weaving

There is a ferry crossing seven miles north of Yifeng County, named Baimen Ferry.

The terrain here is gentle, and the water flow is not very fast. Thousands of sails gather on the river, and there are constant traffic between the east and west banks of the river. There are many cars and horses on the river bank, and the sounds of people shouting and horses neighing can be heard one after another.

It can be roughly seen from the colors of the flags that on both sides of the river, the government troops and bandits were fighting together. The big flag of "Yongning Bozhang" and the flags with the word "Yuan" contrasted with each other, making it impossible to distinguish each other.

This kind of scene was rare to see in the Ming Dynasty, which was in troubled times, and attracted many people to secretly peek at it from a distance, even the officials, gentry and eunuchs in Yifeng City were no exception.

"Sir, judging from the situation, we are indeed not here to attack the city." A middle-aged man dressed as a scribe was very respectful to the man next to him wearing a seventh-grade official robe.

Another man who looked like an official sighed and said, "Fortunately they are just crossing the river. If they come to attack the city, how will they be able to defend it!"

The man who was previously called the Master also blurted out at this time and sighed: "Alas. Drought locusts are raging, people are in dire straits, bandits are in disarray, and all life is in ruins. When will this world... be able to return to what it was like in my prosperous days?"

The official said: "Your Majesty is concerned about the country and the people, and he is a role model for our generation. However, the world is so ruined now that it is beyond human power to restore it. Your Majesty still has to take care of your body to protect the officials and people of our city." "

The scribe also immediately added: "What the Second Hall Master said is absolutely true. Your Highness should pay more attention to your health."

"Cough cough..."

After the county magistrate Yifeng coughed a few times, he said tremblingly: "Not long ago, Gao Futai personally wrote an order in his own hand, asking all prefectures and counties to recruit Ding Yong to go to Kaifeng to help defend. But bandits are raging in Zhongzhou, how can anyone be willing to do so?" Get out of the city!"

The county magistrate Ertang also persuaded him: "Your Majesty, there is no need to worry about this. I, Yifeng, is a small county. The city defense is weak and there are not enough people. Although I have the intention to go to the provincial government to help defend, I am unable to do so. Now that we are unable to protect ourselves, we can only hope that the bandits will encircle the city and not attack. These are all true, and I believe Futai can also forgive me in Yifeng County."

The clerk next to him heard everything that made sense and couldn't help but nodded frequently, but suddenly remembered something and blurted out: "Tang Zun, Second Master, do you think the officers and soldiers who passed outside the city just now were really under the command of Uncle Yongning? "

The county magistrate shook his head gently, without commenting or saying a word, but turned his head slightly to look at Magistrate Yifeng.

The county magistrate raised his hand and gently stroked the slightly white beard on his chin, and said: "You can't control much. In these days of war and chaos, I have the responsibility to protect the land and the people. They don't have the handwritten letter from the official of Kaifeng Prefecture, so they can't tell the authenticity. Naturally, we can’t let him into the city.”

"It is exactly what the Lord said. Only in this way can I show my love and protection for the people!"

…………

There is a small military stronghold on the west bank of the river. Although it is a little crude, it is heavily guarded. There are two rows of wooden fences in the middle. Even the horse road has three layers of guards to prevent horses and rifles from poking in the middle of the horse road. No one can give orders. No entry or exit allowed.

This military village is located six miles north of Yifeng County, and more than one mile further north is the busy Baimendu.

But compared to the prosperity of Baimendu, there was silence here. The soldiers in the military stronghold were all holding swords and guns, facing the outside and being on guard, as if they might be attacked by enemies from outside at any time.

The same goes for the soldiers outside this military stronghold. They seem to be guarding against the people inside, as if they are very afraid that they will suddenly come out from inside!

The "Chuang" flag inside the military camp is in sharp contrast with the "Yuan" flag outside. Looking around, there are "Yuan" flags all around, actually surrounding all the "Chuang" flags. In the meantime.

The only thing that seems very disharmonious is that there are several different flags vaguely visible in the north. They seem to be the military flags of the imperial court and the army. They are embroidered with various patterns and have characters of different sizes next to them.

"General Yuan, I have also heard about your wife. She seems to be quite puzzled by your abandonment of the dark and the light."

There was a trace of embarrassment on Yuan Shizhong's face. He clasped his fists in embarrassment and said: "To be honest, the commander-in-chief was unaware that the general was confused by Li Ni and led his troops to surrender. He even married his adopted daughter and became Li Ni's minion. , In fact, the crime deserves death.

Now, thanks to Yongning Bo Gao Ren's righteousness, regardless of Shi Zhong's previous sins, he is willing to take Shi Zhong in so that I can serve the country. Shi Zhong is determined to serve the country faithfully. In order to express my intention to break with Li Ni, Shi Zhong is willing to write a letter of divorce. Feng, sever all ties with her. "

Li Ji, the commander of the Xuanwu Camp of the Yongyi Army of the Ming Dynasty, stood aside and hurriedly said: "Shizhong, please don't mention the matter of divorcing your wife again. I have already compiled a book and reported it to my uncle about the situation here, just because I am afraid that you will do it." You have done something stupid, so Yongning Bocai specially ordered Mr. He to come here, in order to make you feel at ease, and also to relieve you of your worries, Madam."

Yuan Shizhong still smiled in embarrassment and said: "Oh, Yuan is really guilty. A little family matter actually alarmed Uncle Yongning, and even the General Labor Department came to care for him."

It turned out that when Li Guo led his troops to attack Xiaoyuan Camp, the officers and soldiers who suddenly rushed out were the men and horses of Xuanwu Camp under Yongning Bo, as well as the soldiers of Weiyuan Camp Tiger Guards and Zhuque Camp Cavalry.

For this moment, Liu Jinhai, who was lurking in Zhongzhou, had been planning for a whole year, and now he has begun to achieve results.

Li Jiyu, under the orders of Yongning Bo Zhang Cheng, led the entire Xuanwu Battalion, Zhuque Battalion heavy cavalry and light cavalry troops, traveled day and night, and arrived early to station at Xiaosongji on the other side of the river in Yifeng County, in order to assist Yuan Shizhong in escaping from the intruders today. Come vote.

The reason why Yongning Bo Zhang Cheng chose Li Jiyu to greet Yuan Shizhong was after some consideration.

First of all, Li Jiyu and Yuan Shizhong generally had the experience of being thieves and bandits. However, Li Jiyu's strength at the time was not as good as that of Yuan Shizhong today, but he still received Zhang Cheng's trust and courtesy. Now he is the deputy commander-in-chief of the Ming Dynasty. In the future, Guangzong Yaozu is of course not a problem, and his past can greatly influence Yuan Shizhong.

Secondly, precisely because Li Jiyu was also a bandit, sending him to take over Xiao Yuan's camp would bring him a lot closer to Yuan Shizhong, and would also greatly inspire Yuan Shizhong's inner vision of abandoning his career and turning to the bright side in order to glorify his family. Not long ago, after Li Jiyu received the information about Xiao Yuanying from Liu Jinhai one after another, he felt that he might not be able to convince Yuan Shizhong on his own, especially when he learned that Yuan Shizhong's newly married wife was the adopted daughter of King Chuang. Not knowing what to do, he quickly reported to Uncle Yong Ning and asked for a man of high moral standing, who was also reliable and capable to assist him.

Therefore, He Biao, the second-largest figure in the town and governor of the town, who was one of the centerpieces of the Yongyi Army, was sent here. He led the Weiyuan Camp Tiger Guard Cavalry to accompany the escort, and traveled through the starry night before barely catching up with Yi. The battle of sealing.

At this moment, although He Biao still had his habitual dark face and a very majestic tone, the words coming out of his mouth were very heartwarming: "General Yuan, don't blame yourself, let alone worry. You are both Being able to lead the little Yuan camp to comfort him shows that he still has loyalty in his heart. Yong Ningbo was also deeply relieved. Before leaving, he once said to me: "Although Yuan Shizhong was once a thief, he was also forced by current events. Just imagine who else is born." As a thief?

Now that he is remorseful, it shows that he still has great righteousness in his heart. As the saying goes, God has a good life, so how can we not give him a chance to change his ways? I have asked Li Jiyu to go to the rescue, but I always feel that my sincerity is not obvious. After thinking about it, I'd better ask He Zhenfu and Yuan Jing to go there on my behalf to soothe his heart. Don't make Yuan Shizhong come under my command with a burden, otherwise how can I make him sincerely convinced! '"

After hearing He Biao's words, Yuan Shizhong was moved in his heart. He lifted up his robe and knelt down on one knee, clasped his fists and worshiped: "Yuan is a commoner. He was a thief at first and a thief later. He is actually a criminal of the imperial court. Although he has strictly ordered his subordinates to Soldiers are not allowed to rob people or rape women, but they can't stop it. Every time they think about it, they feel regretful in their hearts.

What's worse, he was actually deceived by Li Ni and joined his banner, which almost made a big mistake. Fortunately, Yong Ningbo loved him so much that he was willing to return to the right path at this time when there was no way for him to surrender. I am worried and worried about family affairs in Shizhong. Such kindness and kindness must be repaid with my life in Shizhong! "

He Biao forced a smile out of the corner of his mouth, which looked very disharmonious, but could not hide his kind attitude. He stood up and helped Yuan Shizhong up, and comforted him with gentle words: "General Yuan, those past things are like Chen Sesame. Millet, you should throw it away completely and never mention it again in the future."

He looked at Yuan Shizhong with bright eyes and said to him: "Counselor Yuan Jing and I are here on orders from my uncle to help General Yuan solve the worries of your wife."

Yuan Shizhong just deliberately changed the topic, but he didn't expect that He Biao would be so insistent. Seeing him mentioning the old words again, he had to answer the question because he was worried that Yongning Bo sent the general governor He Biao to come here because he wanted to Regarding the violent solution to Huimei, she couldn't help but feel a little panicked.

Fortunately, Wang Yuanjing, who was next to him, noticed his worries and said to him warmly: "General Yuan, there is no need to worry. My uncle has long known about the "three-chapter agreement" between the general and his wife, and he even praised General Yuan for not giving up his wife. This is an act of deep love and righteousness, and my uncle will never do anything to harm my wife."

Yuan Shizhong was told what was on his mind, so he had to hide it with an embarrassed smile. His military advisor Ji Gui interjected: "General Yuan has sincerely surrendered to Yong Ningbo. From now on, he will only respect Yong Ningbo's orders and will never dare to do anything." Violation. Just..."

Li Jiyu was a little impatient when he heard this, but he still respected him very much: "Military Ji has something to say, but it's okay to say it. Don't have any scruples. You and I are both generals under the command of Uncle Yongning, so why hesitate!"

How could Ji Gui be so thoughtful? How could he not see the change in Li Jiyu's expression? It's just that he is such a person and has always been thoughtful. Now that he has chosen Yongning Bo and Zhang Cheng for the first time, he has not yet met him. For a while, he did not dare to judge Yongning Bo. What exactly is going on? Can we treat Yuan Shizhong and him with sincerity?

Therefore, although he was very polite and respectful in front of He Biao, Wang Yuanjing, Li Jiyu and others, he was still a little defensive secretly. At this moment, seeing Li Jiyu's direct question, he hurriedly replied: "General Li Shen That's right. What Ji Gui means is that Mrs. Huimei is very angry right now and it is really inconvenient to meet you. She is afraid that she will make a big mistake in the heat of the moment. "

He Biao looked at Yuan Shizhong and Ji Gui, and said to them in a very calm tone: "It doesn't matter. We are not looking for Mrs. Huimei to fight for our lives. As long as General Yuan sends us to Xiaochuang Camp, it will be a matter of life and death. It has nothing to do with the general."

"This……"

Yuan Shizhong hesitated a little and was undecided for a moment. It wasn't until he saw Ji Gui secretly nodding to him that he agreed for He Biao and Wang Yuanjing to enter Xiaochuang Camp to meet Huimei.

…………

"Humph!"

Huimei had obviously lost some weight and was not in good spirits, but it could be seen that she was very angry at the moment and obviously could not understand that Yuan Shizhong surrendered to the court so quickly.

He snorted angrily and asked: "Guan Gu, what do you want me to do? If you have anything to say, just say it!"

"Madam, please calm down. I don't mean to do this with any harm..."

"shut up!"

Huimei angrily cut off Wang Yuanjing's words, and said to him in a deep voice: "Recuperate and mention the word 'Madam' again. Since Yuan Shizhong has surrendered to the court, our status as husband and wife has come to an end. We will go our separate ways from now on." Everyone goes about his or her own business, life or death depends on fate, and I have nothing to do with him anymore.”

Wang Yuanjing was not angry at being interrupted by Huimei, and still said to her in a calm tone: "Okay, okay. In that case, how about I call her 'Miss Huimei'?"

Although Huimei did not answer, it could be seen that she could still accept this title. Wang Yuanjing continued: "Miss Huimei, although Yuan Shizhong has been taken care of by Yongning Bo, he will still abide by the three things agreed with the girl. , not only to ensure the safety of Miss Huimei and the soldiers of Xiaochuang Camp, but also to ensure the supply of supplies. Xiaoyuan Camp will also immediately go to Wu'an County, Zhangde Prefecture for rest and recuperation after crossing the river, and will never participate in the Kaifeng war. I will fight against King Li Chuang."

Wang Yuanjing's words made Huimei a little moved. She couldn't help but look at Shao Shixin and Aunt Lu, as if secretly asking them to help her make an idea.

In fact, the main reason why Huimei wanted to fight with Yuan Shizhong was because she suddenly heard that Yuan Shizhong had surrendered to the court, and she guessed that he might soon turn around to help the army and the enemy against King Chuang, and even move Xiaochuang Camp to Xiaochuang Camp. Hundreds of people dedicated themselves to the officers and soldiers to claim credit.

Based on the above thoughts, Huimei discussed with Shao Shixin, Aunt Lu and others and decided to die in the river. If it was not possible, she would fight with Xiao Yuan Yinghuo here!

Shao Shixin didn't understand Huimei's meaning. He took a step forward, cupped his hands and fists at He Biao and Wang Yuanjing, and said with a smile, "Masters, please wait for a moment. Our lady needs to think about this matter carefully."

After getting He Biao's consent, Huimei, under the guidance of Second Aunt Lu, took Shao Shixin into the inner tent to discuss countermeasures, leaving Huijian alone to monitor He Biao and Wang Yuanjing outside.

About a quarter of an hour later, Aunt Lu and Shao Shixin accompanied Huimei and finally reached an agreement. This time, it was Shao Shixin who negotiated with He Biao and others on behalf of Huimei.

After several rounds of bargaining, in addition to retaining the three conditions previously agreed to by Yuan Shizhong, Huimei also made a new request - she wanted Yuan Shizhong to let them return to camp!

To this, He Biao readily responded in the affirmative - yes.

"What...are you willing to let me go back to find King Chuang?" (End of Chapter)