Chapter 23 The Out of Control Southwest Land of Xia Kingdom
Having made a decision and fishing openly and openly, these envoys of the Xia Kingdom were exactly what they wanted.
When the officials of Honglu Pavilion brought lunch, someone deliberately complained softly in front of them. The look of gnashing teeth and stern accusations showed that every word was sincere and there was no show.
Seeing this look, the officials of Yun State could not help but murmur in their hearts.
After lunch, these Xia envoys slipped out of the Honglu Pavilion in twos and threes and started wandering around Zhongqing City.
Zhong Zizuo did the same. He simply cleaned up and walked out of Honglu Pavilion.
Zhongqing City is the capital of the Yun Kingdom. Although it is not as good as the capital of the Xia Kingdom, it is one of the few prosperous places in the world. On the streets, there are crowds of people and business travelers like clouds.
Zhong Zizhuo looked leisurely and strolled slowly on the street. From time to time, he walked into several distinctive shops and bought a few Yunguo specialties.
Just looking at this appearance, it really looks like I am visiting Zhongqing City.
Just when he was wandering somewhere, a waiter who was soliciting business on the roadside suddenly grabbed him and said enthusiastically:
"Looking at the way this customer is dressed, it seems that he is from another country? Our store has excellent specialties from Yun Country, which are rare in other places. Why don't you, this customer, come in and take a look?"
Zhong Zizuo looked at the sleeves being pulled by the waiter, his eyes moved, he coughed lightly and asked:
"Is there anything rare?"
"I have all these rare things in the Cloud Country in my shop! Either new tea or brocade cloth. Oh, by the way, there is also the newly arrived black copper and silver. This thing is not available outside, on the copper utensils
The seals are carved with various patterns, and then filled with silver shavings and fired to make them blend into one. It is both elegant and a good omen when used as a gift!"
Zhong Zizuo's eyes flickered slightly, he glanced around subconsciously, and then said:
"Oh, this is quite interesting! What are their styles?"
"The cloud dragon soars into the sky, its scales and claws fly!" the waiter said with blazing eyes.
Zhong Zizuo heard a few words and swallowed subconsciously. He felt even more weak and wanted to look around.
The waiter took a step forward and leaned into his ear, with a flattering smile on his face, and whispered:
"Stop looking, there's no one."
Zhong Zizuo froze, then nodded immediately and said:
"good!"
After that, they both walked into the shop behind them.
The waiter said with a flattering expression and an enthusiastic voice:
"Dear guests, please go to the private room on the second floor. The shopkeeper has been waiting for you!"
Zhong Zizuo nodded, raised his legs and walked up to the private room on the second floor of the shop.
Pushing open the door, the man holding a sword opened his mouth and waited for a long time. Zhong Zizuo showed hesitation on his face and said:
"Who are you?"
Guo Jiefang lowered his sword, nodded slightly, and said:
"Your Majesty, Shang Yu is in charge of envoy Du Yi, Guo Xie! Your Majesty was extremely surprised when he learned that envoy Zhong Yi was coming. I tried my best to find a way to contact him under the noses of my colleagues in the mission.
you."
Spare place for Shang Yu?
Zhong Zizuo did not speak, but silently remembered the name in his heart.
Guo Xie couldn't help but chuckle and continued:
"Fortunately, Zhong Yiwei enabled you to act according to your plan and make all the members of the mission leave the Honglu Pavilion. As a result, my colleagues were short of manpower, otherwise it would be difficult for me to meet you!"
It turns out that what Zhong Zizuo said in front of his colleagues was to confuse the Yun State court so that they could not figure out Xia State's bottom line.
But in fact, this method was given to him by someone sent by Guo Xie. The real purpose was to make Xia Guozhi make Xiu Yi unable to monitor the members of the envoy, so that he could make an appointment with Zhong Zizuo.
After all, this is the capital of the Yun Kingdom. No matter how good the Xia Kingdom's commander is in embroidering clothes, he cannot have too many manpower. If there are few manpower, it is easy to make mistakes. With the hand strength of the stick stick, he can secretly see a clock.
Well, it's naturally not a difficult thing.
Zhong Zizhuo frowned and couldn't help but ask:
"Emissary of the Yi Guard? When did I become such an envoy of the Yi Guard?"
Guo Xie stood up, took out a bright yellow imperial edict from his arms, and said:
"To make a long story short, my people cannot delay those colleagues from Xia Kingdom for too long, otherwise problems may easily arise. Guard Zhong Yi, it is better to receive the order first!"
Zhong Zizuo looked at the imperial edict in Guo Xie's hand, his expression slightly ugly.
By some mistake, Zhong Zizuo mistook Xiao Cheng for a soldier under King Xia Guoqi, and took the initiative to give away his head, which fell into Xiao Cheng's hands.
He was the governor of Fengzhou and a subordinate of King Qi. He participated in the whole plan against the southwest generals, so he had a very clear understanding of the situation in the southwest states and counties of Xia Kingdom.
However, he is not a particularly hard-boned person, so he can be easily hit with just one hit.
It was precisely because of the information he provided that Xiao Cheng was able to lead more than a thousand cavalry to attack the city in the unfamiliar territory of Xia Kingdom and win consecutive battles.
Among the various states and counties, which city has stockpiles of grain and grass, which city has empty guards, and which high-rise mansion in the city belongs to a family that has been passed down for many years and has a rich wealth. These things were all recruited by Zhong Zizuo himself.
.
It can be said that a large part of the reason why Xiao Cheng was able to create such a big stir in Xia Kingdom must be attributed to Zhong Zizuo.
Zhong Zizuo had not confessed these things before. Knowing that he could not survive in the Xia Kingdom, he made plans to abandon them all and follow Xiao Cheng to leave the Xia Kingdom.
But who would have thought that before Xiao Cheng left, he had a sudden idea and asked Zhong Zizuo to escape with his whereabouts. This was the reason why Xiao Cheng was discovered whereabouts so quickly by the Xia army, and they followed him all the way.
Relying on the merit of bringing back Xiao Cheng's whereabouts, Zhong Zizuo was not severely punished. He was only dismissed from the post of Fengzhou Prefect. This time the mission went out with credentials, and I don't know who named him, but he was asked to do so.
Come together.
At this time, when Zhong Zizuo saw the imperial edict in Guo Xie's hand, he finally understood why he was let go in the Xia Kingdom, and why he went to so much trouble now to have people try their best to meet him secretly.
The Emperor of the Yun Kingdom wanted to become a spy in the Xia Kingdom's court!
Zhong Zizuo's face was gloomy, his eyes kept flickering, and he froze in place without moving.
Previously, he only had a clue that fell into the hands of Xiao Cheng, so he had no choice but to obey orders. But if he accepts the imperial edict of the Emperor of Yun State now, he will be completely tied to the Yun State's pirate ship and become a spy of the Yun State from then on.
Step into the darkness and you will never be able to escape!
Guo Xie looked at Zhong Zizuo, whose face was uncertain, and narrowed his eyes slightly, showing a hint of coldness, and said:
"Guard Officer Zhong Yi, why don't you kneel down to receive the order?"
Zhong Zizhuo's hair stood on end as he keenly sensed the flash of murderous intent on Guo Xie's body.
If he accepts Xiao Cheng's decree, he will survive a narrow escape in the future. But if he doesn't accept it now, then today will be the day he is buried.
After all, the current situation between the two countries is like this. As long as Guo Xie can be more secretive and can give a reasonable explanation to the Xia Kingdom, an insignificant envoy status cannot be his talisman.
Zhong Zizhuo sighed quietly, finally bent his knees, knelt on the ground, and said in a trembling voice:
"Zhong Zizuo, I would like to listen to your Majesty's order!"
Guo Xie curled his lips, extended his hands to express the imperial edict, and said loudly:
"His Majesty Emperor Dayun issued an edict: Zhong Zizuo, a member of the Xia Kingdom, followed me in the battle of the Xia Kingdom in the past. He made many suggestions and suggestions and made outstanding achievements. In reward for his merits, he was appointed as the Yiwei Envoy of Shang Yu's Standby Department and presided over the affairs of the Xia Kingdom.
, admire this!”
Zhong Zizuo's downcast face showed an indescribable bitterness and tangle, but he had no choice but to raise his hands and said in a harsh voice:
"Your Majesty Zhong Zizuo, accept the order!"
Guo Xie put the imperial edict into Zhong Zizuo's hands, lifted him up with a smile on his face, and said:
"From now on, the envoy Zhong Yi will serve under my command! All affairs of the Xia Kingdom will be handled by the envoy Zhong Yi. In the future, the full support of the envoy Zhong Yi will be needed!"
Zhong Zizuo stood up and sighed inaudibly. But after a moment, the bitter and tangled look on his face immediately became excited, and he held his hands to Guo Xie and said:
"Mr. Du Yi is so polite. From now on, my subordinates will do their best to carry out their duties. I will do my best for Your Majesty and for Mr. Du Yi, no matter what!"
Guo Xie looked at Zhong Zizuo's sudden change of expression, his eyelids twitched, and he forced a smile on his lips:
"That's good, that's good..."
Zhong Zizhuo looked high-spirited and pulled Guo Jie and said:
"Without further delay, I have important information about the Xia Kingdom. Please report it to Your Majesty as soon as possible, envoy Duyi Guard!"
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That night, Guo Xie went into the palace to meet Xiao Cheng. When he talked about Zhong Zizuo's performance, he still had an expression of "I don't understand, but I am greatly shocked."
Even though he has been in charge of Niangan Department for so long, he has seen a lot of darkness, but when meeting someone like Zhong Zizuo who changes his face at every turn, it is inevitable that he will feel the emotion of having gained experience.
Seeing Guo Xie's inexplicable emotion and rather complicated expression, Xiao Cheng couldn't help but laugh a little, shook his head and said:
"You still have time to spare. From now on, you will gradually develop your power and plant nails in all countries in the world. You will have to deal with people like this. Don't judge these people by your morality in the world!"
When Guo Xie heard this, he immediately said seriously:
"yes!"
Then without waiting for Xiao Cheng to ask questions, Guo Xie spoke again and said:
"Your Majesty, something unexpected happened in the Xia Kingdom!"
This was something that Xiao Cheng had long concluded. Naturally, he showed no surprise and nodded:
"Speak clearly!"
"His Majesty had made a big fuss in Yun State before and distributed the belongings of the southwest generals' families to the people in the city. Later, the Shao family in Fengzhou, instigated by a group of general families in Fengzhou, mobilized private soldiers, raided the city, and forced
The people handed over their belongings. Later, it intensified and turned into a robbery. A military rebellion broke out in Fengzhou City, which instantly turned into a hell on earth, with countless people killed and injured."
When Xiao Cheng heard this, he couldn't help but pause, his brows furrowed slightly, and he couldn't help but say:
"So stupid! Don't these generals know that this move is digging into their own roots?"
These generals of the Xia Kingdom are rooted in the southwest states and counties, and they represent local forces. If they are fishing so hard, they will definitely lose the support of the people. Xiao Cheng really can't understand why they act like this!
When Guo Xie heard this, he immediately said:
"Zhong Zizuo explained that the old head of the Shao family in Fengzhou was clever, but not visionary enough. He was often incited by the other general families in Fengzhou, and he took the blame. He was always complacent."
When Xiao Cheng heard this, he remembered that the Shao family old man who still looked down on formality and was still arrogant even though someone had broken into his house, nodded in understanding.
Needless to say, this is the aristocratic family below encouraging the Shao family to take the lead, take the benefits together, and blame the Shao family for taking the blame. Maybe they are still hoping that they can take advantage of this boiling public opinion to directly bring down the Shao family and take the lead themselves.
Guo Xie continued:
"After the news came out, the families of generals in several counties followed suit and sent troops to plunder the cities. Military disasters broke out, turning several cities into scorched earth, and the people wailed."
At this time, without waiting for Xiao Cheng to ask questions, Guo Xie immediately explained:
"In fact, the Xia Kingdom's court found out later that this matter had little to do with these general families. It was the private soldiers of several of them. They were jealous of the wealth shared by the common people, and when they heard about the changes in Fengzhou, they couldn't bear it anymore, so they
Looting without telling the owner."
"These generals had previously thought that someone from the Xia Kingdom's court would come to resolve the matter, but when they saw someone plundering troops, they thought that some family had lost their minds in the face of this huge wealth, so most of the generals did not want to suffer a loss and refused to accept the defeat.
After that, things intensified and spread across the entire southwest of Xia Kingdom."
Xiao Cheng's expression was slightly in a trance, and in his ears, the sound of people wailing and begging for mercy seemed to be heard. He closed his eyes to rest, and then he felt that the prosperous city turned into a sea of fire in front of his eyes, and the rebels were causing chaos everywhere, looting and killing people.
Seeing Xiao Cheng's face looking a little ugly, Feng Bao on the side felt nervous and hurriedly stepped forward and whispered:
"Your Majesty, what's wrong with you?"
Xiao Cheng sighed, then cleared up the complicated emotions in his heart and opened his eyes again.
In the final analysis, this incident was because Xiao Cheng distributed the wealth that the general family could not take away to the local people.
He acted like this with the intention of causing chaos in the southwest of Xia Kingdom. So at this time, he naturally would not show any hypocrisy.
But it has to be said that he did not expect that the situation would suddenly become so out of control.
Xiao Cheng's original intention was, firstly, to be generous to others, to benevolent to the people, and to win over people's hearts in advance for the possibility of raising troops to conquer the Xia Kingdom and occupy the southwest of the Xia Kingdom in the future.
Secondly, it is also digging a hole for the Xia court. Either the Xia court confiscated the property from the people in order to stabilize the southwest generals, causing the people to feel dissatisfied. Or the Xia court chose to turn a blind eye, making the southwest generals dissatisfied.
.
Xiao Cheng originally estimated that the common people in the southwest were the foundation of these generals. Even if they were to collect property, the methods could not be too brutal. Even if there were some casualties during the process, they would not be so serious.
But he overestimated the moral level of most of the Southwest generals. Well, he also underestimated the extent of their brains.
This matter is getting worse and worse, gradually getting out of control, making the entire southwest of Xia Kingdom boiling with public resentment and threatening to get out of control. It can be said that it is more successful than Xiao Cheng expected, but Xiao Cheng is not happy at all.
"Instruct the troops stationed at the border at Sanping Pass to provide relief as much as possible if there are people who are fleeing. As soon as possible, all supplies will be sent to the central court!"