Han Huang had heard of Bai Xiaode's reputation before. When Li Guangbi and Shi Siming fought in Heyang, Bai Xiaode singled out General Liu Longxian and defeated the rebels.
Unexpectedly, such a majestic general looked very elegant. When Han Huang arrived, he was reading a book on war. After the two greeted each other, the first thing they talked about was calligraphy and painting.
Talking about the rise, Bai Xiaode even wanted to spread his pen and ink and let Han Huang draw a picture on the spot.
Han Huang quickly humbled himself and finally brought the topic back to the matter of military discipline, saying: "I heard that General Bai killed someone in the army who was riding a horse for no reason yesterday with a stick. His strict military management is admirable."
"I didn't give the order." Bai Xiaode waved his hand with a wry smile, "It was the lieutenant general of our army who made the decision without authorization, so I had to shoulder the responsibility for him."
Han Huang thought this was an excuse he made for Guo Ziyi's good looks, and did not take his words to heart.
The two chatted for a few more words, and Bai Xiaode patted Han Huang on the shoulder and said, "You came because the treasury must be empty and the imperial court cannot supply the money and food needed for the war, so you are asked to come to comfort the soldiers?"
"General, don't worry. No matter what, the imperial court will not let the soldiers who fight desperately to kill the enemy starve."
When Han Huang answered this sentence, he couldn't help but feel happy. Although the imperial court had received a bad reputation for destroying Buddhism, at least it had benefited from it.
It's like a person who used to spend money and like to make himself fat, sold those extravagant things to show off, and then got a serious illness and needed money.
Obviously, this matter exceeded the expectations of the northwest generals. Bai Xiaode raised his eyebrows slightly, not believing what Han Huang said.
He thought this was Han Huang's excuse to look good to the court, and he didn't take it seriously.
Han Huang then realized that this might help him successfully complete his errands, and then mentioned the purpose of his visit.
"To make the general laugh, I came here this time because of an old case in Hu County, which caused shock in the court, involving two soldiers under Guo Xi's command..."
After talking about an old case, Bai Xiaode hesitated and said: "Yesterday, I just insulted the commander-in-chief. If I use this old case to treat the commander-in-chief's soldiers today, I'm afraid the commander-in-chief will misunderstand me.
"
Han Huang didn't expect that his judgment was wrong.
When he heard that Bai Xiaode killed a man riding a horse in the army with his staff, he thought he was a man of high spirits, but he didn't expect to be so cautious.
Things came to a standstill.
Just when I didn't know what to say, someone suddenly lifted the curtain and strode in.
"General!"
The visitor was in his thirties, with a dignified appearance and a dark face. The skin on his cheeks was peeling due to exposure to wind and sun all year round, with a hint of red in the black. He had the magnanimity of a military man, but also a bookish air.
In addition to the bookishness, there is also a bloody smell.
When Han Huang saw the visitor, for some reason, the first thing he thought of was Guan Yu. He couldn't help but cross his hands and salute, saying: "This general is so polite."
"This is a marching Sima in our army. We all know the military envoy, Duan Xiushi, named Chenggong." Bai Xiaode then introduced them, "Although Chenggong is a general, he was a Ming Dynasty scholar in the past, and he is both civil and military."
Then they talked about Han Huang's family background and exchanged a few words with each other.
When Duan Xiushi entered the tent, he had something to say to Bai Xiaode, but stopped because of the presence of the censor.
Han Huang thought they had military information to say and resigned wisely.
He glanced again and saw some blood stains on Duan Xiushi's boots. He couldn't help but wonder who it was from fighting with. Could it be that the Tibetans had already reached Pizhou?
After leaving the tent and walking along the way, Han Huang found that the soldiers guarding the camp were no longer as solemn and orderly as before, and they all looked a little uneasy.
There were even a few generals in the front who were whispering and whispering to each other.
"Did he really kill him?"
"I'm afraid things may get serious..."
Han Huang was guessing in his mind when he suddenly saw soldiers galloping forward on horseback and was stopped by the soldiers of Bai Xiaode Camp.
"What are you doing riding a horse?!"
"No, everyone in Guo Xi's camp is shouting to kill General Duan, and now everyone is wearing armor and coming over!"
Upon hearing this, Han Huang knew that "General Duan" was referring to Duan Xiushi. Thinking of what Bai Xiaode had said before, he immediately understood that it was Duan Xiushi who killed the horse rider in the army.
Compared with Bai Xiaode, who was a general and a famous general, Duan Xiushi's official position and reputation were much lower, so doing so seemed even more commendable.
He turned his head and saw Duan Xiushi striding out, and quickly called out: "General Duan, where are you going?"
"Let Yushi Han laugh." Duan Xiuzhi said, "I'm going to do some things, and I'll have a drink with you later."
Han Huang then followed him and said, "General, I want to go to Guo Xi's camp. I will go with you."
"No need, this is my business alone. Han Yushi is here to represent the imperial court, so it is not appropriate to get involved in this matter."
"General, does he know why I came here?"
Obviously, Bai Xiaode did not tell Duan Xiushi the purpose of Han Huang's visit. Duan Xiushi shook his head, and Han Huang then told Duan Xiushi the case again.
After hearing this, Duan Xiushi asked, "Can you show me the portrait Han Yushi mentioned?"
"Wait a moment."
Han Huang asked his entourage to take the package he was carrying and handed over the portrait.
Duan Xiushi saw it and said, "In that case, there is no need for Yushi Han to go."
"Why?"
"Because these two people have been killed by me." Duan Xiushi said, "Together with them, there are a total of seventeen people who killed people and robbed people's women, and they have all been beheaded."
His demeanor was very calm, but his eyes were upright and awe-inspiring, with an inviolable majesty.
And just now he returned to the camp to see Bai Xiaode, asking Bai Xiaode not to come forward, as he would be responsible for the matter alone.
"Han Yushi only needs to wait for the situation to calm down in a few days, read out their crimes, and then return to the court and resume their duties." Duan Xiushi added.
After that, he cupped his fists and rushed straight to Guo Xi's camp.
Han Huang was stunned for a moment, but still caught up and said again: "I'm going with the general."
"In the current war, this matter involves the imperial court, which is not beautiful."
"The imperial court ordered me to come here to clean up the rules and regulations, not just to kill people. Although the murderer is dead now, but the rules and regulations are not enforced, what is the benefit to the country?!"
Duan Xiushi's eyes flashed with something strange, and she couldn't help but praise.
"good!"
~~
Piles of bonfires have been lit, and the fire is brightly lit in Guo Xi's military camp.
The soldiers in armor walked to the camp fence and stood there, drew their swords, and shouted: "Duan Xiu has bullied others too much, he will be killed!"
In their opinion, this was not the first time that Duan Xiushi had bullied their general. Just yesterday, General Yang, who was friends with their general, was killed by Duan Xiushi just for riding his horse in the camp.
Because of Bai Xiaode's intervention, the commander-in-chief did not deal with Duan Xiushi. Instead, his general went to seek justice and was reprimanded.
As a result, Duan Xiushi killed seventeen more people in their camp today.
If this revenge is not avenged, who will think highly of them in the future?
"Kill for life!"
"Kill for life..."
The shouts were blown by the wind and spread outside the camp fence, reaching Duan Xiushi's ears.
Duan Xiushi took off the saber from his waist, hung it on the saddle, and then tied the horse to a small tree without haste.
After that, he walked to Guo Xi's camp unarmed.
Han Huang said he would come with him, but he didn't expect that he originally planned to come like this, without any soldiers or weapons.
To be honest, Han Huang regretted a little. When they met for the first time, they didn't even say a few words. He just relied on the impression of the first meeting to entrust his life to Duan Xiushi.
But once the words have been said, even if it is just for the sake of the Prime Minister's disciples' face, they have to hold on.
Han Huang had no choice but to muster up the courage, follow Duan Xiushi, and walk into the camp where the killing was abuzz.
Suddenly, murderous intent rushed towards his face, and the sword flashed, forcing him to stop.
Duan Xiushi was still walking forward, and Han Huang struggled to lift his steps to keep up, feeling that his legs were trembling and his feet were as heavy as a stone.
"Duan Xiushi is here!"
"Kill him!"
"Duan Xiushi, I want to cut off your eggs and sacrifice them to my brother!"
In addition to shouting for death, what was overwhelming was rude and fierce swearing, with overwhelming malice and a kind of contempt for life.
As for Wang Fa, in the eyes of these people who lick blood with their swords, their lives don't matter. What does Wang Fa mean?
There were also fierce soldiers who looked at Han Huang, showed a ferocious expression, made a threatening gesture of wiping his neck, and licked his lips.
Han Huang was too frightened and could no longer move forward. There was a voice in his head that kept urging him that Duan Xiushi was seeking death and there was no need for him to accompany him. It was really not worth it for a prime minister disciple with a bright future to die here.
He tried hard to resist this thought in his mind, resisting the urge to turn around and run away, telling himself that if he ran away, he would be laughed at. Even his father's famous name would be laughed at.
Soon, both thoughts were gone. His mind went blank, and the desire to survive was like a small boat floating in the ocean of fear.
Under this situation, Duan Xiushi calmly took another dozen steps forward and said with a smile: "To kill just one Duan Xiushi, why do you need so many armored soldiers? I brought my head with me."
Because of this sentence and the calm and calm attitude in it, Han Huang was greatly inspired and calmed down. His body no longer trembled. He mustered up the courage to take a step forward and follow Duan Xiushi.
After getting closer, Han Huang unexpectedly discovered that the angry and arrogant soldiers did not immediately rush to kill them with swords. They just kept waving their weapons, waiting for others to take the lead.
Sometimes, the more people there are, the harder it is to take that step away from the crowd.
Duan Xiushi continued to laugh and said: "I can die, and you can kill me on the basis of guilt, but if you and others commit a mutiny today, Marshal Guo and General Guo will be implicated. Why not ask General Guo to come forward and let him bring me to justice?
"
Han Huang hesitated, then finally plucked up the courage and shouted: "I came here to appease the army under the orders of the imperial court. I have witnessed right and wrong with my own eyes. Those who are guilty will not be tolerated."
Seeing that the censor sent by the imperial court also spoke, the soldiers looked at each other for a while, and finally someone went to invite Guo Xi.
After a while, Guo Xi came. He was not wearing armor and was half-wrapped in a military robe. He showed his tall and strong figure and the numerous scars on his chest and arms. His face was resolute and his eyes were calm.
This is the image of a middle-aged general who has experienced hundreds of battles, not the playboy Han Huang expected.
In fact, although Guo Xi was not strict in running the army and often indulged his soldiers, he was actually good at riding and shooting, fought bravely, and repeatedly performed extraordinary feats.
It can be seen that his soldiers respect him very much. When he comes out, everyone salutes and sincerely supports him.
"Duan Xiushi, how dare you come?!"
"I'm not afraid of death. I only have a few words to tell the general." Duan Xiushi said.
Guo Xi glanced at Han Huang and said hello, "Come to my tent to talk."
But he did not order the soldiers to disperse.
The three of them entered the tent, and Guo Xi said directly: "Han Yushi explained it clearly in person. Duan Xiushi, you first killed my friend and then seventeen of my soldiers. Why did you come?"
"For the Guo family." Duan Xiushi replied.
Guo Xi was furious and shouted: "In this case, for your sake, I should kill your soldiers?!"
"My soldiers obey orders and prohibitions, and have never harmed the people, and have been hated by the world. In the future, they will not stir up troubles that will harm my family and ruin my reputation, so I won't let General Guo take action."
Guo Xi frowned and said: "You don't need to be pretentious, they are all my brothers who have been through life and death. If you want to kill them, you will kill them. How will I lead the army in the future?!"
Han Huang looked at his expression and thought that Guo Xi actually knew the evil deeds of his soldiers, and perhaps he could not bear to be punished, which ultimately led to bad consequences.
Duan Xiushi sighed and said in a sincere tone: "Marshal Guo has made great achievements and seeks a good beginning and a good end. Now the general allows his soldiers to commit violence. Who will the world blame? The world will not know their names. When mentioning these evil deeds, they will only say "general"
And the name of the marshal. If things go on like this, the chaos starts in the general's camp, how much of Guo's reputation will be saved?"
Han Huang said: "What General Duan said is true."
After saying that, he took out a piece of documentary evidence he was carrying and placed it in front of Guo Xi.
"The general's indulgence of his soldiers does have bad consequences. The case in Hu County was debated in the court and had a great impact, so the court ordered me to come..."
"At that time, there was war and cannibalism in the world." Guo Xi said: "We have pacified the world and killed tens of thousands of enemies. Why did Han Yushi come here to save just a few lives?"
Duan Xiushi asked in reply: "Isn't it the reason why we kill the enemy and pacify the world to protect these 'mere lives'?"
"This is not just a few lives, it's a law." Han Huang said: "As General Feng said, when the news drum in Chang'an City was sounded, even if Marshal Guo didn't know about this case, the whole court was talking about the murder by the Guo family.
.I came here not to punish General Guo, but to preserve General Guo's reputation."
Guo Xi was speechless, but his brows were still furrowed.
He understood the truth, but what was difficult was how to appease the soldiers.
"It's nice to say that the soldiers fought hard to kill the enemy without being rewarded, and they had to farm the fields to grow their own food. Kill them when you say it, and punish them when the court says they will punish you. Now it's the public's anger, not that I want to kill you Duan Xiushi
.”
Han Huang pondered for a moment and said: "General, how about the arrears rewards for all the soldiers in the army?"
"What do you mean?" Guo Xi was confused.
"Because of your request, General, the imperial court will send a large amount of money and food to reward the soldiers."
This was something that was already in progress, but the army apparently didn't realize that the imperial court suddenly felt a little better off because of the extermination of Buddhism. Han Huang caught the army's expectations and simply sold another easy favor.
This matter was very important to Guo Xi. He took a few steps and said, "Has Yushi Han informed my father about this matter?"
"I haven't had time to say it yet."
Han Huang thought for a while and found that Guo Ziyi did not ask about money, food and supplies. It was more likely because he had correspondence with the court and knew that he was not here to deal with the matter.
But Guo Xi didn't expect this, and felt that he could use this matter to please Guo Ziyi, such as running to claim credit, "My child persuaded the court to ship another batch of grain and grass."
In this way, Guo Xi then made a decision and went out to the front of the battle in person to yell at his subordinates: "If you wait until the military discipline is loose, I will not be able to control it. If you bother General Duan, I will take action! What are you going to do? Disarm them all and return them to the team. If you dare again,
Troublemakers die!"
All the soldiers were surprised, and some worried that Guo Xi had been kidnapped by Duan Xiushi, so they retreated reluctantly.
The matter was settled here, and Han Huang was secretly glad that thanks to Duan Xiushi, his errand went smoothly.
However, Duan Xiushi refused to leave and asked Guo Xi, "I'm hungry. Can I stay in the general's camp to eat?"
Han Huang couldn't help but think to himself that the soldiers in this battalion were full of resentment, so why bother?
As a result, after finishing the meal, Duan Xiushi patted his belly, stretched his legs and said, "I have an old illness. How about staying in the general's camp tonight?"
Guo Xi was surprised, and Han Huang also had a bitter expression on his face, but they both understood Duan Xiushi's intention to test Guo Xi, and felt helpless and admired at the same time.
~~
At night.
The bed board in the military camp was very hard, and Duan Xiushi snored loudly.
Han Huang tossed and turned, unable to sleep. First, he was worried that he would be killed by an army sergeant, and then he had many thoughts.
At first, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince wanted to investigate the case in Hu County, but the court officials did not quite understand it. They thought that a war was imminent and they should not lose too much for small things. But this time, it was clear that the Crown Prince and Duan Xiu were really the same kind of people.
It is precisely because we are going to fight that we have to figure out why we are fighting.
Han Huang thought that after this incident, Duan Xiushi would definitely gain His Highness's attention, and His Highness would probably gain Duan Xiushi's loyalty. Although they had not met yet, this case was enough to make them feel sympathy for each other.
The monarch and his ministers must have common opinions to get along with each other.
After thinking about it, he finally fell asleep.
When he woke up, Han Huang felt a little lucky that he was still alive.
He opened his eyes and was about to get up when he was surprised to find Guo Xi lying outside their tent. He didn't take off his clothes and just spread out a mat to sleep on the ground.
"General Guo, what are you doing?"
"I'm not afraid that the soldiers will kill Duan Xiushi."
Only then did Han Huang realize that it was Guo Xi who snored at night, not Duan Xiushi.
As for Duan Xiushi, he was still sleeping soundly, not worried about being killed in Guo Xi's camp.
~~
Chang'an.
Every day, information from the northwest was sent to Chang'an, and this day the memorial from Han Huang was also sent, giving a detailed account of his encounters in the military camp.
After Xue Bai read it, he took out a book and wrote Duan Xiushi's name on it.
His book is very similar to the book Li Linfu used to write names. Some names were written in red cinnabar, some were written in ink, and there were also different marks.
But this is not the political opponents he wants to get rid of, but the talents he can use.
In addition to Duan Xiushi, there are also generals such as Li Siye, Ma Lin, Li Sheng, Hun Yao, Wang Sili, Li Chengguang, etc. I remember them all.
Xue Bai put his brush against his chin, thinking about which troops should be deployed to support the northwest battlefield and how to make up for the defense in the future.
He thought for a long time, continued to write, and wrote an edict.
The edict was sent to Zhongshu's lower province, and the next day, Du Youlin came to see him.
Judging from his appearance alone, Du Youlin had the demeanor of a prime minister, with a dignified appearance and three long beards. When he saw Xue Bai, he tugged on his beard and said, "I really can't understand the profound meaning of His Highness's move.
.”
"What's so difficult to understand?"
"The last time Feng Changqing returned to the capital, he questioned His Highness in public, and even bluntly said that His Highness was suspected of usurping usurpation, which can be described as treason. He was demoted with great difficulty. Now, before those who opposed His Highness opened their mouths, His Highness took the initiative to grant him military power again, isn't it?
Is raising tigers dangerous?”
Xue Bai pondered and said: "If only Guo Ziyi is the only one in this battle, he may be able to defend the Tubo attack, but to achieve greater results and even connect the Western Regions, we have to use the generals of Anxi. Li Siye, Duan Xiushi, Ma Lin and other fierce generals
, they are all under the command of Feng Changqing, and with Feng Changqing leading them, they can gain momentum, and sooner or later, they will counterattack to Hexi."
As he spoke, he looked at the map and traced his finger across the large area of lost land west of Longshan.
"In terms of desire to regain Hexi, Feng Changqing is much stronger than Guo Ziyi."
Du Youlin said: "If this is the case, Your Highness can use Zhang Guangsheng."
"That's why I hired Feng Changqing just to make them cooperate again."
"But he is not loyal to His Highness. If he returns to the Western Regions and listens to the instructions instead of the propaganda, he will lose his tail."
"He is loyal to the Tang Dynasty." Xue Bai said: "And my position is the Tang Dynasty."
Du Youlin couldn't say anything more to persuade him, so he just fulfilled his duty of reminding him and sighed before resigning.
After hearing his sigh, Xue Bai suddenly thought of something and asked: "Duke Du, have you seen Guo Suo?"
"Guo Suo?" Du Youlin said: "Your Highness is talking about the loyal servant guard? I have seen him once."
Xue Bai said: "I'm asking, have you seen him before I met him at Lantianyi?"
Du Youlin was shocked and understood what Xue Bai meant. He waved his hands repeatedly and said: "How can your Highness think this? There is absolutely no such thing."
It can be seen that he is not someone who can do such a thing. After all, the words hanging in his study are "Be careful in your words and actions, and walk on thin ice."
"I know." Xue Bai said, "I just think it's a coincidence."
However, Du Youlin's journey through turmoil was not completely without scheming. Today, we talked about who Feng Changqing was loyal to, and also mentioned the deposed prince Li Ying. There is something that has been in Du Youlin's heart for a long time.
, he also said it.
"Your Highness's filial piety is touching. Now that you are in charge of the country, why not ask the saint to make the late prince the emperor?"
Saying that, Du Youlin fell to the ground awkwardly, put on a serious tone, and formally requested that Li Ying be crowned emperor and given the honorary title.
Prosecuting Li Ying as emperor is the best way to establish Xue Bai's orthodox status. His timing may seem wrong, but it is actually very good.
Previously, Xue Bai was exterminating Buddha, his prestige plummeted, and the situation was turbulent. Du Youlin thought of this method, but he was afraid that it would be self-defeating and be criticized by the clan.
Now that Tubo is invading, Xue Bai holds the military power with one hand and the money and finance with the other, and his position is somewhat stable. However, it is unknown whether the appointed generals will return to their posts in the future. At this time, the clan will not dare to object to Li Ying's title.
Strengthen people's hearts.
When Du Youlin made this suggestion, he was also telling Xue Bai that it was meaningless to check whether Guo Suo was arranged by someone with intentions. The general trend is that the truth does not seem to be that important anymore...