Seeing the clouds

Chapter 51: Chang'an in Fifty Months
As the ancient capital of three dynasties, Chang'an's prosperity is comparable to that of Luoyang, the capital.Even during the Warring States Period, the most chaotic period in the entire Central Plains, Chang'an attracted countless heroes and literati from all over the world by virtue of its heritage as "the first city in history" and the inaction of the Northern Han Dynasty.At its peak, there were countless monks giving sermons, real people preaching, literati reciting poems, and there was an endless stream of merchants.The sentence "Qiwan, Lu, and carriages are moving every day, and the men plowing the fields and the women doing the mulching are in harmony." It is not an exaggeration to describe Chang'an. It is really a star-studded place.Although Chang'an's influence on the world has been greatly reduced after being destroyed by the Qin cavalry, its long cultural history still adds a lot of charm to this city.

But Chang'an, a city of abundance that people in the world think of, is really not a peaceful place for the imperial court.Although the Northern Han Dynasty was not as good as Western Chu and Da Qin in terms of territory, the Central Plains had always thrived in the north, and the talent advantage of the Northern Han Dynasty was far inferior to that of Da Qin, which later unified the Central Plains.Although after the defeat of the Northern Han Dynasty, these talents were absorbed by the Qin Dynasty, the literati politicians like to talk about the word "backbone". Even after the surrender of the Qin Dynasty, these literati politicians who have more minds than a hornet's nest in the countryside always like to think of themselves as Han people. Party in droves.As the saying goes, a gentleman is a group but not a party, and a villain is a party but not a group. In the eyes of other scholars, this behavior is naturally regarded as collusion, and they even gave them the "elegant title" of "Han Party" behind their backs.However, it is taboo to have cliques in the imperial court. Does Emperor Zhao Ming know this?Naturally, we know it, but there is nothing we can do about it. After all, governing a country is not as important as building a country. The most important thing in governing a country is to bring the world back to its center.Do you think it is difficult to kill a few scholars and demote a few officials?Even if the entire Han Party is dismantled, it will be just a simple matter for the emperor to scratch his ears. But in this way, the sense of belonging that the Northern Han gentry has finally developed in the past ten years will be gone. The Northern Han Dynasty took the lead and contacted all parties, and another Warring States period broke out. The old emperor Zhao Zheng crawled out of the imperial mausoleum angrily.Therefore, even Zhao Ming, who is iron-blooded, can only turn a blind eye and find ways to contain him.

Fang Qifu is the most powerful and sharp arrow that Zhao Ming shot in order to contain the Han Party.Speaking of the name of Fang Qifu, everyone knows it no matter in the temple or in the world. He is recognized as a genius with both civil and military skills.During the war, as the Grand Governor, he led the entire Western Army of the Qin Dynasty to conquer the Northern Han and Western Chu, and finally made an unparalleled contribution. When the Qin Dynasty was unified, he took the seat of the Right Prime Minister and helped the old emperor Zhao Zheng solve problems.There are two official hats, one symbolizes the glory of the sergeant, and the other is the lifelong thought of the literati. However, these two official hats were actually worn on his head, so it is said that "Wen can bring peace to the world with his pen." "Martial power can set the world on horseback" is the most suitable way to describe Fang Qi Buddha.

Fang Qifu was born in the Chu region. Although he was born into poverty, he, his elder brother Fang Shisan and his sister Fang Baihua were all amazing martial arts talents. The three of them joined the famous Tiehe Sect in the Chu region at that time.With their outstanding talents and good friends, the three of them became the mainstay of the Tiehe Sect within a few years, and gained quite a reputation in the world.However, at this time, Fang Shisan and the patriarch Lu Jin had different views on the development of the sect. Fang Shisan believed that the sect should recruit disciples through reputation and then strengthen the sect. However, the patriarch Lu Jin felt that the sect was not a mixed market gang and should maintain its ancestors. The master established the Tiehe Sect with the so-called "prefer lack rather than excess" founding philosophy, and even took back most of Fang Shisan's power within the sect for this reason.Fang Shisan was furious and went to his second brother Fang Qifu and third sister Fang Baihua to discuss how to replace Lu Jin.Fang Qifu is different from his elder brother Fang Shisan and his sister Fang Baihua. He has been fond of reading since he was a child and has read a lot of books at a young age. Although he feels that his brother's behavior is not moral and he does not agree with it in his heart, Fang Shisan is of the same spirit after all. Lian Zhi's brother, he should give his full support.

The Tiehe Sect has a square halberd with a painted pole named "Dingtian", which was the weapon used by the ancestor of the sect and is also a treasure handed down from the sect. It is usually guarded by Lu Jin and his only son Lu Shu; while the leader of the Tiehe Sect, Lu Jin, has a The name of the enemy who killed his father was Li Yuesheng, who was the current sect leader of another sect, the Changwu Sect. Therefore, Fang Qifu thought of a trick to kill people with a borrowed sword. He pretended to be a disciple of the Changwu Sect and pretended to steal the sect's treasure Dingtian, waiting for an opportunity to assassinate Lu Shu. And the trouble is brought to the east of Changwu Clan. Faced with the revenge of his father's murder and the pain of losing his son, no matter how calm Lu Jin is, he will inevitably be furious and seek revenge from Changwu Clan. When the two sides fight to the death, both sides will lose. Find the right time to kill Lu Jin, and the Tiehe Sect will be in Fang Shisan's pocket.

After hearing his brother's plan, Fang Shisan said "good" three times, and the three of them immediately started making preparations.A month later, just as Fang Qifu's plan said, the three of them found the right opportunity to assassinate Lu Shu at night while the sect leader Lu Jin was out, and deliberately let Lu Shu grab one before he died. The three of them had previously killed A disciple token obtained when becoming an elite disciple of the Changwu Sect.When Lu Jin heard the news of his son's death and rushed back to the sect, he was immediately filled with grief and anger. His old and new grudges with the Changwu Sect directly overwhelmed his sanity, and he immediately led the crowd to kill the Changwu Sect, even though the leader of the Changwu Sect, Li Yuesheng, spoke out. He denied it, but at this time, the fire of revenge was burning in Lu Jin's heart, and he could not hear even half of Li Yuesheng's explanation, so the two sides launched an unprecedented battle.The war ended with the death of Li Yuesheng and the tragic victory of the Tiehe Sect. However, Lu Jin was also seriously injured. In addition, he had just experienced the pain of a white-haired man sending a black-haired man, and he died of illness within a few days.

Later, Fang Shisan took advantage of the grief and revenge within the sect and led the crowd to attack Changwu Sect again and annex it.With his outstanding martial arts and reputation in the world, he was elected as the new leader of the Tiehe Sect, and completely took over the Tiehe Sect.

Under the leadership of the three Fang brothers and sisters, the Tiehe Sect prospered in the next few years, reaching the pinnacle of the sect's history.However, Fang Shisan's ambitions also grew with the development of the sect. At this time, several uprisings broke out in Western Chu due to excessive taxes. Fang Shisan felt that the time had come, and despite Fang Qifu's opposition, he united with surrounding forces He led an uprising in an attempt to subvert the state affairs of Western Chu, but was ruthlessly suppressed. The uprising ended with the death of Fang Shisan and the near-annihilation of the Tiehe Sect and allied forces.In the end, Fang Qifu had no choice but to take his brother's legacy, lead his sister Fang Baihua, nephew Fang Tianding, and the remnants of the Tiehe Sect, and fled north to the Qin Dynasty, starting his own military years.

After Fang Qifu annihilated the Northern Han Dynasty and Western Chu and made great achievements, his personal prestige reached its peak. However, something happened that was beyond the expectations of Fang Qifu, who was destined to be famous throughout the ages.

Seizing the right to inherit the throne has been an important part of politics since ancient times. The old emperor Zhao Zhengsheng had two sons, Zhao Xian and Zhao Ming. Both of them were qualified to be emperors, so the court was divided into two factions.Fang Qifu naturally admired the loyal and honest eldest son Zhao Xian of Corporal Li Xian. After all, the eldest son should not be passed down to the descendants but to the descendants. What's more, governing a country is not as good as founding a country. Zhao Xian, who has a gentle temper, is naturally more suitable than Zhao Ming, who is more scheming.But things didn't go as expected. With the sudden death of the old emperor Zhao Zheng, the imperial edict actually gave up Zhao Xian who was supervising the army outside and chose Zhao Ming.This caused a huge change in the situation in Daqin. Zhao Xian's party, including Prime Minister Fang Qifu on the right and Prime Minister Chen Xiwen on the left, were immediately liquidated and all resigned.

However, talents are needed to govern the country. In order to contain the Han Party, Zhao Ming once again appointed Fang Qifu and appointed him as the governor of Yongzhou.Fang Qifu, who swore before the death of the late emperor Zhao Zheng that "he will be loyal to the Qin Dynasty in this life", had no choice but to accept the order and serve as an official to guard Chang'an.

Tonight is the annual Dragon Lantern Festival in Chang'an City. What is different from the sound of BMWs, carved carriages and phoenix flutes in Chang'an City is that the governor, Fang Qifu, is sitting in his mansion at this time, troubled by the Northern Xia assassins.At normal times, Fang Qifu would not have to be so restless, but this year was different. Fang Qifu received news that Emperor Zhao Ming would pay a private visit to Chang'an City tonight to experience the prosperity of the city under the Dragon Lantern Festival.If His Majesty the Emperor is attacked by Northern Xia assassins tonight and something unexpected happens, the consequences will be disastrous.

Someone knocked lightly on the door three times, and then a soft voice came in: "Dad."

Hearing the voice of his beloved daughter, Fang Qifu's originally agitated heart suddenly relaxed a little: "Dad is here, Xiao'er, come in."

Then a woman with a light veil on her head and a graceful figure opened the door and walked into the room. She walked behind Fang Qifu, helped Fang Qifu squeeze his shoulders and said, "Dad, my daughter wants to go out for a walk later. Look. May I?"

Normally, Fang Qifu would naturally agree happily. His adopted daughter Fang Suxiao had always lived in seclusion and was unwilling to go out because of her appearance.Fang Qifu and his wife Zhang Shu had tried to persuade her many times for this, but today it was rare for her daughter to open her mouth to have such an idea. Fang Qifu hesitated a little, sighed and said, "Xiao'er, I'm afraid it won't work today."

Fang Suxiao didn't expect that her father, who had always advised her to go out, would reject her, and she was a little confused: "Dad, why?"

Fang Qifu held Fang Suxiao's hand, pulled his daughter in front of him, and said with some guilt: "Dad has something to do tonight, so I can't go out with you, and there may be thieves tonight, so I'm worried about your safety." , so I’m sorry, Xiaoer.”

Fang Suxiao stretched out her hand and patted the back of Fang Qifu's hand gently, smiled and reassured: "Dad, my daughter just went out to relax and come back, and Uncle Ji is with her, so she will be fine."

The girl's words made Fang Qifu surprised: "You actually persuaded your junior brother?"

The junior disciple mentioned by Fang Qifu is named Wang Ji. He was Fang Qifu's junior disciple in Tiehe Sect. He was loyal, honest and careful in doing things. He always followed Fang Qifu and helped manage the chores around him. Now he has become the steward of Fang Mansion.Wang Ji's martial arts level is not bad. He was probably in the early stage of the first rank. He followed Fang Qifu in the north and south, and his combat experience is also experienced. However, he only has one shortcoming. He can't see clearly at night. Everyone laughs and calls him blind at night, so he usually rarely sleeps at night. Go out.Fang Su smiled and replied: "I promised Uncle Ji that if he comes with me out of the house this time, I will buy some good fabrics and help him make clothes myself."

Only then did Fang Qifu understand: "In that case, it shouldn't be a big problem if my junior brother is with me, but..."

Fang Suxiao blinked: "Dad, what is it?"

Fang Qifu smiled and said, "Then you have to help dad do it."

The girl smiled and nodded in agreement.

Fang Qifu waved his hand and said, "Okay, let's go and call your uncle Ji here. Dad will explain something."

Fang Su smiled and walked out of the room happily.

Fang Qifo looked at the girl walking out of the room, shook his head, and showed a pleasant smile that he had not seen for a long time.

It was already dusk when Zheng Baiyu and Li Jingxiong arrived in Chang'an City at the beginning of Zhang month. The three of them found a hotel to stay at. Then, Zheng Baiyu, who had been depressed for a while these days, took the two of them and ran to the city. At the market, I began to enjoy Chang'an's delicacies to comfort my stomach that had been wronged in the past few days.

The three of them have actually experienced the Dragon Lantern Festival, but at that time they were all following their own family elders, so they were inevitably a little cautious. At this time, the three of them were together without supervision. Naturally, the sky is high and the birds can fly in the sea and the fish can jump. For Dragon Everyone is looking forward to the lantern festival, except of course Li Jingxiong.

At this time, all three of them were wearing casual clothes. Li Jingxiong took off the [-]-pound copper pillar that he had carried all the way, and even Zhang Yue only carried the Yugong self-defense with a shorter knife in comparison.The three of them were sitting in an open-air stall. The table was filled with all kinds of food. Zheng Baiyu and Li Jingxiong were eating haese without any trace of appearance. Zhang Yue looked at the strange looks from the people around him and just thought Able to smile awkwardly to express apology.

By the time the three of them had finished enjoying themselves, the sun had already set over the Western Mountains. Night shrouded Chang'an City, and various dragon lanterns in the city came into view.The three of them strolled along the busy streets, feeling a rare sense of relaxation and joy.

Legend has it that Liu Qi, the founding emperor of the Northern Han Dynasty, was born at night, and when Liu Qi was born, there was a flying dragon flying into the sky above Chang'an City.The following year, Chang'an City had good weather and a rare bumper harvest.So in order to commemorate this moment, the Northern Han Dynasty established the Dragon Lantern Festival as a festival on the birthday of Emperor Liu Qi, and at the same time, it also expressed hope for success in the coming year.

Zhang Chuchu looked at the lively streets and remembered the last time he attended the Dragon Lantern Festival. At that time, he was still the noble prince of Qi, with his father Zhang Yunping beside him; his teacher Bai Yu; and his father's two adopted sons and his two brothers. , there are countless retainers and guests.But time has changed, and now he is a wanted fugitive in the world, with only two younger brothers by his side. Such a huge change makes him lament that fate has played a trick on him.

At this moment, three men in black clothes whose faces could not be seen clearly passed by him, and their inaudible voices seemed to be discussing something.

But Zhang Chuchu heard clearly that what the three people said was not Chinese, but standard Northern Xia dialect!He recalled what Wei You had explained before, and a bad premonition welled up in his heart.He patted Zheng Baiyu and said: "You take the big stone to Lianhu Lake. The night view there is the best. I want to leave beforehand and meet you at Lianhu Lake later. If you don't wait for me, go back to the inn to rest." "

After Zhang Chuchu finished speaking, he disappeared into the crowd before Zheng Baiyu could react.

Zheng Baiyu raised his head and looked at the bright moon over Chang'an City, which was about to be obscured by dark clouds. He was a little confused for a moment.

(End of this chapter)