Confession

At about 3:00 p.m. on the second day, a group of people from the Third Shaanxi Division (the Provincial Envoy Division, the Provincial Envoy Division, the Provincial Envoy Division, and the All-Command Envoy Division) boarded two slightly larger ships, guarded by Ansai.

Gu Baisong sent a small boat to lead the boat, sailed to Yan'an Prefecture, and got off the boat to the east outside the north gate. It was originally a dock, but now a long row of work sheds had been set up nearby, and they were busy building boats and rafts. It was a busy scene.

.

The case table in the middle of the magistrate's lobby was removed and replaced by a high-foot coffee table. Guan Shengyun and Luo Military Advisor sat on the left and right - Guan Shengyun took the lead, and Luo Yonghao's honorific title of "Military Advisor" was already known in the army.

Even though there is only one word difference, the status of a military advisor in the army is completely different from that of a master. The latter has a personal subordinate relationship with the general, while the status of a military advisor is even slightly higher than that of the commander (such as Zhuge Liang)! Luo Shifan should have been called "Young Master".

"Military Advisor", but most of the generals had already adopted the word "little" and couldn't change it for a while. They also habitually added the word "小" to make it sound more intimate. Sitting in two rows of chairs to the west were Gao Yougu Gong and others.

Generals, there are also two rows of chairs on the east side, which are empty, obviously prepared for guests.

This scene is different from what it used to be.

According to Guan Shengyun's original intention, now that the troops are well-prepared, what kind of battle should be put up to give these dog officers a showdown, but Military Advisor Luo stopped him. The reason is very convincing: we are no longer bandits on the run.

, A dignified master must show his dignity. The other party is a provincial delegation, someone who has seen big battles, not a ninth-level master. If you use those things to scare people, if they are not suppressed, it will be embarrassing.

Master Xiao Luo ushered in the group of people, rushed forward and clasped his fists, saying: "Commander, military advisor, guests from the provincial government are here." Then he stood behind Luo Yonghao.

Someone among the visitors took a step forward and laughed loudly: "Commander, Brother Luo, are you okay with your visit?" The person who spoke was actually an old acquaintance, Zhou Zhizheng, the general judge of Yulin Mansion!

Luo Yonghao stood up first, cupped his hands and replied with a smile: "Hello, brother Xingduan (Zhou Zhizheng's word)."

Zhou Chizheng stretched out his hand and said to the side: "Commander, Brother Luo, Zhou is here to introduce you all."

"This is Mr. Zhao, the Chief Envoy of Shaanxi Province, Si Zuo Councilor!"

"This is Mr. Wang, the deputy envoy of the Shaanxi Provincial Department of Punishment and Prosecution!"

"This is Mr. Bao, the Commander-in-Chief of Shaanxi Province!"

"This is my superior, Mr. Xiao, the magistrate of Yulin Prefecture!"

…

Hearing these official positions, not only did Guan Shengyun's head go "buzzing", but Luo Yonghao himself was also secretly shocked: they were all fourth-rank officials (all commanding officers were third-rank officials, but they were military positions), and I thought that the people in the provincial government were just officials.

In the name of the Third Division, I didn’t expect that all the people would come! Needless to say, the official position is very important, and they also brought Xiao Changhua, the prefect of Yulin!

At Luo Yonghao's signal, Guan Shengyun also stood up. Every time Zhou Chizheng introduced someone, he would hurriedly hold his fists with a dark face and say, "Look up for a long time."

All the imperial officials felt unspeakably awkward. These damned thieves! Every look on their face was exactly the same as the ones I had seen on the execution ground and in the cage! If I had met them in the past, I'm afraid they wouldn't be the same.

Do you want to lie down far away on the ground with your butt stuck out while Lao Gao trembles and kowtows on the ground? It just happens that he has to not only go to the den of thieves, but also pretend to be polite on the surface! They all have fake smiles on their faces and their hands are arched, and they all feel the same in their hearts.

They were chanting and cursing: "Prison for the dead thief! How can you bear this courtesy from the imperial court official? Sooner or later you will die an untimely death, and your body will be fed to wild dogs!" When they thought of this, the smiles of several people turned into pride.

It actually seemed real.

After the greetings were completed, both parties sat down again, and tea was served.

Not only the officials, but also everyone felt a little reserved and uncomfortable. Two groups of people who were incompatible with each other suddenly gathered together. Even the generals who usually chatted and laughed were sitting upright uncomfortably. No one knew what to do.

At the beginning, the scene was a little awkward for a while.

It was Luo Yonghao who was the first to break the silence: "Dear distinguished guests, you have traveled seventy or eighty miles early in the morning, and you must be tired from traveling and traveling. The marshal has arranged the guest rooms. You can wash up and have a rest first. In the evening, you will also prepare some simple meals to nourish yourself.

Now that you are in good spirits, we might as well discuss the business tomorrow. What do you think, distinguished guests?"

Because they had dealt with each other before, Zhou Chizheng assumed the role of official spokesperson without hesitation: "Very good, very good. Thank you Marshal Guan and Brother Luo for your kindness." As he spoke, he hit his waist half-heartedly and sighed.

, "Well, I spent most of the day in the boat, neither sitting nor lying down. To be honest, Zhou really couldn't bear it, haha."

The ancients used to go to bed early and get up early. It was a common routine to have dinner at four or five o'clock in the afternoon and go to bed at six or seven o'clock. Staying up late at night and reading at ten or eleven was a typical example of cantilever thorns. Luo Shifan was about to introduce everyone to the guest room.

After resting, Zhou Chizheng said again: "Brother Luo, these adults must have been exhausted after traveling a long distance. Let's skip the dinner. Just grab some food and let the adults rest in the guest room. I appreciate your kindness!" After saying this,

He glanced at Military Advisor Luo.

Luo Yonghao had already expected this situation, so he raised his hands and replied: "It is better to obey orders than to be respectful. I am ashamed. Distinguished guests, please..."

As soon as the figures of the officials disappeared, Gu Baihua was the first to jump up and angrily said: "What kind of airs are these bastard officials putting on! They didn't talk about business when they came, which made Gu feel awkward for a long time!"

The generals were in an uproar and cursed one after another. Military Advisor Luo smiled and waved his hands: "Brothers, please be patient. The people in the Third Division actually just represent an attitude, and their official ranks are not low, which can be regarded as showing their sincerity. They are the real negotiators.

He will not be directly involved. You have also seen that Magistrate Xiao from Yulin is also here. Luo thinks this matter will still fall to Yulin Mansion."

Gao Tengdou was a little puzzled: "Then what are the dog officials doing? Why don't we let the people named Xiao and the people named Zhou come to talk?"

Guan Shengyun answered: "The military advisor is right. The person named Xiao is just a prefect of Yulin. How can he talk to us on behalf of Shaanxi Province? They are here because they are afraid that we will not believe what Xiao says."

Military Advisor Luo smiled: "That's right. When they come, Luo probably won't express his position openly, but Xiao Changhua will discuss all the details with them." After a brief pause, he continued, "Brothers, have you ever thought about it, half a year ago?

You are still digging wild vegetables in the mountains, and Luo is still planting some radishes and cabbages in the Shenmu County government yard to make a living. A few months ago, we were very happy after getting the money and food in Yulin. Now, even the provincial government has sent officials to follow us.

Discuss! Why is this?"

All the generals responded in unison: "Master Military Advisor is awesome!"

Even Guan Shengyun praised: "The military advisor has a wonderful plan."

Luo Yonghao said solemnly: "Wrong! It is true that Luo has great merit, but if it weren't for you, Luo would still be chewing carrots in the back office of Shenmu today. The only fundamental reason for this is because the knives in our hands are hard enough

!If we are weak and only know how to kneel down, will they still talk to us? All of our heads have been hung high on the city gate tower for a long time! Luo Mou knows nothing about training troops and fighting, and we all rely on the commander-in-chief

Hello everyone. From now on, everyone should restrain their subordinates and practice diligently. Everyone should always remember: the more powerful we are, the more they will fawn over us, and the richer we will become! Everyone, please leave and come back tomorrow morning (7-9 o'clock)

here."

Everyone responded loudly and dispersed with smiles on their faces. Luo Yonghao turned to Guan Shengyun and said, "Commander, go to bed later tonight. Zhou Tongpan should come to see me. After I finish talking to him, let's have a chat."

Guan Shengyun clasped his fists and said, "I'm sorry for the military advisor. I'll follow the military advisor's orders in everything."

Luo Yonghao hurriedly stepped aside and said, "Commander, please don't be polite when it comes to matters within your scope. Luo will not take it seriously."

While they were talking, Master Xiao Luo came back: "Dad, I led them to the guest room, and Zhou Tongpan secretly told me that he wanted to talk to you in the evening."

Guan and Luo looked at each other and smiled.

Just after Youshi, Luo Shifan introduced Zhou Chizheng into Luo Yonghao's study. Unexpectedly, Xiao Changhua was also present. Luo Yonghao made a gesture of invitation and asked the two of them to sit down in the guest seats facing south and north. He sat on the west side and east side.

on the main seat.

Xiao Changhua was a little embarrassed. After all, Luo Yonghao had been suppressed for six or seven years under his rule. Not long ago, he heard that Luo Zhixian was a thief in Yulin Mansion, and he felt more angry and disdainful. In just a few months, a small wave of

Thieves have become a common phenomenon, and he knows that Luo Yonghao's planning is indispensable. Although scholars must be far more knowledgeable than thieves, their abilities are definitely not comparable to ordinary people. Such talents have been buried by him for so long.

, so at this moment, I really regretted it. When they met, he bowed his head sincerely and apologized with a red face. Luo Yonghao was very open-minded, and returned the gift, saying lightly that he would not mention the past.

First things first, and since this was a private occasion, the three of them skipped too many formalities and went straight to the point.

Firstly, because the finished and semi-finished products of hundreds of boats were piled up near the Yanshui Pier, hiding them in full view, and secondly, because he had to show sincerity and apply pressure at the same time, Luo Yonghao did not hide his intention to extend the attack. Of course,

He definitely didn't mention a word about the specific tactics. However, unexpectedly, Zhou Chizheng kept digging into the details - logically speaking, the two sides are enemies rather than friends, and the delicate and sweet Zhou Tongpan shouldn't be so ignorant, right? Military Advisor Luo on the contrary

Feeling a little confused.

When Xiao Changhua saw this, he simply made it clear: "Brother Wen Guang (named by Luo Yonghao), don't doubt it. Xingduan, you don't have to beat around the bush so much. There are no outsiders here. Xiao can just open the skylight and speak frankly. I'd like to help."

Your army is here to help!"

These shocking words caught Luo Yonghao by surprise. Xiao Changhua continued: "Our group set out from the provincial capital in two groups. Mr. Zhao from the feudal clan and Mr. Bao from the Dusi Mansion arrived first.

Our government made it clear what the vassal Zeng Zun meant, and then Mr. Bao went directly to Yanchang. Mr. Zhao took Xiao and his entourage down to Baoan (today's Zhidan County), and Deputy Ambassador Wang of Zhensi was already waiting.

There, I lingered for a few days and met up with Mr. Bao who had returned from Yanchang, and then went all the way south to find Brother Wenguang."

Luo Yonghao's heart moved and he said in a long voice: "Master Bao is coming to Yanchang..."

Xiao Changhua interrupted Luo Yonghao's question: "Brother Wenguang expected it to be true. Master Bao has already made some arrangements. Yu Zhifu knew that he would fight to the death and prepared two plans. The defense of the city wall must be done.

We have prepared a lot of stones, rolling wood, and I heard that there are also oil pans, kerosene, and the like. Although the guards on the wall are all strong men, your army will inevitably lose some men and horses in a strong attack. Yu Zhifu gave him four or five trainings.

Hundreds of new soldiers were mainly deployed on the Yanshui River to prevent your troops from flowing down the river. Prefect Yu also knew that the new soldiers were not of much use, so he wanted to use fire as a countermeasure. He built dozens of rafts, filled them with firewood and straw, and tied them with ropes.

Together, they were parked and hidden at the bend of Yanshui, ready to set fire to the enemy when your army arrived. Brother Wenguang did not need to inform us of your army's strategy. Xiao just told the truth to let Brother Wenguang and your army prepare.

"

Luo Yonghao was shocked when he heard this. If Yu Shengliang really arranged it like this, according to the original plan, Gu Baihua's Gangfeng Camp would be finished!

In order to avoid the long-range fire attack at the top of the city as quickly as possible, the fleet of the Gangfeng Battalion must rush down the river at full speed. The turning point of Yanshui is a blind spot. The river is not too wide. If Yanshui changes its direction, there will definitely be a lot of water on the river.

Whirlpool. When the water surface is blocked by the fire ship, no one who is sprinting behind can stop it, and they will rush into the fire! Yu Shengliang's recruits are useless in regular battles, but chasing and killing the fleeing enemy will definitely boost their morale...

...The consequences are really unimaginable! The other party is an enemy rather than a friend, but with so many important officials coming to negotiate—in other words, taking the initiative to be hostages—it is impossible to risk their own lives and lie.

Thinking of this, Luo Shifan left his seat and bowed his head to Xiao on Tuesday: "Luo first thanks Mr. Xiao and Mr. Zhou on behalf of the commander-in-chief."

Zhou Chi said seriously: "Brother Wenguang, Mr. Xiao is full of sincerity. It will be easier for us to talk about other things, right?"

Luo Yonghao also calmed down and said seriously: "Brother Xingduan said that. Luo can swear to heaven that as long as it does not violate the principles, Luo will do his best to help these two old acquaintances."

Knowledge points in this article:

1. Orientation and Your Majesty: The place where the ancients entertained guests was divided into halls and rooms. The main entrance of the "tang" is on the south, and the main seat faces south and back to the north. To the west (facing east) is the seat of the distinguished guest, and to the east (facing east) is the seat of the distinguished guest.

The position of the west) is slightly inferior. The seats on the same side are respected by being close to the north (the main seat). This is easy to remember: we usually say "east and west", and the east is in front, so the east is more respected - this east is

Points toward the east. In the same way, we also say left and right, so the left is respected. The left and right envoys, the left and right political ministers, the left and right ministers... are all the same, the positions are the same, and the left is slightly larger. So, here comes the question: "
To be continued...