Chapter 35 lie to get away

Due to Hong Chengchou's tough orders, the Qing army's operation to clear the city stopped soon.In order to show that he shared weal and woe with the soldiers, and naturally for the sake of safety, Hong Chengchou also decided that he himself would not go to live in the city, but would stay in the camp on the mountain like everyone else.Next, he specifically asked Zhang Tianlu to draft a notice immediately, and posted it everywhere in the city, telling the people to live as usual and not to panic, as long as they sincerely surrender, shave their hair as ordered, and stop making trouble, their wealth and life will be guaranteed.

This move really got a good effect.The chaotic Fucheng quickly calmed down, and then the market reopened.Two days later, some people even carried pigs and sheep to the mountain to reward the "soldiers".Hong Chengchou saw that the situation he expected was happening, and the soldiers of the battalions obeyed the military order and did not dare to go down the mountain to harass the people, so he finally felt relieved and prepared to leave.It happened that at noon of this day, he received an urgent document from Nanjing, saying that it was an order from the imperial court, and the content was very important, urging him to go back to discuss it as soon as possible.Hong Chengchou didn't dare to be negligent, and immediately ordered Zhou Zhi's accompanying officials and staff to pack up and set off early the next morning.

After the news spread, the reaction in the barracks was quite calm.Because everyone knows that the governor's visit this time is just a routine inspection, and he won't stay for too long.What's more, as far as most people are concerned, they don't want to be watched by people from above all day long, let alone the troubles of serving and accompanying them.However, there were no exceptions. For example, Huang Shu, who was having lunch in his camp, was stunned by the sudden news for a while, and finally put down the bowls and chopsticks, and stood up distractedly. The reason why Huang Shu is like this is that until now, although he has been sent to serve in the army, he has made great contributions to the pacification of Huizhou.But it has not yet been officially awarded an official position.With his self-conceited ability and arrogance throughout his life, he resolutely decided to take refuge in the Qing Dynasty, not just for survival.Undoubtedly, he also knew that he had just arrived and the new master didn't know him well, so he would have to wait for some time as usual, so he was patient all the time.But that day, on the way to Fucheng, Hong Chengchou suddenly asked who was suitable to be the future magistrate of Huizhou. He was cautious at the time and did not answer directly, but the more he thought about it, the more tempted he became, and he felt that this position was suitable for him.Because I am from Huizhou, I can say that I am very familiar with the local situation, and with my shrewdness and ability, I am sure that I can manage the people in this area submissively.In addition, he also believed that Hong Chengchou's question at that time was definitely not without reason, and it obviously contained this intention to some extent.Because of this, on the night of arriving here, he was willing to take the risk of offending other generals and stood up to defend Hong Chengchou's decision to stop moving the camp.Although Hong Chengchou didn't express anything special about this, Huang Shu knew that he would impress his boss, so he had been secretly looking forward to it.Unexpectedly, two days have passed, three days have passed, and there is still no movement.On the contrary, it suddenly came out that Hong Chengchou would leave early tomorrow morning.It's no wonder that Huang Shu couldn't help becoming anxious while being astonished...

"Mr. Huang, Mr. Zhongtang, please come over and discuss something!" A loud voice rang in my ear. Huang Shu was stunned for a moment, then turned around, and found that at some point, a small school in the camp had come outside the tent. "Master Zhongtang has invited Mr. Huang to discuss matters!" Seeing that Huang Shu's eyes were wide open without any indication, the schoolmaster repeated the notification. Only then did Huang Shu say "ah", and his heart beat rapidly. "So, he finally thought of me!" He thought, so he said quickly: "Okay, the students will go now!"

After finishing speaking, without waiting for the little principal to say anything, he loudly ordered his followers to prepare the horses, and then walked to the back of the screen in three steps, quickly changed into his official uniform, and specially inspected the star from the mirror. With the newly shaved bald head and the newly braided hair, he hurried out of the tent. As a demoted official temporarily sent to serve in the former army, Huang Shu's current residence is the Qianfeng Camp, which is two miles away from the Chinese Army Camp where Hong Chengchou stayed.It was noon, and the rugged mountain road was deserted.The stream that flowed next to the road sparkled and glared brightly in the sun.On the cliff, the old autumn leaves have been weathered, blood red, golden yellow, showing a mottled color.

When it was a stone's throw away from the Chinese army's camp, Huang Shu saw from a distance from his horse a small group of people standing or sitting in the open space on the left side in front of the gate.Based on the appearance of them wearing uniforms and holding knives and guns, Huang Shu judged that they were probably some soldiers, so he didn't pay much attention to them.It wasn't until he got off his horse in front of the gate and threw the reins to his followers that he took a quick glance and found that the small group of people were not all Qing soldiers with braids and knives, but also men dressed as Han Chinese.It's just that those people are all unkempt, their clothes are torn, and they are tied tightly with ropes. "Oh, so another criminal has been caught!" Huang Shu thought to himself, and at the same time felt that those people looked familiar, so he couldn't help but glanced again.At this moment, not only did he see clearly, but like a thief walking in the dark, he was so frightened that he suddenly ran into a catcher.Because he suddenly recognized that these prisoners were none other than the three leaders of the rebel army captured in this battle: Among them, the slightly fat elder with a calm expression was Jin Sheng, the imperial censor of the Ming Dynasty; The one with the hedgehog beard is Wu Yingji, the head of Fushe; the Confucian scholar who is younger than these two is Jiang Tianyi!

"Oops, why did I meet them here!" Huang Shu was startled, and instinctively turned his back.Yes, as fellow villagers, these people can be said to be old acquaintances with him.Especially Jin Sheng, who has always had a close friendship with him.Originally, as early as the first year of Chongzhen, Jin Sheng was a Jinshi in high school and was awarded the censor by the official. He resolutely resigned from office and returned home because he repeatedly tried to present Jingguo's strategy but was not adopted by the emperor.While staying at home, he contacted Huang Shu and others to actively train the bravery of the village to protect the environment and the people.In the eleventh year of Chongzhen, Guizhou soldiers under Ma Shiying passed by Huizhou, burned, killed and looted, and were severely suppressed by local soldiers and people.For this reason, when King Fu ascended the throne in Nanjing and used the old officials, Jin Sheng did not respond to the call, but he has always been very concerned about the political situation in the court, and his contact with Huang Shu has not been interrupted.Later, when Huang Shu was in court, he severely impeached and beat Ma Shiying, which could be said to have something to do with Jin Sheng's influence.It is precisely because of such an unusual friendship that this time, Huang Shu was able to enter the city so easily, act as the internal support of the Qing army, and break through Huizhou in one fell swoop.It's just that, in front of old friends, Huang Shu has become a complete traitor and traitor, and there is no room for him to meet.

"Hey, no matter what, it's best not to let them recognize me!" Huang Shu thought distractedly, "It's best not to, yes! Although they can't do anything to me, but..." So nervous in his heart, He shrank his head, turned his body sideways, hurried a few steps, and walked in through the gate as if fleeing.It wasn't until he passed several tents that he stood still. Looking back, he found that Jin Sheng and the others hadn't responded at all, as if they didn't recognize him. "Well, maybe I have shaved my hair and changed my clothes now, so..." After thinking about this, Huang Shu let out a breath, collected himself, and continued to walk in.

In the big tent of the Chinese army, Hong Chengchou was already waiting. Speaking of which, it was not the first time Huang Shu had an audience with Hong Chengchou.It's just that this feudal official who is known for his diligence in governing affairs almost never lets himself idle.Every time Huang Shu encountered him, he was either dealing with official documents or discussing matters with relevant staff members, and he always had to wait for a while, whether it was long or short.Therefore, it seemed very exceptional to receive an immediate interview like today, and it also made Huang Shu feel that the matter was unusual.He involuntarily became nervous, and even forgot about the unexpected meeting with Jin Sheng and the others just now, and hurriedly stepped forward, and respectfully greeted him.

"Well, sir, please sit down." Hong Chengchou nodded, and then made a gesture of concession. "I don't know what order Mr. Zhongtang is calling for the students?" Because after saying the greeting, Hong Chengchou was still twiddling his beard, and he didn't speak for a long time. Huang Shu, who had already sat on the Sikaiguang pier with half of his buttocks, couldn't help it. Live to ask tentatively. Hong Chengchou let out a "huh" and finally raised his eyes: "Mister is a local?" "Yes, my humble hometown is the capital city of Huizhou." Huang Shu arched his hands and answered, while secretly wondering: Why did the boss ask the question knowingly?However, the other party asked about his hometown as soon as he opened his mouth, which coincided with his expectations.So he opened his eyes wide and looked eagerly at his superior.

"I remember that on the way to Huizhou," Hong Chengchou continued, "Mr. once said that the people of this place should 'lead their hearts to be good with sincerity, and eliminate their rebellious ambitions with kindness'. The students deeply believed that I just don't know what should be the priority in the important task of 'guiding it to be good'?" Huang Shu blinked, his heart beating faster.In order to prevent mistakes, he tried his best to control himself, thought carefully, and then replied: "This--from the view of humble positions, we should first accept the hearts of the rich, the gentry, and the old!" "Oh? I would like to hear more about it!" "My lord's lesson: There is a saying that 'a snake can't do without a head'. The old men, gentry, and elders are the brains of all parties, whether they have power, wealth, or both, and they are admired by the people of one side. Others If something happens, one side will be uneasy; if the other generation can surrender, then both sides will be at peace." Hong Chengchou nodded: "This statement is reasonable. But sir, do you think that if our soldiers treat us like this now, the old men, gentry and elders will be grateful and return to their hearts from now on, and there will be no more trouble?" "This……" "If he doesn't know how to be grateful, so what should he do? Naturally, it's all right to arrest him and kill him with a knife. Only in this way, the people of this side will definitely doubt me and fear me because of this. , hate me, it will be difficult to achieve the effect of pacifying and Anji!" "Your Excellency's words are very true! Therefore, the presiding official must have a deep understanding of the people's sentiments in this place, have extensive contacts among the gentry, and be able to bow their heads, have the determination not to be surprised by favors and humiliations, and be able to endure anger and be scolded. You can do what you say!" Huang Shu's answers were somewhat insincere, to be honest.Because until now, he still firmly believes that the best way to govern Huizhou well is to suppress it with heavy troops and punish it with severe punishment.But since the last time he proposed to Hong Chengchou, it was not accepted, so now he dare not mention it again. "Yes, as long as I can get Wusha from the prefect of Huizhou, I will choose whatever he likes to hear!" He thought. Sure enough, a smile appeared on Hong Chengchou's face. "Well, good, very good!" After expressing his approval, he stood up, took two steps forward in thought, then turned around and stared at his subordinate again: "When sir came in, he must have seen those people outside the gate? Well, that's right, they are Jin Sheng, Wu Yingji, and Jiang Tianyi. These three people led the rebellion, gathered in the mountains and forests, and resisted my teacher. It is a crime that cannot be punished. Your Excellency Reflecting the court's virtues and ideas, he was originally a country gentry and old Confucian, but because he didn't understand the changes in the world, he was foolish and loyal, so he went astray. During the two-day interrogation, I repeatedly told them to urge them to rehabilitate. However, these few people are very narrow-minded, obsessed with obsession, and speak wildly and rebelliously, humiliating the governor. Therefore, we decided to push them out of the gate and rectify the law on the spot!" Having said that, Hong Chengchou paused for a moment, probably realizing that Huang Shu was just listening blankly, without any special reaction, so he went on: "However, the governor changed his mind, the death of these three people is not enough, only he This rebellion, many foolish people and common people followed it. Although they have failed and been captured, there are very few people who secretly pity them. Killing them all at once is not conducive to clearing up people's hearts. In order to calm Jiangnan as soon as possible, the general It is the best policy to persuade him to surrender by speaking. Since Mr. Si is an old friend with him, he must know his temperament and intentions well. I don't know. I don't know what the master wants to do?" At first, when Huang Shu heard that Jin Sheng and the other three were going to be executed on the spot, although he was shaken in his heart, after all, he had already estimated that this scene would inevitably happen, so he was not particularly surprised.When Hong Chengchou changed the subject and asked him to come forward to persuade him to surrender, Huang Shu was taken aback and almost got up from his seat.At last he was alert by nature, hurriedly restrained his mind, and sat still abruptly. "The students also know that the master is quite embarrassing," Hong Chengchou said again, "so they didn't dare to annoy each other suddenly. But just now, the students were very moved by listening to the master's teaching, thinking that with the master's determination not to be surprised, With the sincerity that can endure anger and be scolded, if you go to persuade him to surrender, you may succeed!" Huang Shu blinked.It was only at this time that he understood why his boss had found him in such a hurry, and why he was rambling at the beginning of that long piece of irrelevant talk.And his few insincere answers turned out to be the basis for the other party's decision to ask him to come forward to persuade him to surrender, especially making him dumbfounded.To be honest, ever since he acted as an internal response, Huang Shu knew very well that he and his former friends had become sworn enemies.Not only will it never succeed if you come forward to persuade yourself to surrender, but it will definitely attract a scolding meal that will make you embarrassed.He really didn't understand why Hong Chengchou had to do everything possible to persuade Jin Sheng and others to surrender.In this kind of matter, those who are willing to surrender will stay, and those who are unwilling to surrender will be killed. This has always been the case, so why bother to keep pestering and asking for trouble?However, Huang Shu also knew that since the boss had expressed such an idea, as a subordinate, it was obviously unacceptable and unwise to refuse rashly.But…… Huang Shu groaned to himself, Hong Chengchou, who had already sat back on the chair, became a little impatient.In fact, when he came to Jiangnan to take office in early August, he made a rule: All rebel leaders captured in battle must report to the base camp in Nanjing and wait for instructions.This is not only based on the considerations he said to Huang Shu just now, but also because secretly he always feels that, as someone who used to have the same background, it is an unpleasant and glorious thing to kill his former colleagues in turn. .What's more, the Jin Sheng in front of him still has a "same year" friendship with him.On the contrary, if they can come to their senses and abandon the old and turn to the new, then of course they can save their lives, and they can also gain a good reputation for caring about the old love.It's just that Jin Sheng and the other three are all stubborn, speaking sharply like knives, which is simply unbearable.Hong Chengchou remembered that when Jin Sheng was interrogated the morning before yesterday, the other party even came up and said: Hong Chengchou clearly committed suicide when Songshan fell in the 15th year of Chongzhen, and where did Hong Chengchou come from now?It must be fake!Made him dumbfounded.Then the golden voice counted Hong Chengchou's various achievements in the Ming Dynasty, praised him greatly, and then changed the subject and scolded the "fake" Hong Chengchou for being a minion of a tiger, doing many evils, and ruining the reputation of the Hong family.The scolding made him so angry that he almost didn't order that guy's tongue to be cut off!When Wu Yingji and Jiang Tianyi were interrogated in the afternoon, Hong Chengchou pointed out that the surnamed Wu was the leader of the Fushe, and he was very polite and pleasant to him.Unexpectedly, after persuading them for an hour, the two of them acted like deaf and dumb, they remained completely unresponsive, making them helpless.It was in the face of this predicament that Hong Chengchou thought of Huang Shu.Although he also knows that for a traitor, this is somewhat difficult, but sometimes things in the world may not be predictable by common sense.Even what seems the most unlikely will succeed.It depends on the opportunity and the ability of the person doing the work.Doesn't this Huang Shu seem quite capable?Well, since there is no other way to think about it, we might as well ask him to give it a try. Anyway, even if he doesn't succeed, he won't lose anything... However, after talking for a long time, the other party still didn't express anything, and Hong Chengchou couldn't help but frown. wrinkled. At this time, Huang Shu, who was sitting at the bottom, moved his beard and finally spoke. "Lord Zhongtang has an order," he bowed his head and cupped his hands and said, "students should serve wholeheartedly. There is only one thing, students hesitated again and again in order to protect their friends. I couldn't bear to say it, but as a minister of the Qing Dynasty, Loyal to the king's affairs, but dare not keep silent!" "Oh?" Seeing that he spoke solemnly, Hong Chengchou couldn't help paying attention. Huang Shu paused again, seemingly still hesitating, and then continued: "As far as the students know, Jin Sheng had already considered that Huicheng might not be able to defend when my army was pressing down on the border, so in the surrounding caves five hundred miles away, They all hid a lot of weapons and gunpowder in advance, and made a blood oath with their subordinates. Once Huicheng fell, they would retreat into the mountains and wait for an opportunity to rise again. In the city a few days ago, he once said to the humble official that if the city was broken, he would not be able to escape and fall into our In the hands of soldiers, one must first swear to the death not to surrender, and then slowly pretend to change his mind, so that I am happy that he can surrender, and I do not suspect that there is a fraud. When he was negligent, he escaped with a plan. A student once asked him how to use He said that he set fire to the camp, killed officials and started riots, and so on. He also said that as long as he was alive, he would never die with our court. The student was still in the city and was waiting for my soldiers, so it was inconvenient to refute him immediately. I can only respond vaguely..." Huang Shu said with a heavy expression.Hong Chengchou's eyes widened.These schemes of Jin Sheng and others surprised and annoyed him.He lowered his face and asked, "Since there are such things, why didn't you report them at the beginning?" Huang Shu's eyes flashed in surprise, and then he knelt down on the ground with a "plop", kowtowed his head and said, "My lord, calm down. Because the students know that once this matter is reported, Jin Sheng will undoubtedly die. The students are loyal to the imperial court, and they enter the city as a way of life." , I have already received the notoriety of being a betrayer. For example, when I was trying to persuade the adults to move camps into the city, the students just opened their mouths, and they were slandered by Bardot. If Jin Sheng dies because of my words, the students may not be able to sleep peacefully in this life! Therefore, I intend to wait for him to surrender, and then persuade him from the sidelines, monitor him, and report immediately if there is any change. The student knows that it is a serious crime to shelter in private! I beg you to take pity on the stupidity of this thought, and deal with it leniently!" Hong Chengchou stopped talking.He stroked his beard slowly, pondered over Huang Shu's words over and over again, and finally asked deeply: "So, in my opinion, these three people can't stay anymore?" Huang Shu didn't answer, just kowtowed.He knocked so fast and for a long time, as if he could only use this method to express the contradictions and pain in his heart... "Undoubtedly, this is just Huang Shu's one-sided story," Hong Chengchou thought to himself, "and there are many doubts, so we may not be able to fully believe it. It would be rash to kill the three people immediately based on this. However, I The departure is imminent, how can I have time to ask him more carefully?" Thinking about it this way, he reached out and took out a command arrow from the quiver, and said to the accompanying officer who was waiting on the side: "Pass my order, the three thieves outside the gate will be temporarily detained as before, and they will be sent back to Nanjing with me, and we will deal with them later!" After the attendant took the order to come out, he turned his face away, looked at Huang Shu who had stopped kowtowing, and said indifferently: "Student originally planned to report to the court after finishing this trip, and Mr. Wei will be the prefect of Huizhou. It’s just that what Mr. Shicai said is very relevant, and it’s not appropriate to report it before you understand it. Let’s talk about it later!”