"Ding-dong-dang-dang" the official road echoed with the ringing of carriage bells. The sun had turned westward, but it was still a little bright. The coachman squinted his eyes and sat lazily in the driving seat, taking a puff of dry cigarette and looking at the two people in front of him.
A walking figure shook his head.
Originally, when the business was going on, the driver would walk to catch the fight, which would make it easier for the animals. However, this young man paid to hire a driver, but only left one person in the vehicle. The other two people walked most of the time so that the driver could sit.
It was a relatively easy business trip in the car.
The man who looked like a young man had a sword hanging on his waist and a backpack on his back. It was heavy inside. I don’t know what valuable things it was, but if it was valuable, it would be safer and easier to put it in the car. Why walk.
What's especially strange is that the two of them each carried a long bamboo pole.
This kind of moso bamboo is abundant in Jiangbei, especially in Anqing. There is no shortage of this kind of bamboo. It is even possible that this moso bamboo was transported down the river from Anqing.
The driver was puzzled as to what the two men could do with transporting this kind of bamboo, which was not unusual at all, from Hezhou to Anqing.
"There are strange things in bamboo."
The coachman knocked the cigarette rod on the carriage frame twice, shaking off a cloud of sparks. "Let's see how long you can carry it without putting it on the carriage."
Pang Yu in front was indeed a bit unbearable. Although it was still April in the lunar calendar, Hezhou was by the river, and the air humidity was relatively high. Pang Yu was sweating like rain.
There was no other waterway to take on the way back, and going up the river was too slow. Pang Yu didn't have any bulk cargo, so he chose the land route.
The land route from Nanjing to Anqing is from Jiangning Town, Caishiyi, across the river, and then back along the official road of Hezhou, Hanshan, Chaoxian, Luzhoufu, Shucheng, and Tongcheng.
Pang Yu didn't have much luggage, so he didn't plan to follow the official route. He could turn to Wuwei Prefecture in Chaoxian County instead of having to go around Luzhou Prefecture.
Because of the random promise he made to Zhang Guowei, Pang Yu was forced to make a special trip to Jiangpu to check out the county seat, which was isolated in the north of the Yangtze River. The outside of Jiangpu City was as prosperous as Nanjing, but the city was unexpectedly small and the city wall was not high enough.
Pang Yu doubted how long Jiangpu could resist if the rogue bandits really attacked the city.
After all, the cities in Lujiang and Chaoxian counties both had city walls, and they didn't last more than three days.
Even Luzhou Prefecture, which has a high city and a deep pool, was almost captured. If such a small Jiangpu was to be defended, it must have regular troops.
Fortunately, there are traces of reinforcement on the Jiangpu city wall, there are still some civilians working, and there are soldiers and government officials on duty at the door, which shows that Jiangpu is prepared, which makes Pang Yu feel a little relieved.
Zhang Guowei did not disclose Nanjing's defense deployment to him. Pang Yu did not know how many troops would be deployed to defend the river, nor how many troops would be available for mobile operations.
Pang Yu believed that Zhang Guowei was not very competent at this point. He should at least introduce himself to the overall troop deployment and plan in the area under his jurisdiction.
Perhaps out of a sense of superiority as a civilian, Zhang Guowei maintained an enigmatic image, but his subordinate Pang Yu was also confused about the overall defensive strategy.
After coming out of Jiangpu, the three of them rented a carriage to carry their luggage. On the second day, Pang Yu began to walk with a heavy load, and only sat in the carriage when he was on his way to shop.
Today we have reached Hezhou. Compared with the first day, Pang Yu's physical strength has declined somewhat, but today's journey has reached fifty miles.
Pang Yu stopped and took out a gourd and poured some water into his mouth. Guo Fengyou, who followed him, seemed to be in better condition.
Guo Fengyou was injured during the Spring Festival. Although it was not a serious injury, he lost a lot of blood at that time.
It was only three months before he started hiking. Pang Yu injured his shoulder at Yunji Temple that day, and it took him four months to recover. Obviously Guo Fengyou's recovery ability was stronger. This physical quality made Pang Yu quite envious.
Pang Yu did not let him bear any weight, but Guo Fengyou insisted on taking a long bamboo pole. He had just drank water, and now he propped the bamboo pole on the ground and took out a piece of dry food to eat.
Guo Fengyou looked at Pang Yu and asked, "Why do you bring these things, sir?"
According to this method, there are still more than 300 miles from Hezhou to Tongcheng, and it will take at least seven or eight days to get there, so don't tire your lord."
Pang Yu took out a piece of sand and stuffed it into his mouth. After chewing a few mouthfuls, he said vaguely, "It's faster than taking a boat. Anyway, I can only take a carriage. I'll try the speed of marching with a heavy load."
"Is this bamboo pole used as a spear?"
Pang Yu nodded, "It's the spear. In military books, the spear is the first one. The spear must be used."
"It is better for the villain to carry the bag of things. Even if the adults lead troops in the future, they will not march with a bunch of things on their own."
"I want to experience what it's like to be a soldier. This is an opportunity to test the infantry's continuous marching ability in order to set future standards. The equipment and load must be set according to the standards. If you help me carry it, I won't be able to test the difficulty.
Yes, there are some things you have to do yourself to put yourself in someone else’s shoes.”
As he spoke, he patted the backpack behind him with his backhand, "The bricks in this bag weigh thirty kilograms, and it's a bit heavy on your back. When you go to the store at night, you can find some pieces of cloth to thicken the area against your back."
Guo Fengyou hurriedly said, "The villain has written it down."
Pang Yu rubbed his shoulders, "Remember one more thing, go back and ask the shoe store that makes mesh boots if they can add an iron mesh under the backpack, so that the back can bear part of the weight without having to hang it all on the shoulders. This is useless.
The bamboo pole looks light, but it's hard to hold it for a long time, so I have to find a way."
Guo Fengyou said with admiration, "My lord has not yet taken office, but in my opinion, I am more like a military general than those generals who pass by."
Pang Yu smiled and said, "Of course it's more like that. They can only be warriors. I want to be a warrior myself. The goals are different, the thoughts are different, and I can't be afraid of hardship. Nothing is easy."
After he finished speaking, he looked around and saw that the city was not far away, and Hezhou was also on the river bank. The land along the river was fertile, and there were many carriages and horses passing by on the official road. It could be seen that the people were generally relatively wealthy, just like in the past.
Tongcheng.
Guo Fengyou seemed to know what Pang Yu was thinking, and said tentatively, "There are many ponds and lakes in Hezhou, but this official road is very good. I wonder if rogue bandits will come."
"So there are many benefits to walking, but some of them are missed when sitting in the car."
Pang Yu pointed to Hezhou City, "Not only Jiangpu, but Hezhou also has a ferry. If we talk about river defense, Hezhou also has to defend it.
The most important thing is that the bandits need supplies for survival. If they have a choice, they will not take the old road, because it is difficult to resume production around the old road in the short term and they will not be able to grab enough things.
Therefore, the route from Luzhou to Hezhou, Wuweizhou, Hanshan, Jiangpu, and Yangzhou is actually more dangerous than near Anqing."
Guo Fengyou nodded, "Sir, do you want to save these places?"
Pang Yu sighed. In order to get an official position, he praised Haikou to Zhang Guowei. Even if it was just a show, he had to coordinate along the river. Of course, if it could have a practical effect, Zhang Guowei would naturally give him more benefits.
Pang Yu picked up the bamboo pole and said, "Let's go."
...Nine days later, Pang Yu, who was dark and thin, finally stood in front of Dongzuo Gate in Tongcheng.
Among the ruins outside the city, some roof beams have been rebuilt, and some people have put tiles or thatch on them.
There is a long line of reed mats on the roadside. You can tell that they are from Songyang without asking. The reeds in Songyang are luxuriant and the locals make a lot of reed mats for sale every year. This year, Tongcheng was hit by a disaster and many households lost their belongings. The weather is getting hotter.
Yes, the business of selling reed mats should be good.
The Zilai Bridge is still the same as before, and the water is gurgling under the bridge. Pang Yu has an inexplicable feeling that things are different and people are different.
"Sir, shoes."
Guo Fengyou behind him handed over a pair of new shoes. Pang Yu looked down and saw that the Songjiang shoes on his feet had two holes. Even the big toes could be seen. The uppers were covered with mud. They looked a bit indecent. It was rare.
Guo Fengyou is so meticulous.
The road from Wuwei Prefecture to Lujiang does not have bluestones, and it becomes muddy even if it rains a little bit. It is also quite difficult to walk on the carriage. Generally, merchants who want to transport goods do not take this road.
"These Songjiang shoes are comfortable to wear, but I'm afraid they are not suitable for marching."
Pang Yu muttered, sat down casually on the roadside, and carefully took off his shoes and socks.
The socks were dirty and there was a faint trace of blood.
Pang Yu checked the blood blisters on the soles of his feet. He paid attention to resting along the way and bought seven pairs of socks to keep the soles of his feet dry. The shoes also fit his feet very well. His feet were not worn out until he reached the dirt road in Lujiang County. It was a long walk from Lujiang.
for three days.
After walking through the Zilai Bridge, people began to recognize Pantou Pang, who had lost a lot of weight. This caused a commotion. People nearby gathered around and greeted him enthusiastically.
Pang Yu smiled and held up his hands, limping towards the city. The gatekeeper saw Kuaishou and immediately went to notify the two squads in the city.
Soon someone discovered that Pang Yu had difficulty moving. A driver vacated an ox cart and took Pang Bantou to the county government. Pang Yu thanked him profusely.
Many idle people followed the car, as if they were having a welcome party.
Guo Fengyou walked beside the bullock cart and followed silently.
Shopkeepers on Dongzuomen Street stood in the middle of the street and bowed to Pang Yuzuo one after another to say hello. The famous Pang Bantou, who had not seen him for a month, seemed to be more enthusiastic than before Pang Yu left.
The oxcart moved slowly, and many people gathered around to watch the team leader along the way. By the time Pang Yu arrived at the county government office, Pang Ding had already heard the news and came from the Ye family's old house.
A few people on the express train came out of the gate and carefully helped Pang Yu get out of the car.
"Master."
Pang Ding hurried over, looking a little excited.
Pang Yu patted him on the shoulder and said, "How many strong men have been recruited?"
"There are more than three hundred people. They were all recruited according to the young master's request. Most of them have completed the training of standing still."
Ponting frowned after speaking.
Pang Yu glanced around and said, "If you have anything to say, please tell me."
Pang Ding stood on tiptoe slightly and leaned into Pang Yu's ear, "The affairs of Yunji Temple have been leaked."
Pang Yu narrowed his eyes. Only four people knew about Yunji Temple. He Xianya was in Nanjing, and the others were Pang Ding and Jiao Guozhao.
"What information was leaked?"
"There are rumors in the city that the young master took fifty thousand taels of silver, and they even mentioned the cesspit.
Quick team found out...it was Liu Xiucai's group who spread the news."
"knew."
Pang Yu patted the Qingjin on his body and said, "I'll talk to you after I see the master."