Under the scorching sun, the five thousand troops looked a little listless.
Until Yiqi appeared.
Shi Zhongtang rode his horse to the front of the formation.
His general Wei Ming came forward and said, "More than 10,000 rebels have fled into the mountains. I am not in a good position to deal with them. I ask the general to deal with them."
"I can't blame you!" Shi Zhongtang patted Wei Ming on the shoulder, "The rebels had been prepared for a long time. They were unlucky in the first battle and fled far away."
Wei Ming said gratefully: "Thank you, General, for your generosity. Alas! How can these rebels be killed without stopping?"
"There are many foreign ethnic groups in southern Xinjiang. They were able to survive the high taxes originally. It's not that they can tolerate it, but there are fewer people to take the lead. From the first time someone raised the flag of rebellion, the situation was unstoppable."
"But now taxes have been reduced a lot."
"Look at the people in southern Xinjiang, are they simple and honest?"
"simple!"
"The original foreign tribes in southern Xinjiang were more simple and honest than them." Shi Zhongtang said with a smile: "But once the ambition is gone, it will be difficult to dissipate."
"Best greetings, General."
"There is no shortage of ambitious people in this world. In the past, those people were busy farming and had little money at home. But once they became ambitious and recruited some stupid people as their subordinates, they suddenly had power in their hands, women in their arms, and gave orders. It was so refreshing. Now,
It is the source of constant rebellion in southern Xinjiang."
After several years of strangulation, the momentum of the alien rebellion in southern Xinjiang has been contained, but it still cannot be completely eradicated.
"The only way to eradicate it is to kill them all." Wei Ming felt that this was the way to eradicate the root cause.
Seeing that Shi Zhongtang was smiling but not smiling, he asked, "General, do you think it's inappropriate?"
Shi Zhongtang's eyes became more radiant.
"If we kill them all, then where can we go to find military merit? Without military merit, how can we get promoted and make a fortune?"
A group of scouts came out of the mountain.
"General."
"Give them water!" Shi Zhongtang asked for news in no hurry.
The scouts looked grateful. After drinking the water, they began to report.
"After we entered the mountains, someone was waiting for us and said harsh words to us, but in the end they said they wanted to go home and farm."
"The color is sharp and the heart is soft." Shi Zhongtang squinted at the mountains, "But there is no food?"
Wei Ming said: "Mostly."
"There are beasts in the mountains, but there are more than ten thousand rebels. No matter how many beasts there are, there is not enough food for them. Therefore, they will either starve to death or have to surrender."
The scout said: "The man said that if we are willing to negotiate, we can send people into the mountain."
Wei Ming was overjoyed, "General, if you can recruit and surrender more than ten thousand thieves, it will be a great achievement."
"There's no rush."
Shi Zhongtang ordered: "Watch the foot of the mountain and don't allow the thieves to escape."
Wei Ming was puzzled, "Why doesn't the general accept the surrender?"
Shi Zhongtang said calmly: "I would rather see them kneeling in front of me than asking me for any conditions."
The third day.
"General, the rebels in the mountains have sent people."
Shi Zhongtang sat under the tree, "Kill!"
The fifth day.
"General, there are people coming from the mountain again."
"How do you look?" Shi Zhongtang was drinking.
"Sallow complexion and thin skin."
"Bring it here."
The two rebels were brought under the tree.
"Say, when are you going to go down the mountain?"
A thief said: "Our leader said, if we can..."
"Kill."
Day 6.
Hundreds of thieves appeared at the foot of the mountain covered in blood.
"There's a fight on the mountain."
"The leader collected the rest of the food."
"Those people were discussing, and someone asked about the possibility of eating human flesh."
Shi Zhongtang stood up and said, "Go and tell them that in two days, I will see all the rebels come down the mountain. Tell the leader that I will spare his life."
On the eighth day, a group of rebels who almost starved to death appeared at the foot of the mountain.
"Choose the strong ones."
The sergeants rushed over and picked out the strong thieves with punches and kicks.
The leader arrived in front of Shi Zhongtang, knelt down and said: "This villain does not know the power of God. Please forgive me, General."
"I promise to spare your life, and I will keep my word."
The leader was overjoyed.
Shi Zhongtang pointed at him and said, "Cut off the limbs."
leader:"……"
Amidst the miserable howls, a naked man was thrown aside.
"The rest depends on your fate. If you can survive, it's God's will. If you can't survive, it has nothing to do with me."
The traitors looked at him in fear.
"Take the strong ones away, and the others... trap and kill them."
Amid the cries, the survivors looked at Shi Zhongtang with fear in their eyes.
"Give them meat!"
After a full meal, there was more gratitude and obedience in those eyes.
"go back!"
Shi Zhongtang returned to the army with his men.
After coming back, Zhang Huan was naturally full of praise.
Shi Zhongtang immediately went to the King of Yue.
Logically speaking, he is the godson of the imperial concubine and should be at odds with the King of Yue.
But strangely, the relationship between the two is very close.
"Yunshan slave!"
The King of Yue met him in the study.
"How was the trip?"
Shi Zhongtang briefly saw the battle situation during this trip and covered up the matter of trapping and killing the prisoners.
Seeing that he spoke and acted calmly, the King of Yue couldn't help but secretly praise... This man became more and more like a general.
Talents are rare, but the relationship between this man and the imperial concubine is somewhat awkward.
"I have watched you grow from a general to where you are now. This step by step is accompanied by military exploits and killings. Killing is good, but you will inevitably suffer some backlash if you can do it. Just... someone, take my king's string of beads.
Come."
A string of jade beads was brought, and the King of Yue smiled and said: "My wife, the king, went to ask for this from outside the country. It is the most effective for protecting one's body. If you take it with you, it will ward off evil spirits in the future."
"Thank you so much, Your Majesty!" Shi Zhongtang gratefully took the bead string and couldn't help stroking it with joy, "It turned out to be a gift from the empress. It turned out to be a gift from the empress."
The King of Yue said calmly: "I heard that you have frequent contact with the imperial concubine?"
The imperial concubine was very fond of her godson, and sent people to send her gifts every now and then. Shi Zhongtang reciprocated the favor and often sent people to send special products from southern Xinjiang to Chang'an.
Shi Zhongtang knelt down in panic, "The lower officials are terrified."
At this time, no matter how he explains it, it is wrong, and the best way is to apologize.
The King of Yue smiled and said: "Why is this so? The imperial concubine came to Chang'an from Shu alone. She has been alone all these years with no one around her. Having you as her daughter-in-law is a comfort to her, so there is no need to panic."
Shi Zhongtang lowered his head, "Xiaguan had not yet made a fortune at that time, so the king was very kind to Xiaguan, and even taught him to study... Xiaguan's achievements in this life are all inseparable from the king's teachings."
The King of Yue smiled and said a few words, and then gave him a few books.
Shi Zhongtang said goodbye and left the Yue Prince's Mansion.
Ashina Chunyu was waiting for him, "What did he say again?"
Shi Zhongtang shook his head, mounted his horse and walked away, then said: "The King of Yue said something about the noble concubine who came to Chang'an from Shu alone. She has no one around her these years. Accepting me as her adopted son is also a comfort."
Chun Yu said with a smile: "It is good for you to become a concubine as your mother-in-law, and you will be promoted quickly, but you cannot ignore it when you go to the King of Yue. I have always been worried that he will neglect you, but now it seems that the King of Yue is very tolerant."
Shi Zhongtang smiled.
"He is knocking me. The imperial concubine is single and has no one around her. This is a warning to me. The imperial concubine seems to be prosperous, but she has no foundation. She has no son, and her good life will not last long. Let me know the importance of it."
Chun Yu scratched his head, "What these noble people say is cloudy and foggy, and they have to guess. It's so tiring."
…
Southern Xinjiang Chief Shi Cuijin came to the check-in room early in the morning.
"I've seen Chang Shi."
A clerk came in, bowed slightly and lowered his head, "My husband is not feeling well today and said he won't come."
"knew."
The clerk resigned.
Followers come in.
"Mr. Lang."
"how?"
The attendant walked outside the door and looked around.
After returning, the attendant said: "Shi Zhongtang has no foundation. After the sudden outbreak, all the servants in the mansion were bought later. Let's mix one person in. Yesterday, he passed by the study and heard what Shi Zhongtang was saying... If we want to send troops to Guanzhong from here, we should plan something on the map."
"You can't trust foreigners!" Cui Jin sneered: "Shi Zhongtang worshiped the imperial concubine as his mother-in-law, and the palace actually performed some kind of rite of cleansing. The emperor wants to get rid of this person, so I will do my best. .”
The attendant said: "Then this is an opportunity."
"Report it!"
"yes."
…
Zhang Huan won't come today.
It was said that he had some heatstroke.
Shi Zhongtang rarely had any leisure time, so he drank tea and read a book in the duty room.
What I was looking at were the latest copies given by the King of Yue, along with their annotations.
"Xiangong ordered General Shi to go forward." The person who came was lukewarm.
"Easy to say." Shi Zhongtang glanced at this person and said, "Wait while I change my clothes."
The person who came did not say anything, but there was someone watching faintly outside, and Shi Zhongtang knew it.
After changing his clothes, Shi Zhongtang left the check-in room.
Along the way he felt some chilling atmosphere.
Entering the lobby, Zhang Huan sat at the top, with two rows of civil and military officials below.
"I've met your husband." Shi Zhongtang saluted.
Zhang Huan said calmly: "You have been working hard recently."
"It should be." Shi Zhongtang's answer was simple.
Zhang Huan coughed dryly, and an official came out.
Shi Zhongtang recognized this man, Chang Yuan.
Chang Yuan saluted, "Ms. sir, my official received a report yesterday that there were generals in the city conspiring to rebel."
Shi Zhongtang glanced at Chang Yuan and then at Zhang Huan.
Zhang Huan looked calm, which showed that he had passed the Qi in advance.
"who?"
Chang Yuan turned around and pointed at Shi Zhongtang, "General Yunhui, Shi Zhongtang!"
"Slave Yunshan!" Zhang Huan's eyes were a little more annoyed, "Speak clearly."
"Yes." Chang Yuan said: "Yesterday, someone reported that they heard Shi Zhongtang saying something in the study... about how to attack Guanzhong and so on."
Zhang Huan narrowed his eyes and looked at Shi Zhongtang, "Slave Yunshan... Shi Zhongtang, what do you have to say?"
Shi Zhongtang lowered his head and said, "I'm an unjust official."
Zhang Chumao, deputy envoy of Jiedu, was the serious son-in-law of the Yang family and the imperial concubine's mortal enemy. He said calmly: "My lord, this matter should not be taken lightly. I think I will torture you. In addition, I will send people to search the Shi family."
Zhang Huan pondered.
Cui Jin asked: "Is this news accurate?"
Chang Yuan said: "It was a servant in Shi Zhongtang's family who reported it. It is absolutely correct."
It's a done deal.
Zhang Huan was angry, "Get Shi Zhongtang!"
Chang Yuan and others looked at Shi Zhongtang, wanting to see his resistance.
There were many good hands present. If Shi Zhongtang resisted, a few good hands would be able to suppress him without the need for the sergeants outside to take action.
But Shi Zhongtang just looked up at Zhang Huan and said sadly and angrily: "I am wronged!"
"Take it!"
Zhang Huan was very angry.
Shi Zhongtang's success is inseparable from his appreciation.
If Shi Zhongtang really conspired to rebel, he is the first person responsible. If Shi Zhongtang took action, then Zhang Huan's death would not be a pity. If he had not taken action, he would not be able to escape the charge of unknown persons, and then he could go home and eat old rice.
It's all thanks to the emperor's mercy.
This matter cannot be investigated deeply, but it cannot be ignored!
Thinking of this, Zhang Huan gave his confidants a look, "Go, search the Shi family, investigate thoroughly!"
When it came to the word "strict investigation", Zhang Huan used inner breath, which was like thunder.
The confidant wanted to make a loud promise, but found that the look in Zhang Huan's eyes was not quite right. It was not the familiar evil spirit, but...
concern.
After all, a confidant is a confidant. He put himself in Zhang Huan's shoes and immediately understood what he meant.
If something shady is discovered, Zhang Huan will also be in bad luck.
In this way, the Shi family will definitely not be able to find anything today.
Just let Shi Zhongtang die of illness afterwards.
There are many epidemics in southern Xinjiang, and many people who have just arrived are not used to it and often fall ill. Even those who have been here for several years occasionally encounter epidemics and die suddenly.
appropriate!
An hour later.
The confidant is back.
"how?"
Zhang Huan asked pale.
Cui Jin glanced at him and thought, are you trying to suppress him?
In this way, Shi Zhongtang will not survive for a few days, and he will inevitably be killed by Zhang Huan to avoid his own guilt.
In this way, the task can be regarded as completed. Zhang Huan also left a flaw that may be used in the future.
The confidant said: "Ms. sir, I led people to check the Shi family and found nothing unusual."
"I know." Zhang Huan felt that his confidant understood what he meant.
I am getting old!
Zhang Huan sighed in his heart.
"Ms. sir, I haven't noticed anything unusual."
The confidant seemed to have lost his mind or suffered from amnesia, so he said it again.
Zhang Huan was startled.
The confidant nodded firmly.
Not found!
Zhang Huan felt relieved, and then his anger rose, "Chang Yuan!"
Chang Yuan was already confused and glanced at Cui Jin.
What about the promised rebellion?
"What do you want to do by falsely accusing the general?"
"Xiaguan, Xiaguan..."
Chang Yuan felt panic in his heart.
Cui Jin said with a smile: "My lord, it's just a rumor after all. Besides, Chang Yuan and General Shi had no enmity in the past, so it can be seen that they are acting out of public conscience."
"The rod!"
After ten sticks went down, Chang Yuan came back limping to apologize.
Shi Zhongtang was sent back.
After some consolation, the matter was settled.
Returning to the check-in room, Chunyu said angrily: "It's too much to bully someone."
Shi Zhongtang moved his stiff shoulders and said calmly: "Stare at Chang Yuan."
"You want to take action?" Chun Yu was a little frightened, "Zhang Huan will be angry!"
"If I rebel, Zhang Huan will also be unlucky. Therefore, the person who wants to kill Chang Yuan the most right now is Zhang Huan."
Shi Zhongtang asked: "If Chang Yuan died today, who do you think Zhang Huan would suspect?"
Chunyu thought for a while, "General, or his opponent."
"Go for it!"
Shi Zhongtang picked up the book sent by the King of Yue and began to read.
That night, he often went out to drink.
While drinking, he secretly cursed Cui Jin.
But he didn't dare to scold openly for fear of being heard by others.
"You are not free even as a dog!"
He cursed and left the wine shop all the way home.
Turned around a few small alleys.
A burly black figure ahead.
"who?"
"I!"
Chang Yuan recognized Shi Zhongtang's voice. Just as he was about to scream, he was hit on the back of the head and fainted.
When he woke up, Shi Zhongtang was squatting next to him. A stone was roughly stuffed into his mouth. The stone was so big that the corners of his mouth were torn. He could only make a whining sound when he opened his mouth.
Shi Zhongtang took out a map.
Open.
In the darkness of the night, you can see those lines.
From southern Xinjiang to Chang'an.
"Most of the Zhechong Mansion along the way is useless, and the soldiers are vulnerable. In other words, from southern Xinjiang to Guanzhong, it can be decided in one battle."
"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu"
"I was really thinking about this, but are you curious why you couldn't find it?"
"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu"
"Because the map is in my head."
He held up the map in his hand, "And this one is for you."
The map was stuffed into Chang Yuan's arms.
"Tomorrow when those people find your body, they will find this map."
He reported Shi Zhongtang for rebellion during the day, and was killed at night. He also had a map in his arms to attack Guanzhong from southern Xinjiang... Shi Zhongtang would be disgusted even if he died!