The road was shining by the sun, and the mud and chaos finally condensed and began to bear the burden.
At Tongguan, Zhang Liao and his vanguard troops were setting off one after another.
Even in relatively safe areas, there are still no less scouts and alerts around them.
First, the cavalry went forward, and then dispersed after reaching a certain distance, controlling the high ground and the main roads, and then the long infantry formation followed, and finally there were a large number of two-wheeled baggage carriages.
Although Feiqian also developed a four-wheeled logistics vehicle in Pingyang, this time he entered Shandong, he only used a two-wheeled logistics vehicle.
It is not difficult to develop a steering mechanism for four-wheelers, because there is not enough good materials to make reliable front-wheel steering devices.
A single-axle steering mechanism can be manufactured in the Huang family's workshop, but this thing is not only easy to damage but also has weak load-bearing capacity. If you want a better turntable steering structure, you need precision metal components, which far exceeds the current technical conditions.
In addition, the four-wheeled baggage truck has relatively high requirements for roads. If it is relatively flat in Pingyang or Guanzhong, it is mainly driven by Feiqian, and the official road will be renovated and paved. Even if it is raining, it is not easy to fall into it. However, as soon as it leaves Hangu Pass, the loess ground is not suitable for four-wheeled trucks. Although it has not rained these days, if it rains, then the four-wheeled truck will fall into the mud, which will really cost people a life!
Another interesting thing is that the two-wheeled vehicle is naturally suitable for combat with cavalry...
Take the turning radius as an example. The modified chariot of a two-wheeler can turn in a narrow area, and can even be carried by manpower on some roads. However, the turning radius of a four-wheeler is at least twice that of a two-wheeler, and it becomes a burden in the narrow space of the battlefield.
Zhang Liao led the vanguard to move. After passing Hangu Pass, he entered a relatively open area. Large-scale military operations were completely unable to block Cao's reconnaissance. Especially in the Heluo area, there must be Cao's army's light and dark posts, and the dust raised by large-scale troops can be seen from a distance, so it is important to maintain necessary mobility.
Fei Qian led Pang Tong to the top of the earthen plateau and watched Zhang Liao and others take the lead in setting off.
Pang Tong whispered beside Fei Qian: "Just received the news... Xu Gongming had arrived in Jiangling, facing the river from Cao's water camp. If Jiangling could be broken, Cao Zixiao could only retreat under the attack from the north and south...
"The Jiangdong naval army was stockpiled in Chaisang," Fei Qian responded, "Although Jiangdong was newly defeated, they may not have the courage to send troops again, but our army also advanced forward, so we must be careful when transporting food and grass on the Yangtze River waterway."
Pang Tong nodded and replied, "Don't worry, lord, Xu Gongming, Zhuge Kongming, are all cautious people, and will not give Jiangdong an opportunity to take advantage of."
Fei Qian said: "The Sichuan-Shu naval army has a short time to form a long army, and there are many boats in Jiangdong... Moreover, the people of Jiangdong have always had no credibility and often acted like a slut... and they should not be careless to pass the orders to Xu Gongming."
Pang Tong should have turned his eyes twice, "Lord... Did Lu Zijing be so disrespectful before?"
Pang Tong intuition realized that Fei Qian had no good impression of Jiangdong.
Fei Qian waved his hand, "It is not because of Lu Zijing, but because of the land in Jiangdong."
At the moment of the Han Dynasty, there was no forming a system of theory that influenced people in the environment, only remarks similar to those of Zhuzhechi and others. In the east and south of Jiangnan, it can be said that the phenomenon of "only caring about small families and not taking care of the overall situation" frequently appeared from the Three Kingdoms to the end of the Ming Dynasty. In essence, it was actually a reflection of historical laws under the special political and economic structure.
"The land of Jiangdong is densely packed with water and rivers are crisscrossing. This is the benefit of the Jiangdong navy." Fei Qian said slowly, "However, this benefit is the disadvantage of the people!"
Pang Tong was stunned for a moment, not able to understand.
Fei Qian pointed to the troops advancing in front of him, "And ask Shi Yuan, can the people have such troops? Even if the people have this intention, can they have such money?"
Pang Tong naturally shook his head.
『Even so,』 Fei Qian sighed slightly, 『The army of soldiers is expensive, how can the people have it? The sharp naval army of Jiangdong is a blessing for the people of Jiangdong, or is it a blessing for the geniuses of Jiangdong? The water network is closed, the river channel is a trench, and the powerful can dock forts as the basis, use the navy to control the people, and resist the government office. This is the characteristic of Jiangdong... It is not Lu Zijing, or Sun Zhongmou can change it, so Jiangdong is mostly corrupt, which is all due to this."
Pang Tong took a breath, and he could vaguely understand some of Fei Qian's meanings.
Fei Qian was actually a little pitiful to Emperor Sun. After all, in history, during the Three Kingdoms period, the powerful people in Jiangdong such as Gu, Lu, Zhu and other tribes all used the fort as a base to control private soldiers and land, which made the Sun regime forced to adopt the dual-track strategy of "military strike" and "political compromise". They blushed and turned pale, and in the end they all turned into purple faces. Perhaps they were really frustrated...
Not only in the Three Kingdoms, but until the Ming Dynasty, Jiangdong and Jiangnan were still the same. This dispersed innate regional structure evolved into a "municipal economy" and a "gentry autonomy" model, forming an economic circulation system independent of the central government. Therefore, whenever the central government tries to strengthen its control over Jiangdong and Jiangnan, it immediately encounters joint boycotts from local interest groups.
In the early Qing Dynasty, the city was massacred in Jiangnan. Perhaps some people from Jiangnan were fighting for the nation, but a large part of them were because the Qing Dynasty did not understand the characteristics of Jiangnan at that time, and wanted to treat Jiangnan with the attitude of treating the gentry in Zhili...
Simply put, it is not agreed on the distribution of interests.
Later, the agreement was basically settled, wasn’t it just that the water was too cold?
Today, the private army system of Jiangdong has made the military power of Jiangdong actually scattered among the aristocratic families. Even if the chief general died in battle, his army would be inherited by his minor sons and nephews, forming a special phenomenon of "young men in charge of soldiers". Its essence is the blood inheritance of the higher aristocrats, which is no different from the Chu State during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period.
In the Ming Dynasty, this relationship in Jiangdong and Jiangnan evolved into an iron triangle of "country gentry, bureaucrat, official businessman". In the court, 70% and 80% of the literati and officials who came from imperial examinations came from Jiangnan landlords. They avoided taxes through "incitement" and "dedication" and even instigated the bureaucratic system to fight against the central court. They also strictly restricted population mobility and emphasized class hierarchy. The Ming Dynasty Jiangnan "World servant system" divided the population into two good and lowly people, and the personal dependence relationship of lowly people continued for generations. It seemed to be hired on the surface, but in fact it was slaves. And it also advocated the so-called "self-combed women" and the so-called "loyal servants for generations" among literati and poets to numb the people, so that until later generations, there were still a large number of Jiangnan people who would subconsciously distinguish who were urbanites, who were rural bullies, who were poor ghosts in northern Jiangsu, and who were Pudong nobles...
In the northern part of Guanzhong and the Central Plains, many places are located in arid or semi-arid agricultural belts, not only need large-scale water conservancy cooperation, but also because the land is flat, it is impossible to naturally form a scattered small manor system. It is more large manors, so a larger scope of centralized regime is more likely to appear, and there is naturally a need for centralized power.
The combination of "padfield economy" and "river towns" in Jiangnan has enabled local forces to always maintain a material basis for confronting the central government. It is obvious that Emperor Sun could not break this structure, so no matter how Sun Quan compromised or how power was, it did not completely change the political environment, that is, it would only treat the symptoms but not the root cause, and it would be repeated ineffective.
"Lord, if that's the case," Pang Tong frowned and said, "Isn't Jiangdong difficult to cure?"
When Pang Tong heard Fei Qian's comment on Jiangdong, he felt it was novel on the one hand, but also on the other hand, he felt it was difficult. After all, it was a little easier to talk about human affairs. If the Jiangdong environment made Jiangdong politics like this, wouldn't it be useless if anyone had changed?
"There is no way to do anything about Jiangdong..." Fei Qian was about to say something when he suddenly heard a noise in the queue in the distance.
It turned out that there were some problems in the marching queue between Fei Qian and Pang Tong.
Fei Qian looked up and found that it was an artillery cart that was obviously broken. The military academy was anxious and came to the side of the artillery cart and scolded loudly, asking the soldiers to push the artillery cart to the side of the road first...
Fei Qian looked at the artillery soldiers sweating their spokes, and couldn't help but feel: "Shandong, Jiangdong... The way of heaven and earth is to be in the way of heaven and earth is to be in the way of the gentleman, and the journey of a gentleman is long and night. Now I see the road ahead is long and far, like the towering nine ridges, the road is dangerous and turbulent, like the turbulent dragon gate. At this moment, only by keeping a heavy and quiet can one achieve the unparalleled achievements."
This cannon cart obviously inspected before departure, but who can make sure the inspection is effective or there are no accidents?
"Now people may be proud of small achievements, or are impatient for immediate benefits. It is like the spring ice and the summer dew is drying the sun. How can they achieve far-reaching success? When walking deep and thin, be careful to be alone, and be vigilant in the morning and evening. In this way, even if the road is blocked and long, there will be a time when the clouds and the moon will be bright." Fei turned his head and looked at Pang Tong, "You and I will encourage you. Let's focus on Shandong now. As for Jiangdong, we should slowly plan it."
"The lord is wise and should be kept in mind."
...
...
Yecheng.
Prime Minister's Mansion.
Suddenly a strong wind blew, pulling the copper bells at the eaves jingled in the wind, just like a death-seeking talisman that made Cao Pi feel in a mess.
The flowers that bloomed yesterday were destroyed by the strong wind today.
The petals fell and swept across the bluestone steps.
Cao Pi held the bamboo slips of the letter that had just been sent to him, and his finger joints turned white.
Since Cao Cao's defeat in Tongguan, rumors have spread like wildfire.
Some people say that Cao Cao is almost finished and is about to follow Yuan Shao's footsteps, some people say that Cao Cao is crazy and wants to drag people from Shandong to perish. Some people say that Cao Cao has already negotiated conditions with Fei Qian. When Fei Qian's troops leave Hangu Pass, they will present the emperor to Fei Qian...
Some rumors are illusory, while others are verbal and eye-catching.
Forget about those illusory rumors, if you hear them, most of them won’t take them seriously, but those with some noses and eyes are more terrifying. After all, the uncanny valley effect was not produced after this term...
"Young Master, there are also scholars outside the mansion who gathered a group to discuss it!"
A guard came from the front yard and fell under the hall. When he knelt down, he heard a harsh sound from the knife and the iron piece of the armor around his waist.
Cao Pi took a deep breath. He originally subconsciously wanted the guards to find Chen Qun and asked Chen Qun to arrest these guys who were chewing at each other, but since he was disgraced by Chen Qun last time, he was scolded by Mrs. Bian. Now he has understood some of the special nature of the current season and has gritted his teeth to hold it back.
The hand curled under the sleeves of the black brocade robe was trembling slightly, but Cao Pi said in a calm voice as calm as possible, "Don't pay attention to it... A slutty man, when his father's victory is heard, he will behead the head and hanging the door!"
The guard responded and retreated.
Cao Pi picked up the water bowl on the table, but saw the tea soup inside the water bowl...
"hateful!"
Cao Pi threw the tea bowl to the ground with a broken hand.
The tea bowl cracked on the floor and the tea soup splashed open like a pool of rusty blood.
The servant outside the hall fell to his knees in fright.
During this period, it is difficult to be a high-level servant in the Prime Minister's mansion...
Cao Pi threw the bowl and calmed down a little, then shook his sleeves, "The tea soup is too hot, I accidentally fell... clean it up."
The servant responded tremblingly and hurried into the hall, tidied up the residue and tea stains quickly, and then quietly stepped back with his butt.
Cao Pi pretended to be calm and flipped through the bookshelf beside him to read. Although he trembled the book, he couldn't even read a word.
At the hour of You, Cao Pi really couldn't hold on anymore, so he got up and left the hall. He just pressed his sword to walk around the corridor. Suddenly, he saw a silence at the West Corner Gate, but three servants were silenced under the bronze vermilion bird lamp...
『I heard that the prince threw a bowl again...』
"Surely, there must be some bad news on the frontline..."
『Not to say...』
"Dare you, the prince!" Cao Pi couldn't help but shout loudly, pulled out the long sword that was originally used as decoration, and trembled forward.
The copper lamp of Vermilion Bird flashed, and the three servants quickly fell to the ground, their faces turned pale and their bodies trembled.
"Are you still serving Cao's salary? "Cao Pi held the long sword and pointed at the three people angrily.
"We are the first offender, the first offender..."
"I was so confused for a moment..."
The three of them kowtowed one after another.
Cao Pi felt anger surged between his chest and abdomen. Chen Qun underestimated him. He tolerated it. The sour scholars in the market criticized him, and he also tolerated it. He originally thought he would tolerate it for a while, but now even these servants are about to be arrogant!
Cao Pi's teeth clattered, and murderous intent rose up...
"stop!"
Just as Cao Pi was about to kill the three servants, a light sound of Huanpeng not far away came from the sound of a clear shout.
Cao Pi turned his head and saw Mrs. Bian wearing a dark blue zoo pattern and a curved skirt. The jade pendant hanging around her waist was shining with a cold light in the twilight, indicating that he could restrain his murderous intent with his eyes.
Cao Pi slowly put the long sword into the scabbard. No matter what, it was inappropriate to say that when his son held the long sword in front of his mother.
"Come, take these three people down with thirty stern!" Mrs. Bian said in a deep voice, "If anyone in the government office is involved in the rebellion, he will be shackled for three days! Those who fail to change their teachings will be beheaded!"
Suddenly, a guard responded and dragged the three servants down. He immediately swung his arms and started to whip them.
After listening to Mrs. Bian's order, Cao Pi realized that he was a little impulsive. For example, Mrs. Bian's punishment was more appropriate. If Cao Pi stabbed the servant to death with a sword on the fire, although there would be no major event, it would inevitably be a cruel and easy-to-kill name...
"Follow me."
Mrs. Bian glanced at Cao Pi, then walked forward, walked through the corridor, and arrived in the backyard.
"Go and get a basin of water for the prince and wash a little..." Mrs. Bian ordered, then turned to Cao Pi and said, "I'll see me again after washing up."
Cao Pi responded, changed her clothes, took off her long sword, and changed into casual clothes. After she arrived in the back hall, she saw Mrs. Bian sitting alone in front of the Qingyu table, slowly inserting several branches of broken petals into the porcelain bottle. The twelve gold and copper coral lamps in the hall reflected her eyebrows like ink paintings, but she could not hide the smoke of beacons that had settled in the fine lines at the corners of her eyes.
"My mother!" Cao Pi leaned on the ground and bowed, and pretended to be calm for days and turned into sobs, "If my father is defeated... my Cao family is full of..."
Before Cao Pi finished speaking, Mrs. Bian had already thrown a volume of "Zuo Zhuan". Where the volume of the book was unfolded, it was the chapter of "Cao Gui's Dispute".
"Did the prince know this Cao?"
Mrs. Bian said a little annoyed.
Cao Pi picked up the book slip and his eyes fell on the ink words.
At the edge of the ink character, there are also some small characters with fly heads, which look like they were written by Cao Cao.
"This is what your father noted when he knew that there was a change in Yanzhou..." Mrs. Bian raised her head slightly and her eyes fell on the remaining flowers in the vase. "In the past, Cao Ke held a three-foot sword to rob Qi Huan, and observed the traces to determine the outcome! What do you do now? If you have a slight setback, you will be frustrated and be in a hurry! How can you bear such a great responsibility?!"
Mrs. Bian spoke to the passionate place, and Zhai Yi rolled up the incense burner with wide sleeves, as if the wolf smoke on the battlefield was rising.
『My mother…』
Cao Pi stared at the jade hairpin on his mother's temple, but saw white hair under the lights. He couldn't help but remember what he saw when he was with the army before. When his father Cao Cao stood in a array of thousands of troops and horses, chanting "Watching the Sea", the passionate words "If the journey of the sun and the moon are like the sparks in his mother's eyes at this moment!
"In the past, Chong'er was exiled for 19 years and finally achieved hegemony." Mrs. Bian turned around and turned the vase from Qingyukan Mountain to signal Cao Pi to see, "If he gave up halfway, what would the world make?"
Cao Pi followed Mrs. Bian's gaze and found that the originally deserted branches were intertwined with each other under Mrs. Bian's skillful hands. Not only did they no longer have a broken and decadent state, but they felt a little warm and refreshing!
"this……"
Cao Pi seemed to have some insights.
Mrs. Bian nodded slightly, "When spring flowers are brilliant, why do you need your strength? But you will rejuvenate your destruction and renew your face, and you will see the true meaning."
Cao Pi's body trembled for a moment, and he bowed deeply, "My mother... the child understands..."
『I understand?" Mrs. Bian asked, 『Since you understand, what should you do?
Cao Pi raised his head, looked directly at Mrs. Bian, and said in a deep voice: "From tomorrow, the child will wear military uniforms, wear armor, hold his strength, and practice bows and arrows... If a thief arrives, the child should stand on the city gate and live and die with the soldiers!"