Chapter 25 Chapter Twenty-Five

It's Xiaohan season.Near noon, the northwest wind suddenly blew up, Wang Jianduo was wrapped in a layer of jacket, and braved the bitter cold wind step by step to the temporary residence of Jiedu envoy Lu Yanhong.The old people say "Yanbei Township, magpies start their nests, and pheasants start their robins", but when it comes to this season, it will also enter the cold winter.As soon as winter comes, people always hope to find a comfortable place to keep warm until spring like hibernating animals. Since entering Xingyuan, Lu Yanhong sent Li Shitai, Jin Hui, Zhang Zao, Pang Cong and other members to the prefectures and counties under him, and only kept Han Jian and Wang Jian by his side.Wang Jian has worked with Lu Yanhong for several years, and he knows that this person is very suspicious but also jealous.The more he showed that he was kind to him, the more it showed that he had a ghost in his heart.Wang Jian hadn't met Jin Hui and Li Shitai for two months. No matter how much he asked, Lu Yanhong always shied away with various reasons.Seeing that the Son of Heaven is about to return to Beijing, if he still hangs out with Lu Yanhong, he will not only disappoint the high expectations of Supervisor Yang, but also ruin the reputation of the Zhongwu Army. end.Zhou Dequan had already gone to look for Jinhui in secret, and he might have seen Guangyuan by now.

While thinking about it, Wang Jian paced in front of Lu Yanhong's gate. "Guang Tu, why didn't you come in the house?" Wang Jian was startled, looked up and saw Lu Yanhong walking out the door with a smile, and hurriedly said: "I have seen Pu She!" "Guangtu doesn't need to be formal, I'm celebrating Xiaohan today, I prepared a glass of beer for you... Come, come, come in and talk." "Lao Pushe misses you, and I will be grateful in the end." "Should I stop talking?" Lu Yanhong feigned anger, "How many of us brothers, do we need to be polite!" After speaking, the two sat down on the kang in the living room. "How about it, is Lai Xingyuan still used to it these days?"

"I've been running around all year round, and I'm used to wherever I go!" "Okay!" Lu Yanhong smiled, and then asked with some vigilance, "What is Guangtu's plan for the next step?" Wang Jian hurriedly said seriously: "If you are loved by servants, if you can get Yizhong County in the end, you will work hard to govern, so as to report the emperor's favor and bring peace to the people..." Lu Yanhong interrupted Wang Jian with a smile, "Guangtu has the talent to stabilize the country, how can he live in the county magistrate?" At this point, he squinted at Wang Jian's face, and then said, "It's just that the emperor is only rewarding me now. Shannan Jiedushi, you are so talented, you can only do one job in this small West Road, and when I get rich, I will give you a satisfactory job." Wang Jian saw that Lu Yanhong was testing himself, so he clasped his fists He bowed his head and said: "The last general is a warrior, and Pushe is so highly valued. If I can protect Pushe to the left and right, my wish is enough..."

Just as he was talking, there was a voice outside the door: "Han Du's head is here!" Then, the door curtain was lifted, and Han Jian entered in casual clothes with his hair tied up.As usual, Lu Yanhong smiled all over his face: "Zuo Shi, you and Guang Tu are the generals I admire. I miss you recently, and I specially prepared a glass of wine for a while." He understood a little, and smiled apologetically: "Pu She treats us like brothers, I can smell the aroma of wine right outside the gate!" Immediately, the atmosphere in the room eased up a bit.Han Jian also took off his boots and got on the kang, and the three sat down as guests and hosts.

After some chatting and changing cups, Lu Yanhong couldn't hold back, and gradually got to the topic.He turned the empty wine glass in his hand, looked sideways at Wang Jian and Han Jian, and said, "Accordingly, I told the Son of Heaven that you are now the governors of prefectures and counties, so you should go to take up the post. Haha, I really don't want you to leave! Back then, We were working together under the command of Supervisor Yang. When we mentioned the Eight Capitals of the Zhongwu Army, even though we hadn’t settled the case, it was a bloody friendship. After Shitai and Guangyuan took office, I felt empty. If the two of you leave again, I will feel even more lonely..."

Wang Jian changed his mind, raised his head suddenly, and smiled all over his face: "The two of us are servants of Pu She in name, but in fact, as Pu She said, it is a friendship that crawled out of blood! Although neither of us Knocking your head to the ground, but you really have no choice when you treat me, Wang Jian! Brother Lu, you are worried about my future, and my brother’s family also entrusts you to think about it. No, I asked someone to bring me several pieces of gold , Enough to spend for a year or two, Brother Lu! If you are lonely, Brother Lu, we brothers can stay in Xingyuan for a while, how about drinking with you every day?"

Wang Jian's words made Lu Yanhong laugh from ear to ear. The muscles on Han Jian's face twitched slightly, and he smiled unnaturally. He thought to himself: "What a powerful Wang Jian, he doesn't change his expression when he tells a lie. Now it's obvious that Lu Yanhong is on guard against us, and he can still act like Flattering Lu Yanhong so calmly. If I, like Wang Jian, say these insincere words, Lu Yanhong is not a fool, and it is impossible to guarantee that he will not see the flaw. No matter, no matter, just sing and play with Wang Jian today." Thinking of this, Han Jian stopped laughing: "Pu She, I don't know if I should say something or not?"

"Uh, what kind of talk is this. You and I are brothers, it's okay to talk if you have something to say!" "Yes," Han Jiandao, "Pushe is reluctant to part with my brother. I can understand this, but after all, our brothers are entrusted by the imperial court to guard Shannan. Right now, everything is waiting to be done, and Longjia is about to return to Beijing. The next scene is so bleak, Pu She's face is ashamed! I think it's better to go to office as soon as possible..." "That's true," Lu Yanhong frowned, "It's just that our loyal soldiers have been used to indulgence in the past two years, and we are afraid that the army will be stationed and harass the people! I heard that soldiers under Li Shitai sometimes robbed and raped women, so..."

Wang Jian cursed inwardly: "The generals are not ministers, and the people are suffering. This is not all the result of your governance by Lu Yanhong! Now that we are afraid that we will threaten you with military power, you actually use this reason." He tried to calm the anger in his chest, and simply Confused, he said calmly on the surface: "Don't worry, Pushe. Since we have been appointed as the governor, we will be more concerned with governing the local area in the future. I am afraid that it will be difficult to use it for leading troops in battle. Those under my command will trouble you, Pushe. I have been trained, and I just need to go to the post with 500 members of the old guard!" As soon as he said that, Wang Jian himself regretted it a little, but this was a last resort, so that he could get up and go when Zhou Dequan brought back the news; And even if something goes wrong, I can still choose five hundred warriors who will live and die with me, so that my safety will not be damaged.As a last resort, Jin Hui still has more than 2,000 people in his hands, so he can have a way out.

Han Jian was shocked by Wang Jian's words, and thought to himself: "Wang Jian really found a way out? Once the military power is handed over, if he is not willing to be manipulated by others, he will make up his mind to go far away! Could it be that he also wants to leave Lu Yanhong and go Are you looking for something?" Not long ago, Tian Lingzi sent someone to send him a letter, asking him to instigate rebellion against Lu Yanhong and then join him in Xingzai.He could see that the old eunuch wanted to use his military strength to obtain capital for his future safety.Originally, this was a dangerous move, so don't leave unless you have to.But he never expected that Wang Jian's words drove him to a dead end.Han Jian was thinking: If that's the case, he should just make up his mind and break up with Lu Yanhong!So he immediately sat up and said, "Pushe, since Guangtu is willing to give up three thousand soldiers, I, Han Jian, am willing to work hard to govern the county from now on! Please allow me to take five hundred people with me and go to the post as soon as possible!"

Lu Yanhong was still muttering in his heart at first, it can be seen that both of them are willing to hand over the military power, it seems that the two of them really have no second thoughts about him, speaking of this, if he doesn't let him go, it will really hurt his face.He burst out laughing, and the echo resounded in the huge room, which made people tremble a little.He pulled Wang Jian with one hand and Han Jian with the other: "I understand what you are waiting for! You are officials of the Tang Dynasty, belong to the emperor, and belong to the common people. I am not Lu Yanhong alone! I am I love you too much, and I don't want you to leave! In this case, you can go back to clean up in these two days, and bring your confidantes and generals. After seven days, I will host a banquet to see you off!" At the end, he added, " You should come and visit me often!" Wang Jian and Han Jian smiled and said, "That's natural!" Wang Jian and Han Jian went out side by side. After walking about a hundred steps, Wang Jian said, "Zuo Shi, you didn't drink less today! Your younger siblings made some sour plum soup to sober up at home. It was originally for me. It seems that you and I They all need to be used." Han Jian knew that Wang Jian had something to say, and he had a lot to say, so he readily agreed: "Then bother." When they arrived at Wang Jian's residence, after the maidservant served tea, Wang Jianping retreated to the left and right, and said straight to the point: "Pu She has treated us kindly and kindly recently! With such a banquet today, I'm afraid the day of his death is not far away!" "Guangtu, just now you declared to hand over the military power, did you already find a way out for yourself?" "I do have this plan, but I'm not sure yet." Then he lowered his voice, "I've sent someone to Chengdu to take care of Mr. Tian. As long as he can take him in, he won't be afraid of being framed!" Han Jian took a sip of water, smiled coldly, and asked intentionally, "The eunuch has all the power, why is Guangtu willing to work for a tiger?" Wang Jian felt that there was no need to hide it: "At this point, life-saving is the most important thing, and we have to plan for the future of these soldiers who live and die. As for working for Tian Lingzi, it is just a stopgap measure, and we can think about it after the emperor bestows it on us. " Han Jian saw that Wang Jian was honest, so he told the truth: "To tell you the truth, Tian Junrong has sent someone to write a letter for me, asking me to go and escort him. The letter also said that Lu Yanhong will be punished by the emperor sooner or later. !" "Is this true?" "It's absolutely true! If Guangtu has the heart, you and I will make a decision early on, and things will change over time!" "Okay! I will send my confidants to tell Guangyuan and Shitai, listen to my news!" "Okay! The sooner the better! Be careful!" In the middle of winter, the south of the mountain reveals a biting cold, and the snow in the Qinling Mountains shows a dazzling light in the afterglow of the setting sun. Wang Jian led his family and eight hundred cavalrymen who had experienced many battles, and left Xingyuan City in the dark.In the dark night, Han Jiandao on the side said: "I'm going here, I only brought 800 horses, but I left more than 1,000 soldiers to Lu Yanhong!" Wang Jian's voice was extremely firm: "Since ancient times, a husband has been a big deal. How can you care about gains and losses in one day, not to mention that most of the soldiers you and I took away have been fighting for ten years and followed them to the death. With such people around, why worry about major events?" Han Jian felt relieved and asked his subordinates: " Where is the front?" "Go back to the capital, and we will reach Mianyang County in three miles." "Mianyang? Isn't it not far from Dingjun Mountain?" Wang Jian said. "To the south is Dingjun Mountain, and not far to the west is Wuhou Town. Uncle Jin and Uncle Li are waiting there." Adopted son Wang Zongji replied. "Okay!" Wang Jian happily passed the general order, "Don't stop, keep moving forward and have a round with Guangyuan and Shitai!" Before sunset, Wang Jian, Jin Hui, Li Shitai, and Han Jian gathered in Wuhou Town, Mianyang. The four capitals nodded their heads, and there were still nearly 4,000 people. According to the agreement, Han Jian led the team to go first, while Wang Jian and others followed behind. "Brother, will you be able to meet the emperor when you go to Chengdu this time?" Zhang Jie asked carelessly. "Of course, Tian Junrong summoned us to escort us. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!" "Brother, I heard that a dickless person is only doing dickish things. Wouldn't it be embarrassing for us to go to him?" Wang Jian sneered: "Sometimes it's a shame to keep the overall situation in check. If you can't afford to lose this person, you can stay in Xingyuan..." "Don't, don't, don't! Brother, you think I farted just now! You gave me my life, and I will do whatever you say!" At this time, Han Jian's men had already left.Jin Hui looked up, the new moon had already risen, and the setting sun and clouds were still there.He picked up his horse and came to Wang Jian's side: "Let's go, after a while Lu Yanhong will become suspicious, if the pursuers come, it will inevitably be a fierce battle." Wang Jian nodded, and was about to send an order to go south, when he heard three loud arrows rising from the west, suddenly a group of men and horses rushed over, the dust was flying in the night, I don't know how many people there were.Wang Jianxin said "not good", and saw a general rushing out from the middle of the team, under the light of the torch, his armor was bright, a large flag was erected behind him, and the word "Zhang" was big on the top.Wang Jian and Jin Hui hadn't spoken yet, when the man laughed: "What a Wang Guangtu, if he led his men and horses to escape from Shannan at night, wouldn't he be afraid that the servants will shoot you to death?" Wang Jian heard that the person who spoke was none other than Zhang Zao, one of the Eight Capitals of the Zhongwu Army.Zhang Jie, who was on the side, got impatient for a long time, and shouted: "Don't block the way, watch me fight you for 300 rounds!" "Slow!" Li Shitai yelled behind him, urged his horse to come to Zhang Jie's horse, and blocked the way, "Don't be reckless, Zhang Yuhou has always been an upright person, and he definitely doesn't look like he is with Lu Yanhong!" Wang Jian hurried forward: "How is Zhang Dutou?" Zhang Zao hurriedly cupped his hands: "The king's capital is safe and sound, I don't know if I pass by my territory in the middle of the night, where do you want to go?" Only then did Wang Jian realize that he had neglected that Mianyang was the territory guarded by Zhang Zao. However, if he were to fight against him until Lu Yanhong's army arrived, all his achievements would be in vain. Point out, "To tell you the truth, I'm jealous of you. In order to survive, I ran to escort you." As soon as the words fell, Zhang Zao laughed: "What a bright and upright Wang Guangtu!" After finishing speaking, he got off his horse and came to Wang Jian knelt on one leg in front of the horse.Wang Jianwan didn't expect that Zhang Zao, who used to be his immediate boss, would give him a big gift, so he hurriedly threw down his weapon, got off his horse and helped Zhang Zao up with both hands: "Why does Zhang Dutou make such a big gift!" Zhang Zao got up and clasped his fists at Wang Jian: "To be honest, Zhang Zao has been far away from his homeland since he joined the army. He wanted to make a career, but he ended up with no name. Seeing that the captain is about to return, he shoots backwards, and it goes on like this , sooner or later you will lose your life, and in the end, you will be infamous for thousands of years. I have been tossing and turning for a long time, and finally realized the righteousness. If you escape with Duke Lu, you will be called a thief in a hundred years. A secret report, knowing that the prince will go to the line. The prince is the one who will achieve great things. If you don’t give up, I wish to lead the horse and hold the whip, so as to see the emperor and seek a career.” Wang Jian was both surprised and delighted: "Zhang Dutou is serious! Since he is willing to go with us, I can't ask for it!" After finishing speaking, Zhang Zao had 500 soldiers in his army. Without barriers, a few days later, the group arrived in Chengdu. The famous five capitals of the Zhongwu Army are coming to Chengdu to escort them!The news spread to every corner of this ancient city overnight.Wang Jian still remembers that when he and the other four came to this mysterious city for the first time with the journey of going south to Shu and leading an elite team, they were greeted by the simple and honest attitude of the people of Chengdu. applause…… He still remembered that it was an afternoon, the sky was cloudless, but the humid climate brought him a little chill.The tall and solid city wall stands in the not-so-wide moat, and the thick foundation stone rises like a copper wall and an iron wall.From a distance, the simple and unique buildings on the city tower look different.Wang Jian was eager to know what it looked like inside the city walls, a metropolis called "Yang Yi Yi Er" by the people all over the world, which was as famous as Yangzhou.Passing through the city gate of the north gate, suddenly both sides of the street were crowded with the citizens here. Before he could understand what was going on, the common people in Chengdu applauded and cheered wildly. He had never had such courtesy before. In an instant, he had an inexplicable love for this city and the people here.The Xichuan official who came to greet him told him that although the people in Chengdu had never been involved in the war, the simple people always hoped that the emperor of the Tang Dynasty would return to the capital Chang'an one day to restore the country's prestige.The arrival of the five capitals of the Zhongwu Army seemed to give them a strong signal that the war was over and the emperor was about to go north. Wang Jian had never been to Chang'an. Although he had heard people describe the wealth and prosperity of the capital of the Tang Dynasty, he was born in a rural area and couldn't imagine how extravagant it would be.He has been to the Eastern Capital and seen the palaces and markets of Luoyang. In his mind, if there is a place more beautiful and dazzling than Luoyang, it must be Chang'an.But now, although the streets that caught his eyes were not spacious, there were row upon row of newly-decorated shops, and there was an endless stream of businessmen and tourists passing by. , doubting that he had entered the capital of the Tang Dynasty.He thought to himself, no wonder the emperor came here after traveling thousands of miles to endure the hardships of the Shu Road. He thought that the south of the Qinling Mountains was a barren land, but he never imagined that there was such a paradise in front of him! "Guang Tu, do you want to see that eunuch later?" After entering the city, Jin Hui's mood has been relatively low. "Chengdu is controlled by brothers Tian Lingzi and Chen Jingxuan. If we don't see him, we will have no chance to meet the emperor." "Alright, I'd like to see how capable this eunuch is. Could it be that he has three heads and six arms, and he can control the government for more than ten years?" Just as the two were talking, they were brought to the gate of the palace by the officials who greeted them.In the distance, a group of gorgeously dressed officials and eunuchs in front of the palace gate walked towards them surrounded by a fat, short and fat man. "That's Tian Junrong!" The officer on the side said cautiously.Wang Jian quickly dismounted first, followed by Zhang Zao, Li Shitai, Han Jian, and Jin Hui.Wang Jian led the other four people to come quickly to Tian Lingzi, and bowed down. Tian Lingzi laughed out loud.Apparently, he was very satisfied that his reputation could convince these battle-tested generals.He motioned the five people to stand up and speak, and while stroking their smooth chins, he said in a sharp voice: "Congratulations for being able to come to escort them in time. When I play the Son of Heaven, you will definitely be rewarded heavily." "Thank you for your compliment!" Tian Lingzi rolled his eyes, thinking that if he could win over Wang Jian and others forever, then he would not worry about not having the capital to control the court when he returned to Chang'an in the future.He grinned: "I intend to accept you as adopted sons, I wonder if I would like to?" Before Wang Jian could reply, Han Jian said first: "I wish for it! From now on, I am willing to lead the horse and hold the whip for my adoptive father, without any complaints!" Wang Jian He secretly said in his heart: "Han Jian's vassals and dignitaries are so great!" Although he was a little contemptuous, after all, Tian Lingzi handed over the words for this sake. How could he not bow his head under the eaves?Thinking about it again, if you really recognize Tian Lingzi as a foster father, this is something that many people dream of. No matter what kind of person Tian Lingzi is, just use this ladder to climb up, and you can get to the top very quickly. It's even more commonplace - you know, it was Wang Jian's dream to see the Emperor of Tang before this.