war.Even when the Emperor Taizu of this dynasty conquered the world and the Jiangnan area was in chaos for a while, Haining also miraculously escaped the catastrophe, so it has always been called "the paradise" by people.However, this piece of "paradise" has completely lost the inherent tranquility and ease of the past.Needless to say, on the street, there were crowds of people carrying cars on their shoulders and fleeing in a chaotic manner; and on both sides of the street, those shops, no matter how big or small they were, or what kind of business they were running, were all tidy and elegant, and they had been destroyed by the turmoil of the past ten days. Destroyed to nothing.Instead of them, there are ruined walls that have been blackened by smoke and fire, beams and columns that have been burned into black charcoal, as well as messy and destroyed furniture and sundries scattered around.Those who have always been aloof from the world and never dreamed that disasters would come from the sky are now homeless.A family of young and old temporarily erected some wooden planks and straw mats among the ruins, and took shelter inside.Although it was the end of summer, it was not enough to endure the cold, but the scene was really embarrassing... Although Mao Xiang was already surprised and saddened by this scene when he passed by a while ago, now he is again Watching silently, he still couldn't help sighing secretly. "Yes, under the overthrow of the nest, there are still eggs. The Tartars have not really come to fight, and those who don't succeed have already become so lawless. If the Tartars really come, I'm afraid it will be ten times more chaotic. , A hundred times! At that time, where will there be a happy land to escape from Qin? Indeed, fleeing is not the best policy. A man who is born into the world and has the ability should still get on the bridle and take the responsibility of clarifying the world! Run away and rebuild Ming Dynasty's Zhongxing, the people will have peace and happiness, and our generation will have peace and happiness!" Thinking of this, Mao Xiang's determination suddenly became firmer, and his steps became faster, even though at this moment, The scenery on the street has changed completely, and the rough shouts of officers and soldiers asking for salary came from his ears, and he didn't even bother to pay attention to it...

Back to their rented house, when stepping into the side door for normal access, Mao Xiang found that the atmosphere inside was a bit unusual.A group of male and female servants were gathering in the door of Yi with panicked expressions, whispering to each other.Seeing the young master's return, they all stopped talking, bowed their heads, and hurried away like mice seeing a cat.This kind of situation obviously attracted Zhang Weichi's attention, and he frowned and looked at it suspiciously; but Mao Xiang was already used to it, so he didn't think it was strange.He only asked that his father was in the study, he waved his hand, waved away Mao Cheng and others who were following behind, led Zhang Weichi, and walked quickly to the inner house.

The west-slanting sun had already set behind the ridge of the roof, and the courtyard was distinctly dark.The two friends went through one door after another and came to Mao Qizong's study in the Eastern Side Courtyard. Suddenly, they saw Maoxiang's mother, Mrs. Ma, coming out with the support of grandma Su Shi and Dong Xiaowan.The old lady's eyes were red, as if she had just cried.Mao Xiang was stunned for a moment, and hurried forward, before he could ask, he heard a call from the study.Mao Xiang responded, and had no choice but to stop asking, turned around and asked Zhang Weichi to wait outside the door for a while, then stretched out his hand, gently supported Mrs. Ma, turned around with the female relatives, and walked in.

Mao Qizong had already stood up from behind the desk and waited. "Well, how is it?" He looked at his son and asked.At the same time, he frowned and glanced at the women who followed hesitantly. "Oh, Qi Qi father, the boy has already found Zhang Luofu and talked to him." Mao Xiang arched his hands and replied respectfully, "He said it's not a problem, he has a separate business outside the city, called 'Dabaiju' ', although the house is a bit old, it is still livable. If we want, we can move there at any time..." "I heard that Jianlu is coming! Did you hear about this?" Mao Qizong interrupted his son and asked impatiently.

"Jianlu—want to call? No kid, I haven't heard of it!" Mao Xiang said in amazement, "This is..." "Hmph, you're still in the dark! It sounds like the Tartar forwards have passed Zheshan Mountain!" Mao Xiang blinked, obviously confused by this sudden news.However, he then shook his head and said decisively: "Nothing! The boy was still at Zhang Luofu's house just now, met Yu Yuanliang, Zha Jizuo and the others, and talked for a long time, why didn't I see them mention it?" "They didn't mention it? But outside..." "Rumor," Mao Xiang shook his head again, his tone more certain, "Needless to say, it's another rumor! If there is such a thing, Yu Yuanliang and the others have no reason to know!"

After explaining this way, seeing that his father was still a little dubious, he turned his body sideways, gestured to the outside of the door curtain and said, "By the way, just now the boy didn't have time to tell, Zhang Luofu——he came with the boy too!" Zhang Weichi, who was guarding the door, listened to the conversation coming from the study, and finally understood why the servants of the Mao family were so frightened and uneasy when they passed the hall just now.At this moment, seeing that the door curtain had been lifted by Mao Xiang, he hurriedly stepped across the threshold, bowed to the ground, and said in a loud voice: "The late Zhang Weichi, I am here to pay my respects to the old man!"

Mao Zongzheng used his eyes to signal the female relatives to hide inside, at this moment he let out an "oh" and left the desk in a hasty movement. "Just now I was only asking for news from the outside world, but unexpectedly asked Xian Qi to wait for me. It's really rude! Really rude!" He replied apologetically and repeatedly said. "Brother Luofu also brought news," Mao Qizong continued to report after Mao Qizong had a little entertainment with the guests, and after the guests and hosts sat down, "It is said that eastern Zhejiang has raised a large-scale rebellion against the captives, and the king of Lu went to Shaoxing to supervise Country!" Then he turned to the guest and nodded in a gesture.Zhang Weichi naturally understood, so he repeated the news he had told Mao Xiang in detail.In the end, he said: "The current situation is like this, whether your family will leave or not, I ask the old man to make a decision after careful consideration!" It was probably the news of the Eastern Zhejiang Uprising that calmed Mao Qizong a little, but he just said "huh" without expressing his attitude, but started to walk around the hall with his hands behind his back. Seeing Mao Qizong like this, Mao Xiang, who was standing by the side, was somewhat anxious, but he didn't dare to disturb his father's thinking.As for Zhang Weichi, as a guest, he could only wait quietly in this situation, and was inconvenient to express opinions hastily. Finally, Mao Qizong stopped.He turned his face, shook his head lightly, and said, "Well, I'm afraid I won't be able to stay in this city for a long time!" "...?" "Not only can't stay for a long time, but you have to leave as soon as possible, the sooner the better!" After a pause, he probably saw his son lowered his head in disappointment, while Zhang Weichi opened his eyes wide, as if he hadn't understood yet, he did it With a gesture, he said with a little irritability: "Oh, this is obvious! Today, the reason why Jianlu has not come to invade this county is not because he is afraid of me to stick to it, but because he is eager to go south and has no time to look east. That's all! Now, once Zhedong raises righteousness, it will be Yu Jianlu's flank, and he will suddenly make a strong enemy, preventing him from driving south. In this way, he will definitely turn his flag back to the division and deal with Zhedong first. Haining and Shaoxing have always been mutually supportive To attack Shaoxing, you must attack Haining first. If this is true, then within ten and a half months, the captive cavalry will approach the city. If you want to leave at that time—hmph, I’m afraid you won’t be able to escape!” It is naturally good to worry that after the Eastern Zhejiang Uprising, the Qing soldiers will inevitably be invaded.In fact, the purpose of the uprising was to fight against the Qing Dynasty, so it was of course necessary to prepare for war, whether it was the Qing soldiers fighting over or our own side fighting over, we had to fight anyway.Under such circumstances, there were of course dangers, even sacrifices, to remain in the city.However, outside the city, it is also difficult to say that there is no danger and no sacrifice.Since this is the case, then Maoxiang thinks that he should stay, and there is no need to rush for his life when the enemy and the enemy are not divided... "Father's concerns are not bad." He finally couldn't help it, lowered his head slightly, and said carefully, "It's just that the world is corrupt and has reached this point. It's better to just stand still and let the Tartars come to kill and ravage you." Fight to the death, maybe there is still a glimmer of life!" "Brother Pijiang is right," Zhang Weichi also chimed in, "Besides, although Jianlu is said to be good at fighting, he is still a small country with limited troops. He went deep into Jiangnan with a mere tens of thousands of people. Menacing, in fact, the larger the area, the more divided its power, and it will be difficult to last. Now the volunteers from the two Zhejiang provinces are united, and the four directions are responding together. Even if there are millions of soldiers, it is easy to get. In this way, with twenty—ah, even if Let's make one out of ten, and it's enough to kill that prisoner!" Probably because Zhang Weichi was a guest, Mao Qizong listened carefully at first, but then shook his head.At the end, he smiled wryly, and said: "If the affairs of the world were so easy, Daming would not have fallen to where it is today! Now that volunteers from both Zhejiang and Zhejiang are raised together, it seems very powerful to you. But the old man expected that as long as Still these officials, these generals, and these soldiers, it won’t be long before they all end up in the same place! Instead of teaching billions of people to be slaughtered again, and putting themselves in vain, it’s better to try to survive in troubled times , I may be able to do something useful in the future!" "However, if you want to survive, you can only hope to survive. I have been a citizen of China all my life, and I have been educated by saints all my life. In the end, I will follow Qian Muzhai's example, shave my hair and braids, and recognize a prisoner as my father. Begging for mercy from the Tartars!" Because he felt that his father's attitude was too depressed, Mao Xiang's tone was a little hurried. Mao Qizong was slightly taken aback: "Qian Muzhai——he has surrendered to Jianlu? Is this news true?" "There is nothing suspicious about this matter." Zhang Weichi continued again, "I heard from people who fled from Liudu that the soldiers and people in the city planned to fight the Tartars to the death. It was Qian Muzhai, Zhao Xincheng, and Wang Jue. Si insisted on opening the door to welcome the surrender, so that the Jianlu soldiers won Liudu without bloodshed!" Mao Qizong listened silently, but stopped talking, and didn't even show any expression. He didn't know whether it was because this matter was actually in his expectation, or because a member of the sect who always regarded himself as a gentleman, unexpectedly made such a move. Scum, made him feel speechless.However, he stroked his beard again and paced around the room. ... "So, according to Xianqi's opinion?" Finally, Mao Qizong stopped again, raised his head and asked. "According to my later life, it's better to stay here for now and see what happens!" Maybe Zhang Weichi's small eyes sparkled because of renewed hope. "Well……" "Going out of the city with the whole family is full of hardships and dangers. I heard that when the family crossed the river last year, the family was almost robbed by robbers. This proves it. As for worrying about the disaster in the city, then just now at Wansheng's family, everyone who raised righteousness also discussed this matter. Jiang Qianhu of the guard has already decided to suppress with all his strength and punish the criminals with severe punishments; besides, Zha Yihuang will go to Shaoxing tomorrow to pay a visit to the Jian State, please appoint the county governor as soon as possible. In this way, the chaos in the city will be calmed down soon. Seniors really don’t need to rush out of the city!” Mao Qi Zong Lao was twiddling his beard for a long time, obviously hesitant, but when his eyes fell on the inner room where the female relatives were hiding, his attitude finally became firm. "Well, if that's the case," he nodded, "then we won't leave for now. It's just that we need to take extra precautions before the chaos subsides. Recently, several households have left the neighborhood, and the joint defense system has taken shape. It’s just a matter of life and death. It’s not too late—” He turned his eyes to his son, “You can quickly visit those homes that haven’t left, and discuss a way to tidy up, at least keep it safe for a few days. The next step depends on the situation Say it again! Alas!" When speaking out, Mao Xiang was always a little apprehensive, for fear of causing his father's resentment and anger.It wasn't until he heard his father's order that he let out an "ah" and felt relieved, so he quickly nodded obediently and agreed one by one.Seeing Mao Qizong tilting his head slightly, closing his eyes, and showing a tired look, he immediately bowed and said, "Then I will go to business with you!" After speaking, he turned his head and winked at Zhang Weichi hint.After the latter said goodbye to Mao Qizong, he led his friends, turned around and walked out. "...Master, is this, this city sure to be able to hold it? If we can't hold it, our whole family will be nested here, and we can't escape, what should we do?" "Hmph, there's nothing perfect in this world! It's all over, so we can only do our best! If you are afraid, let your sister-in-law accompany you and move to the countryside to hide for a few days!" When the two friends left the study, they heard the frightened Mrs. Ma answer Mao Qizong in a trembling voice.