As the sun sets over the western mountains, in Lantian City, you can see smoke rising from cooking stoves and people returning home.
After it gets dark.
In front of the largest mansion in Lantian City, Bai Yan, accompanied by his confidants, revealed his identity and took out a wooden sign.
Seeing this, he already knew that General Tu Sui was going to entertain the servants of Zuo Shuchang's mansion, so he quickly invited Bai Yan into the mansion.
As the largest and most luxurious mansion in Lantian City.
It is rumored that it was built by Jingyang Jun during the reign of King Zhaoxiang of Qin. There are also rumors that it was built by Wei Ran during the reign of King Huiwen of Qin.
But no matter who built it, it has now become Tu Sui's mansion.
Inside the mansion.
Bai Yan followed the servants of the mansion, looking at the mansion that had amazed Liang Lang, Yu Sui, Xi and others as he walked.
Times have changed.
Looking back at that time, Bai Yan didn't even know that he would be invited into this mansion today.
After a long time, Bai Yan arrived at the main hall, but before entering, he heard laughter and chatter inside.
After Bai Yan entered the main hall, he saw a total of six people sitting inside. Except for Sima Xing, whom he knew, Bai Yan had never seen the other five people.
"coming!"
Sima Xing, who was kneeling behind the wooden table on the right, stood up with a smile after seeing Bai Yan.
"Bai Yan, this is General Tu Sui!"
Sima Xing introduced it to Bai Yan.
Seeing this, Bai Yan followed Sima Xing's line of sight and looked at the man behind the single wooden table at the top of the main hall.
The man appeared to be about thirty years old, with a rough face covered with beards, but his eyes flashed like a wolf, and you could tell at a glance that he was someone who was not easy to mess with.
At least Bai Yan, who has been on the battlefield all year round and has experienced desperate situations and killings, looked at the man and suddenly felt this feeling in his heart.
"Bai Yan, I have met the general!"
After Bai Yan introduced Sima Xing, he bowed his hands in front of Tu Sui in ceremony.
Tu Sui was a senior general among the generals, his title was You Geng, and he was very close to Da Shang Zao.
Bai Yan was just the lowest Zuo Shu chief among the generals. He was much lower than Tu Sui in terms of title and official position.
"I've heard General Bai Yan's name for a long time, and I'm lucky enough to meet him today. It really makes people look at him!"
Tu Sui, who had already stood up, bowed his hand in return to Bai Yan.
While talking, Tu Sui looked at the young Bai Yan, his eyes really full of surprise.
Bai Yan was so young that even though he had heard rumors, he still couldn't help but be amazed after seeing Bai Yan with his own eyes.
Who can believe it.
This young man in front of me dares to burn the city and massacre the nobles.
"General Tu Sui praises you!"
Bai Yan said modestly and compiled the ceremony again.
At this time, Sima Xing then introduced the other five generals in the camp to Bai Yan.
Yuesu, Jihuan, Xiangqian, Weirong.
Under Sima Xing's introduction, Bai Yan and the four generals saluted and greeted each other.
After some polite greetings.
After the maid brought the tea, Tu Sui asked Bai Yan to take a seat.
In the main hall.
Bai Yan knelt down on the wooden table next to Sima Xing. This position was slightly closer to the door than Sima Xing's position.
The Qin State has always respected the right. Tu Sui is the general and the head of the family, sitting in the middle and innermost position.
Sima Xing is sitting on his knees on the right, followed by Bai Yan, who is also on the right.
None of the other four generals had any objections to this arrangement. After all, although Bai Yan was young, his title was not lower than theirs, and Bai Yan's current position was still the deputy general of the army, and he returned as the deputy general of the army.
Not to mention that after looking at Bai Yan, Yue Su, and Ji Huan who had achieved great military exploits, they all knew that after he returned to Xianyang, he would definitely be promoted and rewarded.
"Tu Sui has heard about it for a long time. In the past, General Bai Yan lined up against the water at Jingxing. Unfortunately, the process cannot be known. I see General Bai Yan today. I hope General Bai Yan can clear up Tu Sui's doubts!"
After Tu Sui saw Bai Yan take his seat and the maid was waiting on him, he raised his hands and asked curiously.
The voice fell.
Several other people also looked at Bai Yan.
In the past, when the news about the formation of the formation against the water and the destruction of Jingxing was reported back to the Qin State, everyone was in an uproar. Any general who has read military books knows that if the formation is not careful, the entire army will be killed.
Therefore, everyone was a little confused when they heard that Bai Yan not only formed a formation with his back to the water, but also defeated Zhao Jun and captured Zhao Jun and Zhao Cong.
Why did he leave the place where he would die and then survive? In Bai Yan's battle, there seemed to be no place of death. On the contrary, the result was unexpectedly reversed.
Now let alone the Qin State, the generals of other vassal states are all studying how Bai Yan achieved this battle.
"Go back to General Tu Sui and fight at Jingxing. If you can win, the most important thing is to underestimate the enemy."
Bai Yan watched the maid pour the tea, and after hearing Tu Sui's words, he quickly raised his hands and replied.
Then, under the watchful eyes of everyone, Bai Yan explained everything that could be said about Jingxing's battle one by one.
As for some matters involving Li Mu, Bai Yan, who wanted to capture Zhao Bianqi, would naturally not say much.
Bai Yan knew that what he said tonight would most likely be spread out in a very short time, so it was better to be cautious in his words and actions.
However, such a result will lead to the fact that although the battle at Jingxing still looks exciting, Bai Yan still gambles on some very critical points.
In the main hall.
Tu Sui and others listened carefully to Bai Yan's words and nodded from time to time.
The things I didn't understand when I looked at the map were all answered under Bai Yan's explanation.
"I see!"
After Tu Sui heard this, he sighed with emotion, and then raised his hands to Bai Yan: "General Bai Yan has such knowledge and strategy at such a young age. He is truly a genius."
After Tu Sui's words, Xiang Qian, Wei Rong and others also looked at Bai Yan.
After knowing the course of the battle at Jingjing, although some luck was involved, and General Tu Sui's words of 'unparalleled genius' were exaggerated, it still did not prevent us from seeing that Bai Yan's courage and strategy were far superior to others.
"You can't bear General Tu Sui's praise! If it weren't for Zhao Cong who underestimated the enemy, Bai Yan wouldn't be where he is today."
Bai Yan looked at Tu Sui, raised his hand and said a salute.
As he spoke, Bai Yan looked at General Tu Sui and naturally knew that Tu Sui's words were just flattery and talk among his colleagues, and the polite words should not be taken seriously.
Bai Yan was also happy to see this.
Nowadays, Bai Yan does not insist on having a good reputation or becoming famous all over the world. It can even be said that Bai Yan does not want anything that countless talented and learned people regard as his example and seek for their whole life.
There is still a strong Chu state in the world today. The Chu state has a vast territory, strong soldiers and horses, and many generals. Xiang Yan is also the general of the Chu state.
It can be seen from this that all the people who rebelled against Qin in later generations came from Chu.
If Zhao is the biggest stumbling block to Qin, then Chu is the vassal state that poses the greatest threat to Qin.
This threat was not as threatening as that of the Zhao State with Li Mu, but it was also the first to deal the most fatal blow to the later Qin State when it was at its weakest.
Not to mention Xiang Yu in his memory, as well as many famous generals, even the soldier immortal in later generations, it was enough to make Bai Yan worried.
Under such circumstances, the higher someone praises you, the less good it is.
Mr. Wei also reminded Bai Yan that after burning the city and destroying Jingxing, Ying Zheng had already known his talents, so he should hide his talents and govern Yanmen to consolidate the foundation. He should no longer be a person with high achievements and high prestige.
Bai Yan naturally took Mr. Wei's words to heart.
After all, Bai Yan was satisfied with his status and wealth, and just waited for the world to be unified so that he could return home one day.
"General Bai Yan is too modest!"
Tu Sui smiled and did not comment on Bai Yan's modesty.
Later Tu Sui also chatted with Yue Su, Sima Shang and others.
After a while, when the food and wine were ready, everyone began to drink and chat.
Bai Yan knelt down and sat behind the wooden table, looking at the older generals who were drinking and talking. Adhering to the principle of talking less and toasting more, after a banquet, whether it was General Tu Sui, Ji Huan, or General Wei Rong, they were all there.
Unknowingly, I developed a liking for Bai Yan.
Even though Bai Yan is young, and even though Bai Yan has drunk a lot, at the wine table, Bai Yan knows how to behave.
Unlike those arrogant scholars and talents, nor those veterans with seniority and meritorious service, Bai Yan clearly understood the relationship between the host, guest, and minors, and he would not seek the limelight.
This is also the reason why Tu Sui and others subconsciously had a crush on Bai Yan after drinking.
After all, in this world where people talk after two drinks and act like you are not as good as me, such an 'honest' and promising young man like Bai Yan is really disgusting.
Even after Tai Jing had a drink with Bai Yan, he held Bai Yan back until he was drunk.
And then there's what happens next.
After three rounds of drinking.
A continuous flow of fine wine was poured into the throat, and everyone was a little drunk.
"General Bai Yan, if you pass by Lantian in the future, please don't break up again. Come directly to the mansion, and then we can have a drink and talk freely."
Tu Sui has a relatively straightforward temperament. After drinking too much, he looked at Bai Yan and started to speak frankly.
Putting down the wine jue, Tu Sui looked at Bai Yan.
"In the past, I heard about the plundering and selling of Yanmen. General Bai Yan did a good job for the nobles. Tu Sui had long disliked those nobles. The reason why Yang Duan and General were trapped in Yingchuan was because General Teng did not give the order to get rid of them.
Those nobles, if we get rid of those nobles, how can there be so many things in the future?"
Tu Sui said.
Tu Sui had heard about Bai Yan's life before. When he went to Zhao State, he heard that Bai Yan passed by Lantian and met Sima Xing at the Lantian camp.
Tu Sui did not entertain Bai Yan at that time.
And now Tu Sui's banquet with Bai Yan is not to curry favor with him. Although Bai Yan has made many military exploits, Tu Sui, as the general of Lantian, does not need to curry favor with others.
The real reason why Tu Sui invited Bai Yan to a banquet was that Bai Yan made Tu Sui extremely happy when dealing with the affairs of the Yanmen nobles.
In the main hall.
Bai Yan, who was kneeling next to Sima Xing, was stunned when he suddenly heard Tu Sui's words.
Bai Yan, who was caught off guard, couldn't laugh or cry when he heard General Tu Sui's sincere words.
Bai Yan knew very well that if he didn't explain now, he would not be able to get away with it if word got out.
Looking at General Tu Sui who didn't care at all, Bai Yan sighed in his heart and quickly raised his hand to write a gift.
"General Tu Sui!"
Bai Yan looked at Tu Sui.
"In the Yanmen incident, those nobles involved in plundering and selling violated the laws of Qin and should be punished. Bai Yan just followed the laws of Qin!"
After Bai Yan finished speaking, he did not put down his raised hands, but continued to smile and said: "In the past, the Yingchuan nobles had no faults. It must be so, that's why General Teng didn't punish them! General Teng, like General Tu Sui, both
He is an important minister of the Qin State, and he must have concerns about stabilizing the territory for the king, and General Tu Sui must be aware of it!"
A few words.
Bai Yan was explaining why he dealt with the nobles, and then quickly excused General Teng. In the end, he also secretly supported Tu Sui when he spoke.
After finishing speaking.
Bai Yan glanced at Sima Xing beside him calmly out of the corner of his eye, and it was fleeting.
At this moment, Bai Yan's heart was full of helplessness. If he knew that General Tu Sui spoke so "straightforwardly", he would have to find a reason for whatever he said today. Even if he risked General Tu Sui's displeasure, he would not follow Sima Xing to this banquet.
After all, who knows what General Tu Sui will say later and offend others.
When word gets out, General Tu Sui won't be afraid, but Bai Yan, who already has enemies in the court, doesn't want to offend anyone else.
Having many enemies in the court is not a good thing after all.
"That's true!"
After Tu Sui heard what Bai Yan said, he thought about it and nodded.
After the words fell, Sima Xing on the side also opened his mouth to talk about other places, and those who were equally thoughtful as Bai Yan and Sima Xing were Wei Rong and others.
Therefore, after Sima Xing changed the topic, everyone agreed.
Next.
Until the banquet was over, Tu Sui did not mention Yanmen again amid the laughter of Sima Xing and others.
Under the leadership of maids and servants.
The banquet is over.
Tu Sui sent everyone out of the mansion, and after chatting outside the mansion,
Bai Yan and Sima Xing, who were almost drunk, just said goodbye to Tu Sui and got into the carriage prepared by Tu Sui for them.
"How? See Tu Sui!"
Sima Xing, whose face was red from drinking, asked in the carriage.
Because it was late at night, there were no candle lights in the carriage, and there was only weak moonlight after opening the curtain.
"General Tu Sui is very straightforward."
Bai Yan hesitated for a long time, but in the end he couldn't find anything to describe Tu Sui.
Inside the carriage.
Sima Xing smiled after hearing Bai Yan's words.
"I know your doubts. There is no need to doubt that General Tu Sui's temperament is like this. He did not do it intentionally! In his early years, General Tu Sui escorted the king back from Zhao, and during Lu Buwei's reign and civil strife, he was loyal to the king.
.”
After Sima Xing finished speaking, he thought of something else and turned to look at Bai Yan beside him.
"You have to remember that even if you have made many military exploits, you will never be able to remonstrate with General Tu Sui in front of the king unless you are forced to do so."
Sima Xing ordered, and then whispered to Bai Yan: "In the Qin State, there are generals who are more capable than Tu Sui, such as General Wang Jian and others. But if we have to talk about trust, the king trusts Tu Sui. Compared with Wang Jian and others, the king trusts Tu Sui."
General, only be high, not low!"
"I see!"
Bai Yan murmured in a low voice, no wonder that five or six years later, General Tu Sui would be worshiped as a national captain and lead an army of 500,000 to conquer Baiyue in the south.
Half a million troops!
Except for Bai Yan, no one dares to say whether Tu Sui will stand on his own in Baiyue or rebel against Qin.
How could Ying Zheng hand over so many soldiers and horses to one person if he didn't have great trust?
After hearing Sima Xing's instructions, Bai Yan came back to his senses and nodded quickly.
"Bai Yan understands!"
After Bai Yan finished speaking, he seemed to think of something again.
"Compared to General Tu Sui, Bai Yan is more curious about General Yuesu and General Xiang Qian."
Bai Yan said softly.
Bai Yan did not hide his doubts about Sima Xing. After all, Sima Xing was Bai Yu's life and death friend, and Sima Xing was not guarded against him and had always taken care of him.
We were just at the banquet.
Bai Yan was sensitive to the fact that unlike Generals Wei Rong and Ji Huan, General Yue Su and General Xiang Qian, both in their thirties, always kept a distance from him.
It's not hostility, but it's always there.
Bai Yan didn't know how to describe it.
"You're quite perceptive, kid!"
Sima Xing heard Bai Yan's words and said with a smile.
This sentence made Bai Yan a little confused. At the banquet just now, Sima Xing, who thought he was not the party involved, should not have felt it.
But now Sima Xing's words clearly told Bai Yan that Sima Xing seemed to know something.
Inside the carriage.
Under Bai Yan's curious gaze, Sima Xing explained to Bai Yan.
"Yuesu was originally from Baiyue. It is said that he came after Xia Jie, and his real name was Jiesu. After Qin took Qianzhong County, Baiyue has been in Qin and Chu. They have a good alliance. The sons of the clans all worship Qin and Chu. Jiesu
This is how he came to Qin, and because he came from Baiyue, he was called Yuesu."
Sima Xing said this and paused.
"As for Xiang Qian, he is the descendant of the Xiang clan of Empress Dowager Xuan. In the past, Empress Dowager Xuan asked Xiang Shou, a member of her mother clan, to go to the Qin Dynasty to serve as prime minister. Xiang Qian is the descendant of Xiang Shou. Now the Xiang clan is after Empress Dowager Xuan.
It has been completely declined. Like Yuesu, the reason why Xiang Qian can serve as a general has something to do with Lord Changping."
After speaking, when he said the last two sentences, Sima Xing was in the carriage and stopped talking.
As for Bai Yan, he still couldn't tell that Sima Xing was telling him that both Yue Su and Xiang Qian were from the Chu clan.
"Uncle already knows?"
Bai Yan asked.
At this moment, Bai Yan didn't know that Sima Xing already knew about Lord Changping.
"You didn't tell your uncle back then! In your eyes, do you look down on your uncle, or do you think you can resist alone?"
Sima Xing heard Bai Yan's words and said angrily.
After Bai Yan left Lantian, he received news from Bai Yu the next day. He knew that there was someone behind the scenes who wanted to get rid of Bai Yan regarding Gao Nu in Shangjun.
After looking for an opportunity to return to Xianyang to meet Bai Yu, I learned the whole story.
Sima Xing couldn't help but feel cold sweat for Bai Yan, and then he was so angry that when Bai Yan left, he didn't even tell him.
"It's a very important matter. Bai Yan doesn't dare to entrust it without permission. I hope my uncle will forgive me!"
Bai Yan smiled bitterly, ignoring the slight shaking of the carriage, and apologized to Sima Xingji in the carriage.
After knowing the identities of Yue Su and Xiang Qian, Bai Yan knew that he still underestimated the Chu clan. Now there were not only Chu clan officials in the court and counties, but also people from the Chu clan in the camp.
Seeing this, Sima Xing lost a lot of his anger.
"Okay, I just want to tell you, kid, don't underestimate that person and the faction behind him."
Sima Xing said.
Although Bai Yan knew General Teng and Minister Meng Yu, there was also Mr. Hu in the court. With Mr. Hu's connections and Bai Yu's connections, Lord Changping could not move Bai Yan in the court.
But there are still people in the counties and camps keeping an eye on him.
Especially the place where Baiyan started, Lantian Camp.
"Your uncle Bai Yu and grandfather Bai Zhong have written letters to Shangjun before!"
Sima Xing said.
Bai Yan heard this.
"Are you telling Uncle Hu Jin?"
Bai Yan looked at Sima Xing.
Sima Xing shook his head.
"Yes or no, in addition to Hu Jin, the Bai family also needs allies. Your uncle will tell you after you go to Xianyang!"
Sima Xing looked at Bai Yan.
When Bai Yan heard Hu Jin's words, he vaguely guessed something.
Under the dark night, on the streets of Lantian, generals such as Gui and Feng Nian were riding war horses to escort Bai Yan's carriage through the streets.
Regarding the vague conversation coming from the carriage, Gui, Feng Nian and others could not hear anything.
No matter what they heard, Gui and Fengnian didn't care. What they cared about was the general's safety.