When Bai Yan woke up, he opened his eyes and saw Bao Shi sleeping soundly on the wooden table beside him under the dim candlelight.
He stood up slowly and looked at the sky outside the window. There were no stars in sight, and it looked gray. It was obviously almost dawn.
I didn't expect that I slept for so long.
Just as he was about to get up and put the thin cloth blanket on Bao Shi, Bai Yan suddenly realized that the wounds of different sizes on the back of his hands were all tied with thin cloths. He was too tired yesterday and could not do anything.
I don’t know when Bao Shi bandaged these small wounds.
In fact, most of these wounds have already scarred, and the slightly deeper ones look scary, but they are not as painful as imagined.
Looking at the sleeping Bao Shi, Bai Yan took a thin cloth and gently covered Bao Shi. He wanted to leave, but when he turned around, he saw that Bao Shi had opened his eyes dimly.
"General!"
When Bao Shi saw Bai Yan wake up, her beautiful eyes were full of tenderness. Compared with the women in later generations who were arrogant and demanding, Bao Shi was millions of times better in appearance and character.
The general passed away in a coma in Wenrou Township. Bai Yan never believed this before he met the Bao family.
Only the Bao family is different.
"It's still dark, take some more rest, and I'll go deal with the backlog of cases during this period!"
Bai Yan looked at Bao Shi and indicated that Bao Shi didn't need to get up so early.
However, Mr. Bao shook his head, holding the blanket in his delicate hands, stood up and looked at Bai Yan.
"I'll go get someone to prepare water for the general to bathe in."
Bao's slender hands rubbed his eyes. As he spoke, he put down his slender hands, looked at Bai Yan, turned around and walked out of the study.
Bai Yan stood there, watching Mr. Bao quietly walk by. A faint fragrance came from his breath. Bai Yan rubbed his nose, took a deep breath, and suppressed the thoughts in his heart.
Seeing Bao Shi in Qin clothes leaving, Bai Yan smiled bitterly and shook his head.
When facing the alluring Zhao Qiu, Bai Yan was not like this and was confused.
In the study.
As the candle light was lit, Bai Yan saw more than ten boxes of bamboo slips placed beside the wooden table, and he felt dizzy.
The cases that had piled up in Xianyang before were handled by Mr. Wei for him. However, some matters not only required him to go there in person, but also required him to submit them to Xianyang in writing and go to other places for verification. Mr. Wei could not handle those cases. When Chai was here before,
She was able to help him handle some cases, but as the Qin army went to Yishui to attack Yan, Chai had to spend more time at the cavalry camp, which led to a backlog of many cases.
As for Mr. Yang, not to mention that Mr. Wei did not want Mr. Yang to know that he was good at martial arts. Even if Mr. Yang had the intention, he could not do anything about it. The fall of Zhao State, the re-division of regional cities, the appointment of various officials, and some things in Yanmen City
, as the county guard, these all need to be handled by Mr. Yang. It can be said that Mr. Yang has many things on his hands.
"take it easy!"
Bai Yan came to the desk and slowly knelt down. At this time, Bai Yan finally understood why Ying Zheng insisted on reading the two-stone bamboo slips every day, and would not even take a break until he finished reading.
This backlog makes people feel dizzy just looking at it, and they want to burn it all down.
However, just as Ying Zheng knew that every bamboo slip was closely related to the situation in each place, Bai Yan also understood that behind the stack of bamboo slips in front of him were the people and local officials involved in each case, who were waiting for him day and night.
reply.
If the officials do nothing, the officials will have nothing to fear, and the people will suffer after all.
Reaching out from the wooden box, he took out a roll of bamboo slips and looked at the things reported by his subordinate Cheng Wei. Bai Yan looked at the records above. Outside Mayi City, the second son of a villager was killed. The Cheng Wei led Qin
The official's preliminary investigation did not reveal any news of bandits making trouble in the surrounding area, and the villagers also said that there were no thieves within dozens of miles...
This was a case that had been accumulated for several days. After the Qin officials went to investigate, the city captain was finally alerted. However, the city captain was not good at making decisions, so he could only report the situation of the investigation department to the county.
All the detailed information is recorded in the books, but the specific situation still needs to be sent to Mayi for review.
I don’t know how much time has passed.
Mr. Bao came to Bai Yan with a plate of tea. His footsteps were very soft. He knelt down beside Bai Yan and looked at Bai Yan who was concentrating on handling matters. Mr. Bao did not say anything to disturb him. He carefully placed the tea next to Bai Yan and then
He stood up and came to the bedside, gently picked up the wooden buckle with his delicate hands, and pushed open the window.
It turns out that while Bai Yan was dealing with matters, the sky outside the window had already become brighter.
A new day has arrived.
After a while, the sky turned white.
"General, it's time to take a shower!"
After hearing Bao's reminder, Bai Yan put down the bamboo slips, nodded, and looked at Bao.
"Let's go!"
Bai Yan got up and followed Bao to take a bath.
In Bai Yan's room.
Although the Bao family had already learned from Bai Yan's cronies that Bai Yan was not injured in this battle, he still couldn't help but worry. He asked Bai Yan again and again. After seeing that Bai Yan was fine, he glanced at Bai Yan and left with Xi.
.
After Bai Yan took a bath and washed himself, he changed into a clean and tidy Qin official uniform. Bao took Xi and other maids to prepare breakfast, and Bai Yan went to see Mr. Wei.
The mansion is very large, although it is not as good as the one in Handan that Ying Zheng gave to Bai Yan, but compared to ordinary mansions, this mansion is also exquisite and luxurious.
In Mr. Wei's room.
When Bai Yan saw Mr. Wei, Mr. Wei was just washing up. Bai Yan slowly stepped forward and saluted Mr. Wei.
"teacher!"
Bai Yan said.
Mr. Wei saw Bai Yan and nodded. When he came back yesterday, he learned that Bai Yan was too tired and had fallen asleep. Mr. Wei asked his servants not to disturb Bai Yan and not to allow Lin Anshun and Xunzhou to visit immediately.
Now, looking at Bai Yan's appearance, even though he had slept all night, he could vaguely tell from Bai Yan's eyes that Bai Yan had not had an easy time during this period.
"Just come back safely!"
Mr. Wei put down the wet cloth and looked at Bai Yan.
"Lin Anshun and Xunzhou have arrived at Shanwu. They learned that you were back yesterday. If I hadn't stopped you, they would have wanted to go find you right away."
Mr. Wei told Bai Yan about Lin Anshun and Xunzhou. When he said this, Mr. Wei raised his eyes and looked at Bai Yan.
"Both of them are trustworthy people. You may be able to tell these two of your origins!"
Mr. Wei said softly.
Lin Anshun was brought up by Mr. Wei since he was a child. With Mr. Wei's instructions, Mr. Wei is sure that Lin Anshun will not tell the truth even if he dies. As for Xun Shuo's clan brother Xunzhou, Mr. Wei also understands it and there is no need to worry.
Looking at Bai Yan, Mr. Wei looked helpless.
He was obviously from Qi, but because of his family, he kept it hidden from the world. As a result, his identity as a Qi person was not allowed to be revealed to the world, and he only existed as a Qin person.
Thinking of Bai Yan's deeds, Mr. Wei was sure that once the news that Bai Yan was from Qi spread, not only the entire Qi country, but also the world would be shaken.
"Those two people told me about what happened to me and Tian Ding before. It can be seen that you are worried that if Qin wants to destroy Qi in the future, Qi will send troops to resist, so you want to persuade Tian Ding to give up the idea of warring Qin. If you really want to do this
, these two people are your greatest help. With their status in Qi State, you cannot compare with them in just a few words. However, if you want to convince them, the most important thing is to first say that you are from Qi State.
.”
Mr. Wei advised.
No one could understand how much Mr. Wei wanted to tell the truth about Bai Yan being from Qi.
Mr. Wei knew what would happen when the time comes. Either Lin Anshun and Xunzhou persuade Bai Yan to return to Qi to serve, or Bai Yan persuades Lin Anshun and Xunzhou to help persuade Tian Ding.
No matter which one it is, it is a good thing for Mr. Wei.
The Queen of Qi became the prime minister of Qi. Although Qi was rich and had been recuperating for decades, the spirit of military service had disappeared and the spirit of hedonism was fully apparent. The capable ministers and generals in the court were aging, and their replacements were not the pillars of the new generation.
Instead, wine and women filled the streets of every city in Qi.
Once upon a time, when Korea was not yet destroyed, Mr. Wei met Bai Yan and persuaded Bai Yan not to go to Qin.
At the beginning, before Zhao State was destroyed, Mr. Wei met Bai Yan and persuaded Bai Yan to return to Qi State to serve.
Now that we are watching Han and Zhao being destroyed, Wei is powerless, Chu is fighting for its king, and Qi is like that, the old stubbornness of Mr. Wei is no longer there.
It would be best for Bai Yan to return to Qi State. If he is unwilling to return to Qi State, it may not necessarily be a wrong thing.
"Teacher, I want to wait until Chu is destroyed before informing Lin Anshun and Xunzhou about this!"
Bai Yan heard what Mr. Wei said, thought about it, and said to Mr. Wei.
It's not that Bai Yan doesn't trust Mr. Wei, but it's the matter of his parents that the fewer people know about it, the better. It won't be too late to tell Lin Anshun and Xunzhou when the Chu Kingdom is destroyed.
"Forget it! Qin Qi is still on good terms with each other. It would be useless to tell him earlier, but..."
Mr. Wei sighed and turned to look at Bai Yan.
"Are you really sure that Qin will attack Chu first instead of destroying Qi?"
Elder Wei asked, mentioning this matter, Elder Wei was very puzzled, because according to the current situation of Chu State, it is an opportunity for Qin State. Now taking advantage of the turmoil in Chu State, destroying Wei Qi is the best opportunity.
After Wei Qi is destroyed, only Chu will be left, and Qin will be free to use all its strength to destroy Chu.
"It's Chu!"
Bai Yan nodded, looked at Mr. Wei, his tone was unusually determined.
"General, sir, there is someone outside the mansion asking to see you! They are the four people who have visited me several times in the past few days."
While Bai Yan and Mr. Wei were talking, a servant hurriedly came to the room and reported to Bai Yan and Mr. Wei.
When Bai Yan and Mr. Wei heard this, they naturally knew that Lin Anshun and Xunzhou had come to visit them early in the morning.
"They are more anxious than I thought!"
Mr. Wei shook his head.
Bai Yan looked at the servant.
"Invite people to go to the main hall, I will go there immediately!"
Bai Yan said, then looked at Mr. Wei: "Teacher, please!"
Mr. Wei nodded, watched the servant leave, and was about to leave with Bai Yan, but suddenly something occurred to Mr. Wei.
"By the way, there is one more thing. What did you promise Zhao Qiu to do before? Why is Zhao Qiu willing to help you?"
Mr. Wei looked at Bai Yan and asked.
Mr. Wei has been wondering about this matter for a long time. In Mr. Wei's eyes, even though that girl Zhao Qiu is charming and attractive, when she is targeted by that girl, she has always used others and will not be used by others.
If Zhao Qiu can help Bai Yan, Bai Yan must have promised Zhao Qiu something.
inside the room.
When Bai Yan heard Mr. Wei's inquiry, he stopped and saluted Mr. Wei.
"On that day, the disciple informed me of its pros and cons..."
Bai Yan recalled what happened in the study that day and told Mr. Wei what happened.
In the study that day, he told Zhao Qiu what happened in Chu State, and then mentioned that the Huns were going south. Zhao Qiu was not stupid, and knew that Bai Yan wanted her to help.
Bai Yan analyzed the pros and cons of the Huns going south, analyzed the mortal feud between the Zhao people and the Huns, and analyzed the nature of the Huns. In short, he, Bai Yan, would lead his side cavalry to fight to the death at Yanmen, and the Huns would definitely suffer a lot of casualties.
After the war, it is uncertain whether the Xiongnu would dare to continue to help Guo and Gongzi Jiadu.
Not to mention, how many Huns were killed by Bianqi under the leadership of Li Mu. The Huns who fled north more than ten years ago are still alive. The descendants of those killed Huns are today
The Huns who went south were destined to be at odds with Bianqi. In the eyes of the Zhao people, Bai Yan, like Yang Duanhe, was from Qin. He would die when he died. However, Bianqi was different. Once the Huns killed all Bianqi, he was from Qin.
, let alone the state of Qin, the people of Zhao would be the first to refuse.
To prevent the Huns from killing people? Guo Zong and Gongzi Jiake don't have that ability. Now it's Gongzi Jia and Guo Zong who are begging the Huns to go south. Without the strength of the Huns, the two of them can't do it at all.
When the time comes, in the face of the burning, killing, and looting by the Huns, the Zhao people will no longer be Zhao people, and the Zhao people who were brutalized by the Huns will no longer be loyal to the so-called Zhao Wang family, and the so-called Zhao country will no longer be loyal to them.
There is no hope of restoring the country, but the real subjugation of the country.
Without the recognition of the Zhao people, it is just like the Yin merchants and Zhou people who disappeared eight hundred years ago.
in addition.
Once Yanmen is captured by the Huns, the Huns who suffered huge damage will definitely have different opinions. In addition, all Guo Zong can give to the Huns is iron ore and iron tools. In order to prevent the Huns from capturing the craftsmen after occupying Zhao land, they will take away the
Iron mines, and in order to prevent the leader of the Huns, Touman Shanyu, from regretting after seeing the casualties, the first thing the Guo family and Gongzi Jia, as well as those Zhao nobles, must do was to marry.
The most reassuring and commonly used means of alliance in the world today is marriage.
And looking at the entire Zhao family, and even the entire Zhao country, where can one find a beauty more beautiful than Princess Zhao Qiu, who also has the blood of the Zhao country.
In this way, let alone whether the Zhao State can be restored, let alone whether the Zhao State will be turbulent and recaptured by the Qin State. Even if nothing happens, Princess Zhao Qiu has gone to the Huns. What does this have to do with Zhao Qiu?
Regarding the relationship, after the short-term restoration of the Zhao Kingdom, with the talents of Gongzi Jia and Guo Zong, how long could they govern it, whether it was a week or half a month.
inside the room.
Following Bai Yan's narration, Mr. Wei finally understood what happened that day. Bai Yan's words were quite to the point, but they were able to get to the point. Guo Zong and Gongzi Jia were indeed not talented people in governing the country. They could only be said to be sages. They only had the words in their minds to let them know.
The idea of restoring Zhao State has even been somewhat clouded in mind.
Moreover, as Bai Yan said, Zhao Qiu is likely to be the first person abandoned by the Huns after they go south.
From letting the Xiongnu go south, it can be seen that the two of them have spared no effort to restore their country. Such people can be found everywhere in the palaces of all countries in the world.
"After she agreed to help you, what did she ask for?"
Mr. Wei looked at Bai Yan.
Zhao Qiu is far smarter than Gongzi Jia and Guo Zong. Bai Yan made it so clear that she cannot understand the stakes. On the road to restoring the Zhao Kingdom, she will never agree to be kicked out from the beginning.
, even far away from the Central Plains.
"She gave her disciples two choices. First, she wanted her disciples to return to Qi after this battle and be loyal to the King of Qi. And if she would one day start an uprising in Zhao, her disciples had to convince the King of Qi and personally lead troops to wish her to fight against Qin.
, the second option is that she helps her disciple this time, but she still wants him to leave Qin and help her restore the country. After that, no matter what he wants, she will give it to him."
When Bai Yan saw Mr. Wei's gaze, he said dumbfounded.
And following Bai Yan's words.
Mr. Wei couldn't help but laugh with a surprised look on his face. He didn't know whether he was laughing at Zhao Qiu for daring to think and be so whimsical, or whether he was laughing at Zhao Qiu for being so open-minded and really daring to say it. But he had to admit that the two choices Zhao Qiu mentioned,
Even the old man couldn't help but praise him.
Unfortunately……
Don't even think about it, Bai Yan will definitely not agree.
Mr. Wei looked at Bai Yan.
"I really hope you can agree to her. When the time comes, even she will probably be able to meet your requirements!"
Mr. Wei smiled and joked, speaking of it, for a gentle and virtuous woman like the Bao family, in Mr. Wei's eyes, Zhao Qiu is actually more suitable for Bai Yan, and it is not the first time that Zhao Qiu helped Bai Yan. If it had not been for Zhao Qiu before,
Given the news, I'm afraid Bai Yan may not be able to return to Yanmen again.
Bai Yan has offended too many forces before, whether it was for Ying Zheng or for the people.
Only Zhao Qiu can help Bai Yan overcome difficulties in the future.
"Teacher, don't make jokes!"
When Bai Yan heard what Mr. Wei said, he shook his head. When he saw Mr. Wei's eyes, Bai Yan raised his hand to salute.
"The disciple finally promised her that if one day Qin and Qi go to war, the disciple will return to Qi!"
Bai Yan said.
That day, Bai Yan was in the study room, agreeing to Zhao Qiu like this. This was Bai Yan's bottom line. Regardless of whether Zhao Qiu agreed or not, he would only agree to this matter.
"Qin Qi is at war?"
When Mr. Wei heard Bai Yan's words, he looked surprised. He looked at Bai Yan and remembered what Lin Anshun said to Xunzhou. Then he couldn't help but shook his head in confusion.
Qin and Qi are at war!
Zhao Qiu didn't know that Bai Yan was already busy with Qi's affairs, and he didn't know that Qin's next target was probably Wei Chu, not Wei Qi. Therefore, in Zhao Qiu's eyes, when Chu was in chaos,
Qin will definitely take the opportunity to destroy Yan, attack Wei and Qi, and finally destroy Chu with all its strength. As long as Qin and Qi fight and Bai Yan returns to Qi, it will still be too late, and Zhao can take the opportunity to recover.
"You, you~!"
Mr. Wei shook his head and looked at Bai Yan.
Speaking of which, Mr. Wei can also understand Zhao Qiu. In fact, after Bai Yan explained the interests and dangers, Zhao Qiu had no choice.
"I hope your kid's guess is correct. Qin will destroy Chu first and then attack Qi, and you can really make Qi surrender without a fight. If not, you must kill her, otherwise her character will definitely take revenge.
As for you, don’t underestimate her!”
Mr. Wei put away his smile and looked at Bai Yan.
When he said this, Mr. Wei, who had lived for most of his life, felt a little uncomfortable in his heart. Although Zhao Qiu was arrogant, she was a pitiful woman, several times more pitiful than Bao and Tian Feiyan.
If he didn't know Zhao Qiu's character clearly, Mr. Wei would not have let Bai Yan make a mistake and kill Zhao Qiu immediately if he didn't want to get into trouble.
In the study room.
When Bai Yan heard what Mr. Wei said, he stood there, not knowing what to say. He knew that Mr. Wei didn't blame him, but Bai Yan still felt the heaviness in Mr. Wei's tone.
"Teacher, this disciple will definitely do his best!"
Bai Yan cupped his hands and said.
He, Bai Yan, is a general on the border and a lieutenant of Yanmen County. Sometimes he really has no choice. Even if he is unwilling, it is like agreeing to send finance to the Yuezhi to the Weng who once paid attention to the Huns and the Yuezhi in Gaonu.
, the man who caused many soldiers to die tragically.
Bai Yan didn't dare not send it away, he didn't dare not, let alone order someone to kill him when the time came.
He, Bai Yan, can lead the side cavalry and the Bai family cavalry to win every battle, but no one knows that one day, both he and the side cavalry will be defeated and will be in danger. At that time, they will all need help, even if that person is
Former enemies, at that time, personal reputation and deeds were very important.
Therefore, now that he was watching the old man enjoy himself with his money, he could not even order anyone to kill the old man.
He, Bai Yan, can go back to seclusion, but the soldiers have to serve in the army. After the defeat, he, Bai Yan, has a way out, but the soldiers do not. Regardless of whether it is possible in the future, he, Bai Yan, must leave a way of survival in the future for more frontier soldiers.
Leave a way to survive.
The same thing happened with Zhao Qiu.
Bai Yan knew that deceiving a woman was not something a seven-foot man could do, but as a general and a county lieutenant, he had to consider all the generals and the entire Yanmen.
He could only say what he said and then do it with all his strength, and would not make a mistake to Zhao Qiu. And throughout history, it seems that when Qi State faced the Qin army, the King of Qi hesitated for a long time, and indeed surrendered without a fight.
"The four of them should have arrived at the main hall."
A good son is more like a father, and a better disciple is like a teacher. Mr. Wei looked at Bai Yan and lowered his head slightly. At that moment, his face was blank and his eyes showed a guilty look. He thought for a few breaths. How could Mr. Wei have guessed what Bai Yan was thinking.
to be honest.
Mr. Wei is already very satisfied with Bai Yan. Not to mention that Bai Yan is the chief general. He has to endure more. Even at Bai Yan's age, he can endure it. Mr. Wei did not expect it at the beginning. You must know that all generals
, even Chai, after learning about this incident, had anger written on his face, and his eyes were full of madness.
No matter what Bai Yan thinks, at least he doesn't show it. This is a reliable and accomplished general.
Mr. Wei looked at Bai Yan.
Mr. Wei knew very well that those cavalry soldiers buried in Gaonu had all lived with Bai Yan day and night, experienced war after war, and traveled around!
Thinking of this, Mr. Wei felt a little heavy, but as a teacher, he couldn't help Bai Yan in this matter.
"Let's go!"
Mr. Wei said, and then took the lead to walk out of the door.
Seeing this, Bai Yan came to his senses, looked up at Mr. Wei, and followed behind.
···············
In the main hall of the mansion.
When Bai Yan and Mr. Wei came to the main hall, they saw Lin Anshun and Xunzhou standing in the main hall, as well as Chen Ze and Fu Yao, who had known each other for a few days.
"Mr. Wei!"
"Mr. Wei!!"
When Lin Anshun and others saw Mr. Wei, they all bowed their hands in greetings. However, when they saw Bai Yan, without exception, they all looked amazed.
Nowadays, in the city, rumors of the war in the Yunzhong Mountains are everywhere. Many family members of the soldiers said that after the heavy rain, when the soldiers and the people entered the mountains to dispose of the corpses, the mountains were full of crows, and the Huns were headless.
Corpses were scattered all over the valley for more than ten miles. For several days, the creeks in the valley and the entire mountain range were filled with a strong smell of blood.
When the Xiongnu went south, they were led by Bai Yan again and killed more than 26,000 people. Even Touman Chanyu of the Xiongnu still doesn't know whether he is dead or alive.
"Long time no see, General Bai!"
Xunzhou and Lin Anshun all looked at Bai Yan and bowed their hands in ceremony.
"Bai Yan, I have met Doctor Xun, Doctor Lin!"
Bai Yan also returned the gift with his hand.
“Long time no see!”
When returning the courtesy to Chen Ze and Fu Yao, Bai Yan showed a kind smile and expressed his closeness.
The Fu family where Fu Yao belonged, and the Langya Chen family, were famous families in the Qi State. Many of their connections were serving as officials in the Qi State, and even serving as officials in the court.
"Congratulations to General Bai!"
When Chen Ze and Fu Yao saw Bai Yan being so polite, they quickly smiled with joy and prepared the ceremony.
As everyone took their seats.
The maids came over with breakfast dishes one by one, but Bao didn't show up. Bao always liked to live in seclusion. Apart from worrying that someone would recognize him, he also didn't like to interact with others. After all, he was Yao Jia at the beginning. When he saw Bao, he would instinctively
The thought of greed arose, but fortunately it was Yao Jia who finally thought about it and dismissed it.
"Thank you!"
Lin Anshun looked at the breakfast and said gratefully. However, Lin Anshun did not eat in a hurry. Instead, he and Xunzhou looked at each other and looked at Mr. Wei.
Mr. Wei said at the beginning that when Bai Yan comes back, he will explain the reason to them.
Now, Bai Yan has returned!
In the main hall.
Mr. Wei took the bowl and chopsticks and ate his breakfast. When he saw the expectant looks in Lin Anshun and Xunzhou's eyes, he pretended not to see them and continued eating.
Originally Wei Lao was thinking about telling these two people that Bai Yan was from Qi, and even thought about telling them that Bai Yan was driven out by Tian Ding when he left Qi State, so as to tell the story of the suppressed
I was deeply dissatisfied with Tian Ding in my heart.
However, Bai Yan was worried about something unexpected happening and wanted to wait until Qin destroyed Chu before informing the two of them.
This time again and again.
It makes it difficult for him, an old man, to figure out how to explain.
Think of this.
Mr. Wei looked at Bai Yan while eating his bowl of porridge.
Bai Yan was also eating breakfast. When he saw Mr. Wei's eyes, he turned around and looked calmly at Lin Anshun and Xunzhou, who were looking around expectantly, as well as Chen Ze and his husband who looked curious.