"Eunuch Fang, ladies and gentlemen, I'm really sorry, I can only free up a big room." The manager of the post station was very enthusiastic, but also helpless. He said with a smile: "People are migrating to Northern Jinzhou recently, and every day
It’s almost full.”
Shen Zonggui glared in a mocking manner and scolded: "We can make do, but Eunuch Fang must live in a single room. No matter what difficulties you encounter, you should quickly find a way. Let the people squeeze in and free up another room."
Fang Zhenghua snorted and said, "I didn't see that there are more than a dozen people living in one room, how can they squeeze in?"
Then, he turned to the administrator, nodded, and said: "We will live in one room and leave tomorrow morning. Prepare some meals and boil some hot water. I don't need to bother you with anything else."
"Thank you for your understanding, father-in-law." The administrator bowed and saluted, let a few of them into the room, and then went out to do their work.
Fang Zhenghua was sitting on the kang, which was neither warm nor cool, but for those of them who had just come in, it was warm and comfortable.
Shen Zonggui and others tidied up the room and left a spot at the head of the kang for Fang Zhenghua. They could just squeeze in at the end of the kang for one night.
After Fang Zhenghua sat down, he was silent in thought. He didn't wake up until someone at the inn brought hot water and Shen Zonggui brought tea.
Drinking tea slowly, Fang Zhenghua seemed to be talking to himself, and seemed to be asking Shen Zonggui and others: "They won't be so bold. Don't they know that this is a demonstration to the imperial court and an embarrassment to the imperial court?"
Shen Zonggui and others looked at each other, but no one dared to answer easily. After all, it was really difficult to judge whether it was true or false.
Jiang Baohe swallowed his saliva and said tentatively: "Father, they should have a reason and be able to explain it to the court, right? Jianlu's head can be exchanged for silver, so that Jianlu lost his life and wealth, and saved the court a lot of money.
An expenditure..."
Shen Zonggui glared at Jiang Baohe and reprimanded: "You can't say that. State-owned national laws, once the rules are established, they can be followed. More than 8,000 heads were transported to the capital. The court was proud and proud, and it boosted the people's morale. How can it be exchanged for a mere amount of money?
Coming?"
Fang Zhenghua took it seriously and said slowly: "Although the imperial court has treated Dongjiang Town poorly, it is due to financial difficulties and it is not deliberately withholding money."
After a pause, he said angrily: "The most important thing is Governor Ji Liao, who controls the food and salary of Dongjiang Town, but does not give out a tael of silver or a grain of rice. He still prohibits the sea in Denglai, which seems to be a blockade of Dongjiang Town.
"
Shen Zonggui echoed these words: "Yuan Chonghuan is indeed responsible. My father-in-law sent people to collect food and wages, but they got nothing. They didn't give him any face, which made it difficult for my father-in-law to do it in Dongjiang Town."
Jiang Baohe blinked his eyes and said: "Is Mao Wenlong's move aimed at Mr. Yuan? I hope the imperial court can come forward to put pressure."
Fang Zhenghua narrowed his eyes, thought for a while, and said uncertainly: "It's very possible. After all, Governor Denglai is no longer the governor, and the superior of Dongjiang Town is Governor Ji Liao."
The door was opened again, and the people from the inn brought food. It was not rich, but they still added two dishes, which was a sign of respect from the other party's father-in-law and others.
You should know that the post station does not provide meals for the people, but only provides grain, salt, pickles, etc. The people either bring their own dry food or cook their own meals.
For the people who migrated, the government issued military coupons based on their family property or grain reserves, which were consumed by the people themselves. When they arrived at the new place of residence, they would reissue some commonly used household items, basically without the people having to pay more.
Because the supply of food is guaranteed, the people feel at ease after receiving the military tickets, which avoids transportation difficulties at home. After settling down, they can exchange the military tickets for food.
With Fang Zhenghua's previous reprimand, everyone knew that the father-in-law was in a bad mood, so no one dared to challenge him and sat down to eat honestly.
In this regard, Fang Zhenghua has done a good job, no better than those eunuchs who are bossy but have high ambitions and low skills. For this reason, his popularity among the Dongjiang generals is pretty good.
For the food and salary of Dongjiang Town, Fang Zhenghua did his best. However, the imperial court and Governor Jiliao did not relent. One of them refused to pay, and the other asked Mao Wenlong to spit out all the extra money he had received before.
Therefore, Fang Zhenghua seemed very angry, but he didn't have much confidence. He was short of money, and maybe this reason made him very helpless.
However, being educated in the traditional idea of loyalty to the emperor, Fang Zhenghua still believed that no matter how difficult Dongjiang Town was, he could not demonstrate to the court and make the emperor angry and embarrassed.
From the emperor's point of view, this is probably even more true.
If I give it to you, you have to be grateful; if I don’t give it to you, you can’t complain. The so-called thunder, rain and dew are all kindness, but if an order is given to chop off your head, you still have to kneel down and accept the order to thank me!
After a simple dinner, Fang Zhenghua did not rest immediately. He put on his clothes, left the room, and stood under the eaves to continue thinking.
People walked by the courtyard from time to time. The kitchen was very large and was public. Most of them brought dry food and pickles with them. They heated them up on the stove and made some soup and water. They had a good meal.
The two children giggled and ran into the house, holding a few roasted potatoes in their hands. The aroma and heat made them salivate and burst into laughter.
Zhang Bang and his wife followed behind carrying earthen pots and baskets. They heated up the pancakes and made pickle and potato soup. This was their family's dinner.
In preparation for the spring migration, the government has made a lot of preparations in advance. A large amount of food has been stored at each post station. Potatoes, cabbages in cellars, and grain in warehouses can ensure that the migrating people are well fed.
"A few potatoes will make the children happy." Zhang Bang walked with a smile on his face, "I didn't spend much money, and when I got to my new home, I could earn back all the 100 acres of land in one year."
Most of the potatoes and grains stored at home were taken away by the government at a price, and one cart couldn't haul much. You had to spend money to buy whatever you wanted to eat, and the same was true for the potatoes in the inn.
The government has also provided travel subsidies to immigrants, and the military tickets in hand are enough to reach their destination. If you save a little, you can still use them for a longer period of time.
The wife didn't want to nag anymore and said softly: "If you want a good harvest, the weather must be good. Save what you can. We poor families must think more."
"Yes, you are right." Zhang Bang said yes repeatedly and walked into the house with his wife.
The big kang was separated by a wooden board, and two families lived in it. There were no particular conditions, but they had a hot kang, hot rice and hot soup, which was very satisfying for them. They could make do with sleeping in their clothes.
After being polite to the other family, Zhang Bang's family of four were eating, talking, imagining what their new home would look like, and looking forward to the good times in the new year on the kang in their own home.
If a poor family has to face obstacles and difficulties, they should try to save as much wealth as possible. Fang Zhenghua lowered his eyes and sighed silently.
The same goes for Dongjiang Town. These hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians all rely on their own efforts to support themselves. The imperial court and the governor of Jiliao are not making enough money, so why should they blame others for finding other ways and not abiding by the law?
Fang Zhenghua turned around and went back to his room to rest somewhat sadly, his mood even more confused and depressed.
Originally, he went to question him aggressively, but when he thought that the imperial court had been without food and salary for several months, and was still asking Mao Wenlong for the so-called extra food and salary he had received before, the founder's confidence became less and less.
………………
Under the light of the torch, Guo Dajing looked at the envoy sent by Jianlu, his face uncertain, and he didn't know what he was thinking.
As expected, Huang Taiji sent someone to discuss the specific operation of buying back the head. This was not what Guo Dajing expected, but he also saw that Huang Taiji was not sincere.
"Jiannu is indeed a barbarian and knows no etiquette." Guo Dajing threw away the letter he had read and said with a sneer: "Since he said he came to visit, he came empty-handed. There is no sincerity at all!"
Kuo Ke was stunned for a moment, then hurriedly explained: "General Guo, when the two countries are at war, they send envoys to each other for negotiations. This is not a visit, so how can we offer a courtesy?"
Guo Dajing shook his head and said: "It's not an exchange of factions, but a unilateral request and begging from you. This is an opportunity for Huang Taiji to restore his prestige after the defeat."
Raising his hand to stop Kuo Ke, Guo Dajing said in an irresistible tone: "Go back and tell Huang Taiji that the whole body is 200 taels and the head is 100 taels. There is no need to discuss this matter again. There is no room for bargaining. Give a reply within one month and prepare.
Good money, don’t wait until it expires.”
Kuo Ke bowed and said, "I dare you to ask General Guo to write a letter, just a few words, so I can explain it to you when I get back."
Guo Dajing didn't care about this and said, "Yes. In addition, if you don't have enough money, you can use cattle and horses to pay for it."
He stretched out his finger and tapped Kuo Ke vigorously. Guo Dajing emphasized his tone and said, "Not to mention ordinary soldiers, among the people who died among you were senior generals like Jia La'e Zhen. They didn't even take a tael of silver, but they came here to bargain. But
Is there any sincerity at all?"
"Go back and tell Huang Taiji not to be so clever. Guo regards his little cleverness as child's play and doesn't take it seriously at all."
Guo Dajing made no secret of his frivolous look, and Kuo Ke couldn't help but make excuses. He already waved his hand and ordered him to be escorted out.
"We must be on guard against defrauding you of letters." Liu Xingzuo sat in the shadows and reminded carefully: "Huang Taiji is a very smart Jianlu."
Guo Dajing smiled and said: "As soon as he sticks his butt out, I know what shit he is doing. It's a conspiracy, you can't deceive me."
"Of course I can't lie to you, but the court -" Liu Xingzuo rolled his eyes and said, "You still have to be more careful."
Guo Dajing nodded and said: "Don't worry, a certain general is just a general. Huang Taiji found the wrong person for his counterintuitive plan."
If Mao Wenlong, the head coach of a town, succeeds in his counterinsurgency plan, the entire Dongjiang Town will be affected or even fall apart.
But Guo Dajing was only a general who commanded the First Association, so it was definitely the wrong person to target him through this head trade.
Facts are the most powerful proof. Guo Dajing's military exploits are there. If you say that he fought tooth and nail to kill the enemy and even had an affair with the enemy, who would believe it?
What's more, this is Dongjiang Town, not an inland border town of the imperial court. Even if the imperial court ordered Guo Dajing to be punished, it could not be implemented within Dongjiang Town.
Even if he was reduced to guerrilla status, let alone a general, no one objected to Mao Wenlong asking Guo Dajing to lead a group of troops. The generals and officers under Guo Dajing also obeyed the order.
It was just to embarrass the court and the emperor, and to expose Yuan Chonghuan’s dirty tricks. What happened to the demonstration? It was much lighter than Mao Wenlong’s military crime in Denglai in history, right?
Liu Xingzuo didn't know why Guo Dajing was so bold and took over this assignment. Did he think that Mao Wenlong could keep him safe and not take notice of the court, the emperor, and Governor Yuan?
Guo Dajing sent Liu Xingzuo away, returned to his room, picked up paper and pen, wrote a letter, and asked someone to rush to Dalian and hand it over to the intelligence department.
Since Huang Taiji is not sincere, there is no need to be polite and he launches another rumor offensive, causing him to suffer another blow to his prestige and reputation after returning from defeat.
If you are short of money, that's fine, but if you have money, you won't let the soldiers who died on the battlefield be buried in peace. To put it mildly, it is greedy for money, and to put it seriously, it is cold-blooded.
If such news spreads, some prisoners and their families will definitely feel dissatisfied. Those Mongolian cannon fodder will probably also feel chilled.
Guo Dajing did not expect these rumors to do anything to Huang Taiji, but as long as they made him feel uncomfortable, it would be a favor at no cost.
The news spread also revealed that other slave chiefs can trade privately. Regardless of whether there is anyone, I guess no one will do this, but it will not affect the excrement basin of a certain slave chief in the future.
As long as there are suspicions among the Jianlu people and they guard against each other, it will be beneficial to the development and growth of Dongjiang Town.
"General, urgent message from Lushun." A soldier came in to report and handed over a letter.
Guo Dajing reached out to take it, opened it and read it quickly, slightly pursed his lips. As expected, Fang Zhenghua was coming to stop this incredible transaction.
We must let the court know, let Chongzhen know, and also the governor of Jiliao Yuan Duhuan, why Dongjiang Town negotiated with Jianlu.
This year should be a year of great turning point. If you escape Governor Yuan's vicious plan and break the plan of the Jianlu and looting, Dongjiang Town will usher in a brighter future.
That’s right, the sea and the sky are vast.
When the time comes, Chongzhen will recognize the situation clearly, and the one who can compete with Jianlu and prevent Jianlu from detouring into the pass again is not Liao Town, which he supported with huge sums of money, but Dongjiang Town, which is deprived of food and pay.
Coupled with the strong peasant uprising in the northwest, how much energy does Chongzhen still have to engage in internal strife? He should understand that Dongjiang Town is already a decisive force in Liaodong, and even surpasses Liao Town in terms of combat power.
Strength is the capital of self-preservation and the foundation for development and growth. Without strength, you can only be at the mercy of others. With strength, no matter how dissatisfied the court and the emperor are, they will not dare to make a move.
Guo Dajing pondered for a long time and already had a way to deal with Fang Zhenghua. Although this was not something he just thought of, it was more complete and reasonable than the previous one.
After all, Huang Taiji had already sent an envoy to negotiate, and there was still a letter here. He couldn't tolerate Fang Zhenghua's disbelief, and he couldn't help but not be anxious.
Guo Dajing knew very well what the purpose of Founder's transformation was.
But he would rather wait until the weather is hot and some heads will rot, or even be completely destroyed, to let the court and the emperor know the resentment of Dongjiang Town and the plot and means of Yuan Chonghuan, the governor of Jiliao, to kill Dongjiang Town.
I don’t know when the hundreds of thousands of reward credits will be distributed, but if I don’t want them, what can I do?
You are unkind and I am unjust. You cut off food and salary, but you don’t allow me to find a way to feed hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians?