Chapter 14 Chapter Fourteen

The journey back to the imperial capital was smooth, and nothing happened.When we arrived at the imperial capital, it was already October 27th, which happened to be the beginning of winter.The climate in Wuyang City is hot, even in autumn it is almost the same as the midsummer in the imperial capital, but the imperial capital becomes cold at the beginning of winter.It was early in the morning when the Tianchi entered Dinghu Lake, and a thin layer of ice had already formed in Dinghu Lake. As soon as the boat docked, Li Yaotian came up with several generals, bowed and said loudly: "Master Ding, the last general Li Yaotian is very polite, Lord Wenhou has been waiting on the shore for a long time."

Marquis Wen actually greeted him in person. Ding Ximing looked flattered, but he walked off the boat proudly and said, "Lord Wenhou is really a virtuous corporal. General Li, please lead the way. I will personally report to Lord Wenhou." As the deputy envoy for this negotiation, he seems to ignore me at all. Li Yaotian saluted again and said: "Master Ding please, Lord Wenhou is waiting in the tent with General Chu." The so-called "leading the way" is just Ding Ximing's airs.Marquis Wen's camp was set up on the pier, which could be seen at a glance.Li Yaotian sent Ding Ximing away, walked up to me, gave a military salute, and said with a smile, "Congratulations to General Chu on his triumphant return."

I smiled wryly.Although the negotiation was successful, He Congjingming pretended to be unwilling to surrender. He really didn't know whether such a negotiation would be beneficial or harmful.I said, "General Li, how is the battle with the Snake Man going now?" Li Yaotian shook his head lightly, and said: "It's not very good. Dongping City is still in the hands of the Snake Man. General Bi and General Deng have been confronting them across the river for several months, with no progress." No progress means that the war situation has not deteriorated.I secretly breathed a sigh of relief and said, "That's good."

Before I could ask again, Li Yaotian said: "General Chu, Lord Wenhou has been waiting for a long time, please go with Lord Ding to pay the order." I said "ah", I just wanted to ask what happened to Gu Xuan, but there were so many people on the pier that it was hard to ask.Ding Ximing didn't care about me at all, Gu Zi carried the wooden box containing the documents and walked towards the tent surrounded by his entourage.I walked forward quickly and followed Ding Ximing. Once you enter the tent, the inside is not quite the same as the outside, and it is warm and cozy.Ding Ximing and I knelt down at the same time, and Ding Ximing said in a loud voice: "My lord, my lord, Lai Dijun Hongfu, your lord has thoughtful plans, fortunately you fulfilled your mission, and signed a contract with He Congjing, Lord of Wuyang City, please take a look."

I haven't seen you in the past few months, and Marquis Wen has lost weight again.He used to be lumpy and looked like a rich man, but now his face is very dark, and his cheeks are a little sunken.A personal soldier came down and took the wooden box in Ding Ximing's hand, opened it and handed it to Marquis Wen. Marquis Wen looked at it, smiled slightly, and said, "Excuse me. Sir Ding, I'm sorry. This matter is successful, and Sir Ding owes a lot to it. Truly worthy of being the pillar of the country.” Ding Ximing was very excited, kowtowed his head and said: "Thank you for your cultivation, sir, Ximing is very grateful."

Marquis Wen said: "Okay, when I return the letter, I will have a look at it right away. Come and prepare a car for Mr. Ding to go back to rest. Please wait for the good news tomorrow morning." If it wasn't Marquis Wen, Ding Ximing would have laughed out loud.He knelt down and kowtowed again, and said, "Thank you sir, thank you sir." Marquis Wen put the documents back into the wooden box, and suddenly said, "Chu Xiuhong, get up, and follow me back to the residence." Ding Ximing had already stood up, and he was surprised when he heard that Marquis Wen wanted to take me home.I am a trusted aide of Marquis Wen, I am afraid he has heard of it, but he did not expect to be so trusted that I can go back to the mansion with Marquis Wen.I didn't care about him, I bowed and said: "Thank you, sir."

Marquis Wen's carriage is very spacious.As soon as he got into the carriage and sat down, Marquis Wen said indifferently: "Chu Xiuhong, is there any accident in this incident?" I told about the pirates I met when I went there, and I also told the whole story about what happened afterwards.I wanted to hide the fact that Henry Ding wanted to keep me in Wuyang City, but I was really afraid of Marquis Wen. When I went to Fu Dun City that time, he even knew about Xiao Xinyu. I dare not say anything this time. What was concealed, the whole thing was said. When I said that, Marquis Wen couldn't help nodding.When I finished speaking, I also arrived at Wenhou Mansion.He led me into the hall and said, "Sit down."

As soon as I sat down, Marquis Wen suddenly said, "Have you seen Lao Hai himself?" He didn't ask about He Congjing, but asked about Hai Laolai, which made me a bit puzzled.I said: "I just met once. This old man is very ugly, with a sharp mouth and monkey cheeks, but he has a well-planned plan and is extremely powerful. Wanghai Sanhao of Wuyang City is not so much three, it is better to say that he is the only one." "No wonder you can control He Congjing..." Marquis Wen narrowed his eyes, as if he was thinking about something.I was a little apprehensive, and I didn't dare to speak. I thought to myself: "Mr. Wenhou and Mr. Hai are old acquaintances? What is Mr. Hai's face?"

Hailao asked He Congjing to give up his fantasy about Wajima and join forces with the empire. He Congjing made up his mind because of his words, and the negotiation ended smoothly.But Hai Lao doesn't seem to be completely based on the background. I really can't figure out who Hai Lao is. "What do you think of Elder Hai?" Marquis Wen's words interrupted my thoughts. I thought for a while and said, "My lord, I can't see through this old man. I always feel that he doesn't always think about the city lord, but more like a representative Another force."

Marquis Wen nodded, and said: "I think so too. It seems that the relationship between the Republican Army and He Congjing is not just honey, but a combination." "Hai Lao is from the Republican Army?" I was taken aback.Because Bai Wei told me that the faction of the Republican Army is mostly opposed to joining forces with the Empire, but Hai Lao is the decisive figure for the success of this negotiation.Although it makes sense to say that Mr. Hai is the actual head of the Republican Army, I still remember the one person Bai Wei mentioned. Cang Yuegong's son is called Nanwu Gongzi.Although I have not been able to meet this person, judging from his actions, he is the real leader of the Republican Army.

"By the way, Chu Xiuhong, this time it went quite smoothly. You didn't open the kit, did you?" These words were like a thunderbolt from the blue, and there was a "buzz" in my mind.I dismantled the kit before I arrived in Wuyang City, and I didn't do what it said in the kit.If you tell the truth, I'm afraid Marquis Wen will think I'm unreliable.I knelt down on the ground and said: "My lord, you should die." As I spoke, my heart was spinning rapidly, thinking about how to find an excuse. Marquis Wen was confused by my appearance, and said, "What's wrong?" I have already thought of an excuse, and I ran it through my mind quickly, but my mouth rambled and said, "Damn it, I hope my lord will forgive me, so that I dare not say it." I did what Marquis Wen said, and if he knew that I didn't do what he said this time, it would be a bad thing. Wenhou said: "Get up, what happened?" I said: "My lord, I have always kept the bag close to my body, but we encountered pirates when we passed the Mido Sea. Those pirates are quite powerful. Thanks to General Park's command, we are out of danger. It’s just that when I fought with pirates, my clothes were cut by them, and the kit fell into the sea, and I couldn’t get it back.” Marquis Wen frowned, and said: "So that's the case, that's nothing. Get up, it's not your fault. The kit was originally a stopgap measure when you were desperate. If you lose it, you lose it." I stood up and said, "Thank you sir." But I laughed secretly in my heart.Along the way, we have reached the point of nowhere several times, and fortunately we finally returned smoothly.At this time, I suddenly remembered the matter of Ming Shizhen, and hurriedly said: "My lord, by the way, I would like to ask, do you have any people around He Congjing?" A chill suddenly flashed in Marquis Wen's eyes, and he said, "What are you doing?" He was always very kind just now, but when he said this, his eyes were like lightning, extremely sharp.I felt cold in my heart, and said: "It's like this. At the end of the day, I met an attendant next to the Lord He, named Ming Shizhen. He claimed to be the hidden stake you sent to the Lord He. It's just that the general felt that there was a servant named Zheng Zhaozai, City Lord He can't stay with any hidden stakes." Marquis Wen was stunned, and suddenly laughed: "You actually plan to plan! Chu Xiuhong, you have been fooled by him." My heart skipped a beat and I said, "That Ming Shizhen isn't yours anymore?" Wen Hou said: "I have never heard of such a person. What did he tell you?" I said: "I didn't say anything, but when I followed City Lord He to ask Hailao for advice, he found out. But he didn't say anything, only said that he was sent by you in Wuyang City." Marquis Wen pondered for a moment, raised his head, and said, "That's right, Mr. Hai is indeed not completely in tune with City Lord He!" I don't know how he said such a sentence, "What?" "He Congjing asked Mr. Hai for advice. This matter is extremely confidential and should not be known to outsiders. Naturally, we couldn't let you know beforehand, right?" I said: "Yes, that's true, so although I suspected that Ming Shizhen was lying to me, I really couldn't figure out why he would let me listen." Marquis Wen laughed: "Chu Xiuhong, it's really stupid of you to eavesdrop on He Congjing's advice. Obviously, that attendant already knows the result of He Congjing's advice, and it's okay to let you hear it." It doesn't matter, but if you raise your voice, it will make the negotiation impossible." My heart was shocked again, and I said: "He is the servant of the Lord He, how could he know the result of He Congjing's plan in advance?" Marquis Wen said: "He is not someone I put in, but someone from Hai Lao." I was taken aback, but suddenly realized, and lost my voice: "So that's it! Then, Zheng Zhao is also Hailao's?" Marquis Wen nodded, and said: "That Zheng Zhao possesses such thaumaturgy, I really doubt why He Congjing can recruit such strange people. Thinking about it now, He Congjing is conceited that he is unparalleled in wisdom, but in fact he has already fallen there. In Hailao's trap, he became one of his pawns. I really don't know who this old man is, but he is so powerful!" Only then did I see Ming Shizhen's true face clearly, and I couldn't help breaking out in a cold sweat.That's why Mr. Hai knew that I was hiding in the forest and eavesdropping. What exactly does this old man want to do? At this time, Marquis Wen sighed again: "Think carefully and think for a long time. It's really unexpected that there are such brilliant people in Wuyang City, Chu Xiuhong. It's really because of your luck that you can come back with a whole body this time." I said: "Yes." I didn't think much of it at the time, but when I think about it later, it was really a critical moment, and the crisis was threatening, and the terrible thing was that I only felt it vaguely, but others didn't notice it at all. Ding Ximing only felt it. I'm afraid I'm still praising He Cong Jing Shen Ming Da Yi. Marquis Wen said: "On the battlefield, you can do everything you can. Chu Xiuhong, you must remember this, and you can't trust anyone easily." I said: "The general will remember." But I remembered what Lu Gongxing said to me before he died.He asked me not to trust Marquis Wen too much, because Marquis Wen has a heart of disobedience.For Marquis Wen, I can't believe too much. I thought about it, and then said: "My lord, there is one thing that I hope your lord will be careful about." Marquis Wen said, "What?" "According to what the general has seen, although Wuyang City has joined hands with our army, it still has two hearts. It must be guarded against." Marquis Wen smiled and said, "Chu Xiuhong, you are thinking too much now." His words seemed to mean mocking, I was a little confused, and said: "The last general is talking nonsense, I hope you will forgive me." "There is no crime. He Congjing's heart, I also understand that he wants to take advantage of the crisis of the empire to expand his power. Sooner or later, Wuyang City will rebel." Marquis Wen spoke so directly, and I remained silent.There is a lot of fog on this matter, but Marquis Wen has a clear view of the fire. He must have thought of it before sending us to negotiate.At this time, Marquis Wen hesitated, and said: "Anyway, the palindrome has finally been brought back, and Wuyang City is now on our side. With this support army, the snake man will suffer a lot this time. Chu Xiuhong, you Go back and rest, put on good clothes tomorrow, and follow me to the court to receive the reward." I saluted and walked out.At this time, Si Yan already knew me very well, and when he saw me coming out, he saluted respectfully.Walking out of Marquis Wen's Mansion, I fell into deep thought again. This time, since Wuyang City expressed its willingness to negotiate with the Snakeman's gauntlet, it was actually a battle of wits between Marquis Wen and Lao Hai. I, Ding Ximing, and He Congjing were just tools in this battle of wits.It's just that I don't know who won this battle of wits.In any case, the current situation should be acceptable to both parties, and it cannot be said who wins or loses. There are far more wise men in this world than Wen Hou and Hai Lao.There must be someone who can rival them in the future. Could this person be me? I tremble a little.These thoughts are naturally very offensive, but I really can't get rid of the temptation.There will always be a battle between Wuyang City and the Empire sooner or later, and Marquis Wen and I will have our own enemies one day.No matter whether I can be compared with Wenhou or not, I always have to prepare as soon as possible. Zhen Yining, I'm sorry. I looked at the sky blankly. The weather on the second day was very bad. It started to rain in the middle of the night. When the sky just lit up, it became colder and colder. A thin layer of snow has accumulated. Ding Ximing and I followed Marquis Wen, and all the officials lined up to wait for the emperor to go to court.Now the emperor's health is getting worse and worse, and he has to give up the early court from time to time, and most of the state affairs are supervised by the prince.In everyone's heart, they have already seen the shadow of the new dynasty. Perhaps, this new dynasty is the new era that the princess told me about?I just hope that when the new dynasty comes, there will be some real new atmosphere, not like Wuyang City, which just changed its name. After waiting in the snow for a while, some old and frail ministers were already shivering from the cold, and the hand stove they brought in the early court might have burned out, and if they waited any longer, they might die.At this moment, an official from the Huangmen came out and said loudly: "The emperor goes to the court, and all officials enter in order, and no noise is allowed." With my official position, if I want to go to court, I must be the last few.But today, Ding Ximing and I were brought in as followers of Marquis Wen, so we could follow Marquis Wen in, and instead became the first batch.As soon as I entered the hall, I felt steaming.Dijun's body is getting weaker and weaker, and he must have had to heat up the hall to enter in the morning.I followed Wen Hou and stood in the middle of the class. The officials behind me came in batches, including Pu Anli, but he didn't even look at me.Pu Anli is the new Marquis of Wu. Although his official position is equal to that of Marquis Wen, in the eyes of everyone, he cannot be compared with Marquis Wen. There are more than one hundred people who are eligible to go to court.These more than a hundred people are all high-ranking officials and well-paid people who are pampered and pampered, but it is really hard work to go to court early.They walked very fast, I am afraid that they will go to court every day, even if they close their eyes, they will not make a mistake.Waiting for the official positions to be arranged neatly, Marquis Wen led the ceremony of kneeling three times and kowtowing nine times to the emperor above. Marquis Wen came out of the class and said that he had reached a joint agreement with Wuyang City.When it came to He Congjing's request for a prince and a marquis as hostages, a few quick-witted people had already set their sights on Pu Anli.After he finished speaking, the emperor weakly said "Zhun Zou" on the top, and Wen Hou stepped back. At this time, Pu Anli's complexion was extremely ugly, I'm afraid he also guessed it, the emperor has many sons, and the imperial capital also has many princes, it is not difficult to find a "one king", but the "one prince" is none other than him .At this time, he can only knock out his teeth and swallow it in his stomach, how dare he have any objections. After Wenhou, some officials' reports were nothing more than relief for victims and repair of city walls.When Marquis Wen handed over the memorial, I stood behind and did not leave the shift.After hearing the reports from several people, an official came out and said in a loud voice: "I report to the emperor, my humble servant advises the doctor Nangong to have a sense of etiquette." His voice was very clear, echoing in the hall.When I heard that Nangong Wenli had come out, I raised my spirits a bit.Nangong Wenli was a confidant supported by the princess during his lifetime.Due to his status, it was difficult for the princess to go to court. At that time, Nangong would probably let Nangong hear the ceremony.After the death of the princess, I'm afraid Nangong Wenli's life will not be easy. The emperor said in a low voice from above: "Your Majesty, it's okay to say." Nangong Wenli said: "A few years ago, in order to save the national treasury, the official department of the five ministries was abolished. However, the minister heard that the country wanted to rule the country, and he was the first to clean up the officials. , the Ministry of Officials should be restored." The hundred officials in the imperial capital are divided into four departments: Bing, Xing, Hu, and Gong. In the early years, the official department was added to form five ministers, among which the official minister was Zhu Zhangju, who was the father of Zhu Tianwei, the commander of the Tongcheng camp during the Southern Expedition of Marquis Wu.Zhu Zhangju was granted the title of Uncle Changping, but this talent is limited. The Ministry of Officials has been established for several years, but it has become a mess, and the administration of officials is even more chaotic than when it was not established.However, Zhu Zhangju suffered from a serious illness, and as a result, his limbs were completely useless, so he could only lie on the bed.Once Zhu Zhangju fell, the Ministry of Officials could no longer sustain it, and Duke Cang Yue’s rebellion made the national treasury stretched even further, so they simply abolished the Ministry of Officials to save money. Unexpectedly, Nangong Wenli proposed to restore it, and the emperor might not agree. Sure enough, the emperor just thought about it, and said: "Nowadays, the state affairs are sloppy, and everything needs to be frugal. Put this matter aside for further discussion, and Nan Qing will step down." Nangong Wenli's surname is Nangong, but the emperor called him "Nanqing", as if he would die of exhaustion if he said one more word.Nangong Wenli retreated resentfully.After he stepped down, there was nothing serious about it, the emperor seemed to be exhausted from summoning the ministers, took a few breaths, and left the morning court. I have just been promoted to partial general, so naturally it is impossible to get promoted again, I just received some rewards.When I left the palace, I looked back at the main hall again. Amidst the snowflakes flying all over the sky, the main hall looked gray and unattractive. The empire, like this great hall, does not lose its majesty, but it is lifeless. "Chu Xiuhong." Marquis Wen suddenly called me, and I quickly walked up to him and said, "My lord, the last general is here." "Give you three days off." Seeing me stunned, he smiled and said, "Take a good rest, clean up the dust, and report to my residence in three days. You came back just in time, and I will put you to great use, haha. " Both Ding Ximing and I were bestowed with merit.Although the mansion is only a small yard, it is not the same as the small house I lived in before in the military academy. There is also a small stable in the backyard, where the flying feathers can be tethered.In the past, when Xue Wenyi, Li Yaotian and I got together, we could only go to the tavern, but now we can have dinner in the house.Marquis Wen assigned me a cook and two servants to serve me. Thinking of inviting them to my house in the future, this trip will not be fruitless. I went to the house to have a look. It was already noon and the snow had stopped.There are still many things to do now. First, I have to go to the Qianfeng camp to call Zhuge Fang back, but this can be done tomorrow. Now that I have a new home, the most important thing is to meet some old acquaintances.I took Feiyu out and went to find Xue Wenyi. When I arrived at Xue Wenyi's house, I heard laughter inside before I entered.Xue Wenyi's wife was pregnant when I left, could it be that she is giving birth now?I smiled and said, "Brother Xue, why are you so happy?" Xue Wen also heard my voice, and said loudly: "Chu Xiuhong! Ha, Brother Wu, Brother Chu is back!" It's Wu Wanling!I was overjoyed.Wu Wanling has been fighting on the front line and rarely meets each other, but he did not expect to meet here.I smiled and said, "Is it Wu Wanling?" Wu Wanling had already snatched it out, knelt down in front of me and said, "General Chu, the last general Wu Wanling is polite." He is now dressed smartly. I remember that before I went to Wuyang City, Xue Wen also mentioned that he had been promoted to Captain, and now he is only three levels younger than me.Think about the four of us who fled back from Gaojiu City together. Although each of them had different opportunities, they all went smoothly. Wu Wanling, who had the smallest official position when he came back, has now become a mid-level officer. thing.I helped him up and said, "Brother Wu, long time no see, why are you so famous? Don't you consider me a friend?" When we escaped from Gaojiu City, we passed through Tianshui Province. Wu Wanling wanted to stay in Fudun City, but Tao Shouzhuo was tricked by Tao Shouzhuo. The four of them were given to the emperor as gifts from the Xifu Army.That incident made me so angry with him that I ignored him for a while.But as time passed, I felt that I was a little too much. Although it always hurt my heart not to see her again, the hatred for Wu Wanling had disappeared without a trace. Looking at Wu Wanling's appearance, he seemed like I still have a grudge in my heart.I purposely said it in an intimate way, and also told him not to think too much about it. Wu Wanling was a little embarrassed, and said: "General Chu, long time no see, you have surpassed the past with great prowess. Now you are a partial general, right?" When it comes to official titles, I can't help being a little proud.The partial generals can be said to be the highest rank that can be promoted among rising generals. There are only twenty or thirty partial generals in the empire now, and most of them are in their forties or fifties, and some of them have even retired.In the rank of partial general, I am the youngest.I said, "I just laughed." Wu Wanling said: "General Chu is both wise and courageous, and he is outstanding in martial arts. He knew that you would be able to rise to the top in the future. It is true." I feel a little displeased.I've already lost track of Wu Wanling, although he spoke politely, he seemed to have a lot of status, and he was full of flattery, even his immediate boss, Bi Wei, wouldn't be like this.Could it be that he was under Bi Wei's command and was also influenced by Bi Wei, so he became wary of me?Although I was unhappy, I still smiled and said, "Brother Wu, let's go to my new house and have a drink." Xue Wen also called out: "What? You got married?" He didn't know what the look was in his eyes, I knew he was thinking about it, and said: "It's a house bestowed by the emperor. It's in Mao'er Alley in the west of the city. Not much. By the way, brother Xue, where is Zhang Longyou now? Why is he so elusive?" Xue Wen also said: "He is very busy now. Although he is the chief servant of the Ministry of Industry, I haven't seen him for almost a month. I heard that he has been in the construction site in the north of the city under the secret order of Marquis Wen. Most people can't see him. .” I sighed: "Longyou's contribution to breaking the siege of the snake man's imperial capital can be regarded as the first. Without his gunpowder and Shenlong cannon, how could we chat here. What is he doing now?" Xue Wenyi smiled slightly, looked at Wu Wanling, and said, "Don't you know?" I was surprised: "What? I just came back, how do I know." Xue Wen also said: "Probably Lord Wenhou hasn't told you yet. Brother Wu, tell Brother Chu." Wu Wanling said: "Yes." He turned his face and said to me: "General Chu, in fact, this time I was transferred back to Beijing by Lord Wen Hou, and I was ordered by General Bi to observe the armored vehicles." "Armored car?" I frowned.Xue Wen also smiled and said: "That's right. In the past few months, Zhang Longyou has been discussing this matter with people from Jin Mansion and Mu Mansion, and it only succeeded a few days ago." I said, "What the hell is that?" Xue Wen also said: "It is a car with iron armor, it is used for war." Snake people are too strong in field battles, and our army is no match for snake people in field battles.But to defeat the snake man, field battles are necessary, so Wen Hou probably came up with such an idea.I said: "But, the car is equipped with iron armor, so the defense is strong, but can it still move? A car with iron armor will cost at least four to five thousand catties." Wu Wanling shook his head and said, "It's far more than that. Although the weight has been reduced to the greatest extent, each car still weighs tens of thousands of catties." Tens of thousands of catties!I remember that the carts used to transport grain in the past weighed seven to eight thousand catties. It was already very difficult to transport such a cart.Now an armored car weighs tens of thousands of catties empty, and I really don't know how many horses are needed to pull it.With such a heavy car, I am afraid it can only be defended, and it cannot be attacked at all.I said, "How fast is it driving?" Wu Wanling thought for a while and said, "Of course not as fast as a horse. However, if the road is good, you can travel about twenty miles in an hour." This speed is naturally much slower than that of the cavalry, but it is also equivalent to the general speed of marching and ships.I was taken aback, and said, "Are you able to walk so fast all the time?" Xue Wen also said: "I just took a look at it. I heard that the armored car is not a horse-drawn car. It is equipped with a motor inside and can be driven by one person. As long as two people change shifts, they can always go so fast. If necessary, go Just go faster." That is indeed a sharp weapon.My heart seemed to be full of waves, and I was so excited that I couldn't describe it.Unexpectedly, after I walked for several months, such a powerful weapon appeared again.If things go on like this, it is indeed no longer a dream to completely defeat the Snake Man.I grabbed Xue Wenyi and said, "Where is the armored vehicle? Can you show me?" Xue Wenyi was caught by me with an "ahhh", I let him go quickly and said, "Brother Xue, I'm sorry. Can you take me to have a look?" Xue Wen also stroked his arm, and said: "Brother Chu, you are so strong, my arm was almost broken by you. I can't see the armored vehicle now, it is the most confidential, and anyone who knows about it, There are not many people in the entire empire." I was a little disappointed, but before I could say it, Xue Wenyi smiled "chih" and said, "What are you in a hurry for? Just now I discussed with Brother Wu, and I think that if armored vehicles can become an army, you won't be able to take the position of command." Two choices." Probably what Marquis Wen said would use me a lot, that is, let me lead the armored convoy.My mind is already on this armored vehicle, I can't wait to see it right away, I said: "How powerful is the armored vehicle?" Wu Wanling said: "I've seen it once. Ordinary swords and guns can't get in. Five people can stay in the armored car. When driving, it can be said to be indestructible." Wu Wanling speaks very honestly, and even he said so, I am even more curious.With the Shenlong Cannon for long-distance attack and the armored vehicles for close combat, the Imperial Army may become the most powerful army in history.Before I could ask any more questions, Xue Wen also said, "Brother Chu, don't you want to treat me? Let's go." I smiled and said, "Let's go." In the imperial capital, I don't have too many friends, apart from Qian Wenyi and Cao Wendao from the Qianfeng camp, Shao Fengguan and Li Yaotian are the only ones I can get along with.Bring Xue Wenyi and Wu Wanling to my new home, and then go out to find Shao Fengguan.When they arrived at the camp of the Feng Corps, there was no one there. The soldiers stationed said that Shao Fengguan had been drawn to the front line again.Now that the weather is getting colder, the Snakeman's offensive has begun to weaken again, but it is still not to be underestimated. Although Shao Fengguan's Feng Legion is small in number, it is very useful in the front line.Li Yaotian is still there, the keel of the forty-foot-long ship has been completed, but it will take about one to two months for the whole ship to be completed, after all, the ship is too big.When I arrived at Li Yaotian's residence, I happened to meet Pu Shifang.When Pu Shifang saw me, he saluted respectfully.I went to Wuyang City with him once, and I also knew that he was reserved, so I stopped being polite to him and said, "General Park, is your General Li there?" Pu Shifang said: "General Li is inspecting the shipyard, let me take you there." The shipyard by Dinghu Lake is also a forbidden area, heavily guarded by soldiers, but once inside, it is very lively.Li Yaotian was watching a group of craftsmen with his hands behind his back, when Pu Shifang stepped forward to inform him, Li Yaotian turned his head and greeted him with a smile: "General Chu, what reward did you receive in court today?" I said, "Brother Li, stop making fun of me. Let's go to my new house and have a few drinks." Li Yaotian looked at the busy craftsmen and said, "Okay, I'll take care of you again." He didn't seem in a bad mood, and he cupped his hands and said to me, "General Chu, thank you for taking back Xianyan's treasure. A, I haven't thanked you yet." I said: "What are you thankful for? I should thank you. If it wasn't for Pu Shifang's great efforts, we might die in the hands of pirates." Li Yaotian just smiled slightly, but Pu Shifang was extremely confused, and said: "General Chu, please don't say that, the last general is just a little weak, and it all depends on General Chu's strength to fight." Seeing what he meant, it seemed that he wanted to say something, Li Yaotian seemed unable to stand his excessive etiquette, and said: "Brother Pu, General Chu is not an outsider, just watch here, I will go to General Chu's place for a walk .” I originally wanted Pu Shifang to go with him, but I just thought of his temperament, being with Li Yaotian already made him very reserved, and with Xue Wenyi and Wu Wanling's two unfamiliar faces, I was afraid that he would be unwilling to eat, so I decided to go. He didn't say any more, just said to Pu Shifang: "General Pu, I'm sorry for your trouble here." Pu Shifang saluted again and said: "Thank you General Chu." I don't know where this thank you came from. When Li Yaotian pulled out the horse and I walked with him, Li Yaotian suddenly said softly: "General Chu, listen to Shibu, the reason you fought with the pirates was because you bumped into a ship that was ambushing the Japanese?" I nodded and said, "Yes." The reason why the pirates ambushed the Japanese was because Wuyang City wanted to join forces with the Japanese. Because the pirates had a deep enmity with Wuyang City, they were afraid of being betrayed by the Japanese, so they secretly sabotaged the agreement between the two parties.Unexpectedly, the situation took a turn for the worse later, Wuyang City did not join forces with the Japanese, but the pirates themselves were incorporated into Wuyang City.I said it briefly, Li Yaotian listened very carefully, finally heaved a long breath, and said: "It's dangerous. I also thought about the possibility of Wuyang City joining forces with the Japanese, but I didn't expect this to happen." If Wuyang City really joined forces with the Japanese, the empire would be surrounded by enemies, and the situation would become even more difficult.Juluo Island is a vassal of the empire, and it is a feud with Wa Island. Once the empire is destroyed, Juluo Island is bound to be in danger. I said: "Fortunately, City Lord He finally chose to join forces with the Empire." Li Yaotian looked around and said in a low voice: "Brother Chu, do you feel that there is something inside?" I was taken aback, and said, "What?" "From the standpoint of Wuyang City, it is actually more beneficial to join hands with the Japanese. Why do they give up what is easy and ask for difficulty?" This is mainly the meaning of Hailao who He Congjing relies on the most.But Marquis Wen also took care of some things, so don't say too much, I said: "The Japanese and I are not of the same clan, not to mention these people are ambitious and accustomed to treachery, He Chengzhu weighed it over and over again, and felt that it is better to join hands with the empire." Li Yaotian pondered for a while, and said: "Maybe so. I just hope that this matter is not ordered by someone behind the scenes." I wondered: "What? Do you think someone else will instruct you?" Li Yaotian said: "There is no evidence, I just think that this matter is a bit too smooth, Wuyang City only requires one prince and one marquis as hostages to agree to join forces, this request is a bit small, I'm afraid there will be other plans." Of course, Wuyang City will not be satisfied with being just a vassal. Once the snake man is eliminated, Wuyang City will definitely become the next enemy. This was already expected by Marquis Wen. Although Li Yaotian didn't know the inside story, he also guessed it.I'm afraid it's not only him, Deng Canglan, Bi Wei, and Shao Fengguan probably also know about it, and He Congjing also knows that we can guess his intentions, so he agrees with Henry Ding's proposal to let me stay in Wuyang City.The two of us can really be called intrigues, it's just a tacit understanding. The future is really rough and bumpy, far from a smooth road. Went to my residence with Li Yaotian, got off the horse in the courtyard, Li Yaotian sighed: "Brother Chu, this place is really nice, quiet amidst the noise." Xue Wen also heard our voices inside, and said loudly: "Chu Xiuhong, is the meal ready yet? Your master sneaked out for a long time, we are so hungry." I smiled and said, "General Li, please come in." Once entering the hall, the inside has been cleaned up neatly.It was also the first day I came to this house, and it was still fresh. There was a square table in the middle, and Wu Wanling and Xue Wenyi were sitting and drinking tea facing each other.Seeing me and Li Yaotian coming in, Wu Wanling stood up at once, gave a military salute, and said, "General Li, Wu Wanling, the commander of the Central Army of the last general, is very polite." Wu Wanling also stayed under Deng Canglan's command, and must have known Li Yaotian.Li Yaotian returned a salute and said, "Hi, General Wu. This is..." I said, "This is Mr. Xue Wenyi, a member of the Ministry of Industry and the Mufu. Mr. Xue has the bandit title of 'Miaoshou', but he is such a Miaoshou Not that he would steal." Xue Wen also laughed, and said: "Chu Xiuhong, you are also glib now. General Li, I am already useless and cannot stand up. I hope General Li will forgive me." Li Yaotian was moved and said: "You are Mr. Xue who built the flying machine? I have admired you for a long time!" I said: "Let's stop gossip, come, have a drink, and I'll let them serve the food." When I came back from this trip, He Congjing gave us a lot of Cheng Yi. I can spend a while sitting and eating. I am in a hurry to treat guests today, and I can’t cook too many dishes. I still remember the barbecue with Li Yaotian that time. , I simply went to the restaurant to borrow a full set of guys, and then I made a lot of good beef, sheep, pigs, chicken, various meat and vegetables, and made a jar of good wine.Although it cost a lot of money, I don't feel a little complacent when I think about it. As soon as he took out the stone slab for the barbecue, Wu Wanling asked in astonishment: "General Chu, is this a tableware?" But Li Yaotian said, "Stone slab for barbecue." I said, "Yes, this is the flavor of General Li's hometown. Let's try it. try." The slate barbecue was very wild, Wu Wanling and Xue Wenyi ate it with great joy and were full of praise.Three of the four people here are warriors. Although Xue Wenyi is no longer a soldier, given his size and stature, he has a big appetite. He eats up a lot of meat and vegetables, and drinks a jar of wine. It's bottomed out, Li Yaotian and I are still sober, but Xue Wenyi is full of nonsense. 又坐了一会，薛文亦已是迷迷糊糊地半醒不醒，吴万龄站起来道：“楚将军，薛大人看来不成了，我先送他回去吧。” 我站起来道：“我也送送他吧，反正这几天我都有假。”李尧天也站了起来道：“我也得回去了，楚将军，多谢你的款待，改日我来做东，大家一块儿再喝个痛快。” 与李尧天告辞后，我和吴万龄扶着薛文亦出门，叫了辆马车，让薛文亦坐上车，吴万龄和我并马走在薛文亦边上。薛文亦醉得甚是厉害，我们得防着他摔下马来，而我更想再打听一下铁甲车的事。可是吴万龄也只是看过一次，说不出什么道理来。他说过两天铁甲车就会正式运行，到时我一定会被召去看的。 将薛文亦送回了家，我和吴万龄也分了手。骑着马独自回去，天色将暗，已是黄昏。这时天空中又飘起了细雪，纷纷扬扬，路两边的人家陆续上了灯，昏黄朦胧的灯光映得这条街道如同梦境，时而有一两个人匆匆走过。二太子叛乱之后，禁军也遭到清洗，一大批跟随二太子的军官或贬或斩，维持治安的执金吾也少了将近一半，那个开酒店的吕征洋也被削职为民，流放外地，执金吾的军力现在仍然没能恢复。不过，少了金吾卫，帝都的治安却不见得糟到哪里去，以前的执金吾只怕扰民更多于安民吧。少了执金吾，这条街道一到黄昏，倒显得冷冷清清，不象以前总能撞见成群结队，大呼小叫的执金吾士兵。 看着薄薄积了一层雪的街道，我心头忽然有一阵烦乱，身上也觉得冷，便跳下马来，牵着飞羽慢慢走着。想起五羊城里丁亨利要留我下来那件事，我拒绝了他，当时说得慷慨激昂，但现在想想，却实在不知道我做得对不对。共和军所宣称的“以人为尚，以民为本”是句空话，到了何从景手上，更加不切实了，但至少还有这句话。可是，在帝国，人也分为三六九等，有些人天生高贵，有些人天生卑贱，便是我，若不是当初文侯建议开放军校入学之禁，只怕我现在也是个在码头卖苦力的穷汉子，哪里会做到偏将军之职。 想到自己的军衔，我也不由得苦笑。一般来说，到了偏将军，也已到头了，现在帝国的副将军全是十三伯中的人物，一共也没几个，不出意外的话，恐怕我到死也只能是个偏将军。想想邓沧澜和毕炜，身为文侯亲信爱将，跟随文侯也已十多年了，现在也不过与我并列，我也没多少遗憾吧。 可是，人活着到底为了什么？为了高官厚禄么？我也想过高官厚禄，也梦想过有朝一日我能做到陆经渔这样的伯爵，甚至能够封侯。可是身为帝国军人梦想的陆经渔，现在却落寞地生活在五羊城里，象一个庸人一样，娶了个妻子，说不定还会生个儿子出来，他还会想起当初的豪情么？如果有朝一日他回到帝都，知道自己的名字被刻在忠国碑上，被当作战死的英雄受人祭祀，不知会怎么想。 想到这儿，我忽然一凛。陆经渔在五羊城，文侯应该知道的吧？可是文侯还是把陆经渔当成了战死的英雄，这也是为了鼓舞士气吧。路恭行说过，文侯有不臣之心，陆经渔在五羊城和我说的一席话，说明他对文侯同样颇为忌惮，他明白说不回帝都是因为畏惧文侯。难道文侯真的是那样的人么？在整个帝国，到底有几个人看出了文侯真正的实力？ 我已是知道了文侯真正的力量，邓沧澜和毕炜虽然是文侯的亲信，只怕他们对文侯看得还没我透。在帝君和太子眼中，文侯是个会说说笑笑，插科打诨的弄臣，在已经被杀的邢历眼中，文侯也是个手段狠毒的对手，可是他们知道文侯是厉害到那个让何从景言听计从的海老都要忌惮的人物么？ 雪还在下，我牵着马在街道上独自走着。走了一程，身上也渐不觉冷，我重又上马，向自己的住处走去。猫儿胡同位于城西，不算繁华，到了胡同口，更觉得冷清。我下了马，牵着飞羽向住处走去。 刚到门口，忽然见前面一扇门开了，正是我住的地方。我的宅子很小，也没有司阍，难道是那两个下人来给我开门了？我还没尝过这等滋味，真有些不习惯。正胡思乱想着，一个人走了出来，低声道：“楚将军么？” 这声音很熟，可我一时却想不起来，上前一步，待看清那人的脸，我吃了一惊，道：“南宫大人！” 那正是谏议大夫南宫闻礼。他听得我的声音，又要跪下来行大礼，我一把扶住他道：“请起请起。”他的谏议大夫比我的偏将军只低一级，而文武不同，其实并不用行这等大礼，他只怕仍然恪守向郡主的承诺吧。 南宫闻礼道：“楚将军，卑职今日在朝中见您回来，碍于礼仪，未能参见，还请楚将军恕罪。” 我不由哭笑不得，他只怕把对郡主那一套全搬到我身上来了。只是一想到郡主，我的心头又有些疼痛。郡主不死的话，很多事我也不会象现在那样茫然，郡主一定能给我一个答复的。 我拉着他进去，一进门，拍了拍身上的雪。一个下人过来，我把马缰递给他道：“大哥，去给马上点料好生喂喂，你们休息去吧。” 进了屋，坐下后，我对南宫闻礼道：“南宫大人，今天怎么有空来我这儿？” 南宫闻礼微微皱了皱眉，道：“楚将军，卑职今日上疏建议恢复吏部，将军想必也见到了？” 我道：“是啊，被帝君驳回了。” 南宫闻礼道：“此事原是郡主在生之日便已定下的。唉，若是郡主在世，她定能打通各路关系，我一上疏，定会有人附和，如此事半功倍。可今日朝上，楚将军你也见到了，我上疏后没一个出来的。” 的确，南宫闻礼这个谏议大夫说大不大，说小不小，有力量的朝臣不会理睬他，比他还小的朝臣又不敢附和他这一档的官员，其实按通常来说，谏议大夫也只有随声附和的份，今日上疏，怪不得他势单力孤。我想了想，道：“可惜我连上朝的资格还没有呢。” 南宫闻礼忽道：“楚将军，当初郡主有不少事是先与文侯大人沟通后方才命我上疏的，有了文侯大人声援，诸事无往不利。将军您与文侯也甚是熟识，为何不将此事禀报文侯大人，让他斟酌斟酌？” 我想了想，道：“好吧，明日我便求见文侯大人，向他禀明此事。”只是我实在说不上恢复吏部到底有何用处，还没说出来，南宫闻礼已喜形于色，抢上前来跪倒在地，道：“多谢楚将军。” 我扶起他道：“只是，我恐怕说不出什么恢复吏部的好处啊。” 南宫闻礼从怀中摸出一个卷轴，道：“将军放心，卑职已写好此疏，请将军递交文侯大人便可，文侯大人定会明白。” 换句话说，我明不明白也没关系吧。我暗自苦笑，南宫闻礼对我甚是恭敬，只是在他心中恐怕将我当成一个只会好勇斗狠的莽夫了，若不是有郡主这一层关系，他只怕连正眼也不肯向我看一眼。我接了过来，道：“好，请南宫大人放心，我会办好此事的。” 南宫闻礼道：“那卑职不打扰将军休息，就此告辞。” 他来得突然，走得倒也快，将风衣往头上一披，便走了出去。看着他的背影，我心中唯有苦笑。这个南宫闻礼，内心实是桀傲不驯之辈，要被他看得起恐怕不容易。我在他眼里，只怕也只能派点这等用途吧。