In the end, due to the joint statement of Ximen Sheng and Jiang Quan, Guan Ning Cavalry, Liaodong regiment training, and Liaodong branch training were all full of suspicion, reluctantly ended the confrontation with the Liaodong border army, and returned to their respective places one after another.
Camp.
At this time, Wu Shilin had too little information, so he naturally did not dare to act rashly. Wang Shizhen, Linghu Guang, Song Dahe and others were weak and unable to change the situation. They could only endure their anxiety and wait for the situation to change.
In this way, the situation finally stabilized temporarily.
But everyone knows that this stable situation is actually extremely fragile and will not last long.
After all, Ximen Sheng and Jiang Quan only pretended to pass the order, and Zhao Junchen and He Yu never showed up.
Therefore, the suspicions in the hearts of all the forces have not been eliminated. They are still determined to find out the truth, and as time goes by, these thoughts will become stronger.
If Zhao Junchen and He Yu fail to show up, Wu Shilin, Wang Shizhen and others will not just endure and wait, and sooner or later they will cause trouble again.
Therefore, for Liaodong Town, the top priority right now is still to rescue Zhao Junchen and He Yu as soon as possible.
Just like Ximen Sheng said, as long as He Yu can be successfully rescued, all the difficulties and threats in front of him will be easily solved.
But Ximen Sheng didn't know that the situation he would face next was far more complicated than he expected.
*
But he said that after Fang Zhenshan, Wang Shizhen, Ling Huguang, Song Dahe and others returned to the camp, they first continued to discuss countermeasures with everyone, and after the discussion came to no avail, they quickly returned to their tents.
Then, Fang Zhenshan kept walking in the camp, his brain spinning rapidly, thinking carefully about the current situation.
"Jiang Quan personally told me that Zhao Gechen was kidnapped. There is absolutely no lie... But Jiang Quan showed up again just now and conveyed instructions on behalf of Zhao Gechen, forcing Guan Ning cavalry, Liaodong regiment training, and Liaodong branch
Lian immediately returns to his respective camps and is not allowed to act without authorization... No matter how you look at this order, it does not seem true!
When I was the commander-in-chief of Guyuan, I had carried out Zhao Gechen’s orders many times. I was very familiar with Zhao Gechen’s ordering style. As soon as I heard this order, I felt something was wrong. No matter the wording or the tone of the sentence, it didn’t sound like it at all.
This is Zhao Gechen’s past style!
However, if what Jiang Quan did was just a fake order, he doesn't seem to be such a bold person...
Also, I am Zhao Gechen's confidant, and Jiang Quan is undoubtedly very aware of this... Under normal circumstances, after Jiang Quan found out that Zhao Gechen had been kidnapped, he should have taken the lead in discussing countermeasures with me and working together to rescue him, instead of completely
Throw me aside, do things without authorization, and leave Li Shijie, a vital chess piece, to me for full disposal...
None of this is reasonable! Unless... Jiang Quan's actions were all based on Zhao Gechen's instructions...
This means that Zhao Gechen had already predicted that he and He Yu would be kidnapped by bandits!
Combining these signs, I am already 70% to 80% sure that all these changes are due to Zhao Gechen's plan!
But if all these things were arranged by Zhao Gechen, then why did Zhao Gechen deliberately hide it from me? He never disclosed any details of the plan to me from beginning to end?
Could it be that Zhao Gechen still doesn't trust me enough? But if he doesn't trust me, why would he leave this vital chess piece like Li Shijie to me?
Or does Zhao Gechen think that I will definitely do things according to his ideas even if I don't know his overall plan?"
Thinking of this, Fang Zhenshan thought of something that seemed very ordinary.
Not long ago, when Jiang Quan showed up to order the troops to return to the camp, he specifically said one more word to Fang Zhenshan, saying that Zhao Junchen "personally explained it" and hoped that Fang Zhenshan would "keep the mission of the imperial court in mind and never forget his true heart."
!
This sentence seems normal, but when you think about it carefully, it seems to mean something else.
"The mission of the imperial court and my original intention..."
"In the eyes of Zhao Gechen, what is my original intention and what is my imperial mission..."
After muttering to himself for a moment, Fang Zhenshan suddenly had a flash of inspiration and finally realized what he was saying!
As Fang Zhenshan, the governor and governor of Liaodong, his imperial mission is naturally to make every effort to check and balance the weakest leader in Liaodong Town!
And Fang Zhenshan is a man who is good at speculation and forming parties for personal gain. His original intention has never been to be loyal to the court and benefit the people, but to seek more benefits and power for himself by any means!
As an assistant minister of the cabinet, Zhao Junchen was naturally very aware of Fang Zhenshan's imperial mission; and Zhao Junchen and Fang Zhenshan were the same type of people, so he knew very well what Fang Zhenshan's true intentions were.
Therefore, the implication of this sentence is actually to prevent Fang Zhenshan from thinking too much about Zhao Junchen's kidnapping. Next, he only needs to focus on his own interests and future, and try his best to use his expertise in organizing camps and forming parties.
Then do whatever you have to do!
After thinking that he finally understood Zhao Junchen's deep meaning, Fang Zhenshan felt happy and disappointed at the same time.
He is happy because Zhao Junchen has created a very favorable situation for him and given him a lot of room to play, so that he can take the opportunity to get the best benefits for himself.
The reason for the disappointment was that Zhao Junchen never revealed any details of the plan to him from beginning to end, and kept him in the dark. This meant that... Zhao Junchen did not regard him as a close confidant.
Perhaps Zhao Junchen's plan this time was not just to target Liaodong Town, but also to take the opportunity to further deepen his control over Fang Zhenshan.
After all, when Fang Zhenshan was in Shaanxi and Gansu, the reason why he took refuge in Zhao Junchen was all because of the situation, and Zhao Junchen also caught many tricks. But now the situation in Shaanxi and Gansu has long been settled.
Those initial complaints have become less painful as time goes by...
At the same time, the interest bond between Fang Zhenshan and Zhao Junchen is not particularly deep. Zhao Junchen can also provide all kinds of benefits to Fang Zhenshan, whether it is the center of the imperial court, Liaodong Town, or the Wu family in Shanhaiguan.
Under such circumstances, Fang Zhenshan's allegiance to Zhao Junchen was just out of mental inertia. Everyone regarded him as Zhao Junchen's friend, so he could only continue to serve Zhao Junchen.
But if Fang Zhenshan suddenly discovers the temptation of greater interests and decides to betray Zhao Junchen and seek refuge with Liaodong Town, the Wu family in Shanhaiguan, or the central court, then Zhao Junchen will have nothing to do with him.
Considering Fang Zhenshan's temperament and style, this situation may not be impossible, so Fang Zhenshan's "loyalty" is obviously unreliable in Zhao Junchen's eyes.
Therefore, when Zhao Junchen was formulating the plan, he kept it from Fang Zhenshan from beginning to end, and just let Fang Zhenshan play freely.
But with Zhao Junchen's method and style, when all these things are settled, Fang Zhenshan will inevitably have more handles falling into Zhao Junchen's hands, and there will inevitably be more interests bound to Zhao Junchen...
Then, Fang Zhenshan will become Zhao Junchen's best friend again!
Ultimately, Zhao Junchen does not believe in the loyalty of the vast majority of people, he only believes in interests and strength.
After thinking about these situations, Fang Zhenshan shook his head and sighed, murmuring: "I always feel... I haven't seen him for a few months, but Zhao Gechen's methods have become more and more unpredictable... I consider myself a smart person, but
Precisely because I am a smart person, Zhao Gechen can completely predict my subsequent choices...
It is nothing more than trying their best to carve up the strength of Liaodong Town, taking the opportunity to strengthen their own capital, and then in order to keep the capital that they have finally won, they take the initiative to pay a cent of investment certificate to Zhao Gechen...
Contacting people like Zhao Gechen is really tiring and relaxing. You have to carefully figure out his true thoughts all the time, and then you will find that he has actually put the easiest path in front of you... But you
If you continue down this path, it will be difficult to look back in the future...
Now, I have seen the future path that Zhao Gechen pointed out for me... It seems that there is really no better choice... Since all this is what Zhao Gechen expected..."
After whispering to himself like this, Fang Zhenshan once again thought of the key chess piece he had, Li Shijie.
Therefore, Fang Zhenshan no longer hesitated and sent a message to the guards outside the tent: "Go and invite Li Shijie from Liaodong Qianhu here... Be polite and say that I have important matters to discuss with him!"
*
When Li Shijie saw Fang Zhenshan, Fang Zhenshan's expression was solemn, but there was a hint of intimacy.
Before Li Shijie could salute, Fang Zhenshan raised his hand and said: "Li Qianhu, the current situation is urgent, so there is no need to waste time on being polite... I have something important to inform you!"
Li Shijie also had a serious expression and asked quickly: "Beizhi also knows that some important changes must have happened today! When Beizhi met Zhao Gechen yesterday, Zhao Gechen said that he would return Beizhi to Liaodong Town today, but now it is not only delayed.
There was no movement, and even the Forbidden Army officers who were responsible for guarding the humble post hurriedly left the camp. Just now, the humble post saw from a distance that all the troops in the camp also wanted to leave, and then they were blocked by the Liaodong border army and almost broke out.
There was a conflict...but I don’t know what happened?”
After hearing what Li Shijie said, Fang Zhenshan became more and more certain that Zhao Junchen entrusted Li Shijie to him in order to make this chess piece play an important role.
Although he was constantly scheming in his mind, Fang Zhenshan showed an open and honest attitude on the surface, and his demeanor became more and more solemn. He said slowly: "I have received the exact news... Just this morning, Zhao Gechen and Mr. Fang made an appointment to go there.
They were hunting in the Chilin Mountains in the north, but they fell into a trap set by bandits of unknown origin. Now both of them are in the hands of the enemy, and their life or death is uncertain!"
This news was so ridiculous that no one could believe it. Li Shijie was immediately dumbfounded and said in disbelief: "The chief soldier and Zhao Gechen were kidnapped by gangsters? How is this possible?"
Fang Zhenshan slowly shook his head and said: "I also think the matter is too ridiculous, but it is the truth! All the changes you saw today are all caused by this! The officers and soldiers of the Forbidden Army were eager to rescue Zhao Gechen, so they hurriedly
People like us also wanted to participate in the rescue, so we also wanted to leave the camp, but Liaodong Town wanted to block the news as much as possible and was completely unwilling to admit the matter, so they sent troops to stop us..."
Before Li Shijie could clear his mind, Fang Zhenshan added: "I can understand what Liaodong Town is doing, but in my opinion, because of the kidnapping of Zhao Gechen and General He, the current situation in Liaodong is already in danger. Although I want to
We must try our best to maintain stability, but we are also powerless... Because of the obstruction and blockade of Liaodong Town, I can't even take a step forward from the camp here!... Therefore, I thought of you!"
Li Shijie suppressed the shock in his heart and asked: "Governor Fang, you thought of a humble position? Why?"
Fang Zhenshan said slowly: "I don't know whether Zhao Gechen promised to let you go here today when he talked to you yesterday, but you are now under my supervision, and after much thought, I
I have decided to let you go free immediately and let you return to the Liaodong Army as soon as possible... After all, although I am unable to move forward now, you are a member of a thousand households in Liaodong, and you still have the command power of a part of the Liaodong cavalry, and you are also the general of generations.
He is a direct descendant of the family, so you can enter and exit the camp freely, and Liaodong Town will never stop you. There are many things that only you can accomplish!"
Li Shijie was stunned for a moment, then asked: "I don't know... Governor Fang, what exactly do you want your humble position to accomplish?"
Fang Zhenshan's expression was full of concern for the country and the people, and his tone became more serious, saying: "Of course we are trying to stabilize the current precarious situation in Liaodong!"
Afterwards, Fang Zhenshan began to exaggerate, constantly exaggerating a terrifying scene: "Currently, not only are Zhao Gechen and Fang Zongbing being kidnapped, but their lives are uncertain, I have also heard some rumors that the kidnappers are all related to Liaodong Town.
Qiu's desperado... If such rumors are true, then the chance that Zhao Gechen and Mr. Fang can escape safely... is probably extremely slim... Maybe right now, Mr. Fang has been killed!
"
Seeing Li Shijie's complexion change once again, Fang Zhenshan continued: "You can think about it, under such circumstances, Liaodong Town will definitely be leaderless, and it may split internally, causing Xiaoqiang to suffer! The imperial court center will also definitely hold everyone accountable.
Human responsibility! By then, not only will the Liaodong territory be in turmoil, I am also worried that the Jurchens in Jianzhou will take the opportunity to invade... At that time, everything will be out of control, and it will be difficult for you and me to survive alone!
Therefore, I hope that you will rush to the Liaodong Army immediately and use your influence to try to stabilize the internal situation in Liaodong Town... As long as there is no major chaos in Liaodong Town, the situation in Liaodong can be somewhat calmed down, and so can the Jurchens in Jianzhou.
It’s hard to take advantage of the situation.”
This officer believes that after you return to the Liaodong Army, too many people have already been worried about the rescue of Zhao Gechen and General He, so you don’t need to pay too much attention...
Your top priority now is to seriously consider the worst-case scenario, that is, if General He is killed by bandits... Who should you, the Liaodong cavalry under your command, and the Li family generals behind you support?
Taking over the position of Commander-in-Chief of Liaodong? If this matter is not decided for a long time, the chaotic situation of Liaodong Town without a leader will continue, which will be of no benefit to anyone!"
Hearing the terrifying future described by Fang Zhenshan, Li Shijie became increasingly confused. He actually asked Fang Zhenshan for countermeasures, saying: "Then... Mr. Fang, who do you think the humble official should support?"
Seeing Li Shijie taking the road like this, a smile flashed in Fang Zhenshan's eyes, but his appearance was still full of solemnity, saying: "Under the current situation, in addition to being the least qualified and weakest, General West Road has just made a mistake.
In addition to Huang Shenming, the other four generals in Liaodong Town have their own advantages. General Ximen of the North Road is the strongest, General Xu of the South Road is the oldest, General Li of the Middle Road has the best reputation, and General General Li of the East Road has the best reputation.
General Gan Shen has the widest connections and seems to be qualified to take over the position of Commander-in-Chief... That’s why I have high hopes for you! No matter who you choose to support, that person’s chance of winning will be higher!”
After hearing Fang Zhenshan's reminder, Li Shijie finally realized his importance, his expression seemed surprised, happy, and thoughtful!
Fang Zhenshan struck while the iron was hot and continued: "But if you ask me for my opinion, I can give you some advice... In this case, it is nothing more than considering both public and private matters!
As for Yu Gong, you need to consider whether the ability of the person you support is enough to take on the important task! As for Private, I used to be the commander-in-chief of Guyuan. I often dealt with Shanxi merchants and learned some business skills from them.
You only need to consider two points, one is reward, and the other is risk! Think carefully about who you support has higher rewards and the smallest risk? At the same time, this person's ability is enough to stabilize the situation and take on the responsibility.
Big job?"
After hearing Fang Zhenshan's suggestion, Li Shijie immediately had the answer in his mind. He almost blurted out, "General Ximen! It's General Ximen from North Road!"
Fang Zhenshan nodded slightly in approval and said: "If I were to change places with you, I would also choose to fully support North Road General Ximen Sheng!
First of all, he has the strongest ability. If he takes over as the commander-in-chief of Liaodong, he can stabilize the situation in the shortest time; secondly, after he becomes the commander-in-chief of Liaodong, you will reap the greatest rewards, because General Ximen has a mixed image in both the government and the public. Taking over as commander-in-chief of Liaodong
The chance of being a soldier is originally the lowest, but if he succeeds in taking over because of your support, then you will be a help in times of need, and he will naturally repay the favor with all his strength; in the end, the risk is the smallest, because Ximen Sheng's position is stable and he is the strongest, even if he fails in the end.
By allowing him to successfully take over as the commander-in-chief of Liaodong, we can also win his favor and support, at least it will be a sure profit without loss!"
Seeing that Li Shijie was lost in thought again, Fang Zhenshan placed another weight on the scale and continued: "But no matter who you choose to support next, as long as you can quickly end the leaderless situation in Liaodong Town, I, Governor Wang, will
Commander Linghu and Commander Song will fully support your decision!"
Hearing what Fang Zhenshan said, Li Shijie looked up in surprise, only to find that Fang Zhenshan's expression was extremely serious.
If you have the support of the civil service system in Liaodong, as well as the support of Liaodong regiment training and Liaodong branch training, plus Li Shijie's own Li family connections... then the situation is really like what Fang Zhenshan said before, no matter who Li Shijie supports to take over next
General Liaodong, that person will have a greater chance of winning!
In the end, Li Shijie gritted his teeth and said: "In this case, I hope that I can return to the Liaodong Army as soon as possible... To be honest, I still can't believe that Zhao Gechen and the Chief Soldier were kidnapped, and I don't want to believe that the Chief Soldier has already
He may be killed... I have to personally investigate the situation before making a decision!"
"Of course!" Fang Zhenshan immediately agreed to Li Shijie's request, and then also made his own request: "However, when you leave here, I hope to arrange for a confidant to follow you, and he will be responsible for you and me.
It is a matter of future contact with the person! And you must also use your influence in the Liaodong Army to allow him to avoid the blockade of the Liaodong Border Army and freely enter and exit the camp."
Thinking about the benefits promised by Fang Zhenshan, Li Shijie thought carefully for a moment, then nodded and said: "Okay! Let's do it like this!"
Fang Zhenshan nodded with satisfaction, then raised his hand and pointed to a young man next to him, saying: "This person's name is Guo Sang. He is a colleague of Xuanwei in Liaodong. He is quite clever and resourceful. He will follow you in the next few days."
Your side is responsible for the communication between the two parties."
After hearing Fang Zhenshan's introduction, Li Shijie took a serious look at Guo Shang and couldn't help but feel a little surprised.
Although Xuanwei Tongzhi is an official position without much real power, it is a fourth-rank official title after all. And the Guo Shang in front of him does not seem to have much outstanding qualities, but he can become a fourth-rank official of the imperial court at a young age. Naturally, it makes him
Li Shijie was greatly surprised.
Although Guo Shang was less than thirty years old, he behaved competently and with a hint of calmness after experiencing vicissitudes of life. He immediately held up his hands and said: "In the next few days, please give me some advice from Li Qianhu!"
*
Next, under Fang Zhenshan's arrangement, Li Shijie quickly left Zhao Junchen's camp and hurried to the camp in Liaodong Town with Guo Shang, hoping to further investigate the news.
However, Li Shijie had just arrived at the gate of the camp in Liaodong Town. Before he could announce his identity, the gate of the camp suddenly opened, and then he saw another Liaodong Qianhu Shicheng appearing, leading a group of Liaodong frontier troops and planning to
Leaving the camp in a hurry.
When Li Shijie and Shi Cheng saw each other, they were both stunned, and they couldn't help but frown, feeling secretly repulsive in their hearts!