Late Tang Dynasty Floating Life

Chapter 447
On March 29 of the third year of Dashun, Shao Shude arrived in Yanchuan County, Yanzhou under the escort of the Iron Forest Army.

He specially found Wu Rong, the county magistrate of Fushi.

"Does Zihua have any new works?" Shao Shude got out of the carriage after letting Xiao stay in the carriage to take care of Yuniang, looked at Wu Rong who was wearing a green robe, and asked with a smile.

Wu Rong became the county magistrate of the first county in Yanzhou, and his demeanor was much calmer, and he no longer had the extreme appearance of relying on his talent and arrogance.

"I heard that the commander-in-chief came back from Luozhou, but there is an old work from the past, called "Books of Guo Mianchi"." Wu Rong replied with a smile.

"Sing it."

"Mianchi City, half of the remains..."

Shao Shude listened quietly, and Mianchi Lingjinsuo, who was standing behind him, was already weeping.

"This is..." Seeing an old man weeping in front of him, Wu Rong was a little surprised and asked.

"Yanzhou Yanchuan Order Jinsuo, Ben Luozhou Mianchi Order." The old man wiped his tears and bowed his hands.

Wu Rong also returned a salute.

"Zihua has been a hundred li marquis for more than a year, how do you feel?" Shao Shude climbed up a high slope, looked at the other side of the river, and asked the crowd away from the main road, walking on the bank of the Yellow River.

"I know that the world is not easy." Wu Rong replied: "If you are not in your position, you don't plan for your own affairs. Things that are easy to think about on weekdays, but once you get started, you find that they are not that simple."

"If you can manage a county well, you will have the foundation to do great things." Shao Shude said: "Fang is fighting endlessly today, the people are displaced, and there is a shortage of talents. I have been working hard to recruit people. If the town has suitable talents, I will not hesitate. Useful."

Wu Rong answered again and again.

"I didn't bring you here today to enjoy the scenery of the great river. Did you see that group of merchants?" Shao Shude pointed to a place under the mountain, where dozens of donkeys and mules were struggling to move forward with their cargo.

"Marshal, this is a merchant in the river." Jin Suo is not very clear, but Wu Rong knows: "180 miles northeast of Yanzhou to Yanchuan County (now the county), and [-] miles to Dahe, there is Yanshui Pass. Cross the river to Yonghe Pass on the other side, sixty miles east to Yonghe County (now the county), and another sixty miles east to Xichuan County (now Xixian County), Lisuo, Xizhou."

"Also, Yanzhou travels eastward for more than 120 miles to Yanchang County (now the county), along the Shui River Valley, and 35 miles to another ferry on the river bank. Crossing the river is Mamen Pass. This pass is where Pushui enters the river. To the south of Yonghe Pass and [-] li north of Mengmen Shicao. After leaving the pass, walk about [-] li along the Pushui River Valley to Daning County (now the county), and more than [-] li northeast to Xichuan County."

"Zihua has worked hard." Shao Shude praised, and said: "The roads from east to west in Yanzhou are a bit dilapidated, and they need to be repaired."

"I would like to obey the order of the commander in chief." Wu Rong and Jin Suo saluted together.

Weibei Town has not been included in the rule for a long time, and there are war expenses, and the local road system is dilapidated.Even if the common people are enlisted to build roads, most of them run north-south, and few run east-west.

Shao Shude was quite satisfied with the two ferry crossings in Yanzhou, because after the city on the other side was captured, it could be used as a basis to ensure the smooth flow of both sides of the river and a safe way of retreat.

But anyway, this is still a very risky operation.Relying on only one pass city seems to be insufficient. The ferry must also be included, and a few fortresses should be set up on the periphery, so as to barely support it.

It is really dangerous to cross the river to fight on the enemy's territory. Once you fail, there is nowhere to escape.

Outside of Yanzhou, there are several other crossings leading to the river.

Between Danzhou in Weibei Town and Cizhou in Hezhong Town, there is a Mengmen stone trough.The river bank here is extremely narrow, like a cut stone trough. It is said that it is the place where Dayu built stones to control the water and guide the river.The river has a large drop between the top and the bottom, and the hanging water rushes like a waterfall, and the fish and turtles cannot swim.

Downstream of Shicao, eighty miles east of Yichuan County (now Yichuan) in Danzhou, there is Wuren Pass on the bank of the Yellow River, and you can cross the river to Caisangjin on the opposite bank.There is a city built nearby, which was built by Yao Xiang, so it was named Yao Xiang City.

This city-state used to be a town, but it is probably abandoned now.

For a unified dynasty, a city like Yaoxiang City built at a dangerous ferry is really unnecessary.But for the separatist regime, it is an important place to fight for life and death.

Fifty miles east of Yaoxiangcheng, you can reach Jichang County (now Jixian County), Cizhou Lisuo.

To the south of Wurenguan, Caisangjin/Yaoxiangcheng is the famous Longmenguan.

There is a ferry fifty miles northeast of Hancheng County (now Hancheng City) in Tongzhou, which can reach Longmen Pass on the other side of the river.This pass is one of the central passes of the country and is extremely steep.Going out of Longmen Pass, you can reach Longmen County in Jiangzhou for more than [-] li in the southeast.

If there is someone on the other side to meet them, crossing the river is as easy as pie.

To the south of Longmen Pass, there are the famous Pujin Pass and the three cities. There are pontoon bridges, which are the first key for the east and west of Hebei to enter the pass.

In other words, there are five ferry crossings from Weibei Town to the middle of the river.If Jiangzhou can be dealt with, it will be much safer for the army to cross the river.

"A lot of repairs to the east-west roads, as soon as possible, I will be of great use."

"As ordered."

After sending the two old men aside, Shao Shude went to the carriage, held Zhao Yu's hand, and helped her down.

Xiao Shi also supported him.

"Look, the other bank is the middle of the river." Shao Shude pointed to the two opposing gates of the Jiahe River, and said, "The river is surging and the mountains are steep. They have always been important places for military strategists."

"Your Majesty only cares about fighting and killing. I feel that there is an endless stream of business travelers crossing the river. The people on both sides of the strait are all happy, but it adds to the atmosphere of the world." Zhao Yu puffed out his stomach, wearing a thick fur, and said with a smile: "Why did the Wang family in Hezhong offend you and insist on seizing the family's inheritance?"

Shao Shu speaks German.

"A gentleman is not guilty, but he is guilty of carrying jade." The soldiers moved a beard bed, Shao Shude sat down with his arms around Zhao Yu, and said, "Wang Chongying has no way to teach his son, Wang Yao found me in private, what can I do?"

Zhao Yu pinched Shao Shude's hand helplessly, there was both a smile and worry in his big eyes.

"Don't worry, I will choose the right time. Wang Chongying has recently started to reorganize his army and strengthen his drills. He should feel the crisis." Shao Shude said again: "When Wang Chongrong was still there in the past, the Hezhong army could still fight. Face the Huangchao army head-on. Bloody battles can shake their ground and give Li Ke the chance to use the Shatuo cavalry. But time has passed, and it is an internal struggle for power. Not too far."

"Wang Ke is Li Keyong's son-in-law, how can Jinyang sit back and watch?"

"War, how can you not take risks? Just like I use soldiers, I have always been cautious, but if I search deliberately, there are still loopholes and risks. When the opportunity arises, if you don't grasp it, you might as well hide in Lingzhou with Yuniang in your arms , give birth to children all day long."

Zhao Yu finally couldn't hold back these words, and shook his head with a light smile.

Xiao Shi stood aside, slightly jealous.

The king dotes on the Zhao family quite a lot, but he shows no mercy to himself, and can even be called rude.Those few nights in Xingde Palace were not so much favored as enjoying and playing.

The proud daughter of the Xiao family, who is not proficient in piano, chess, calligraphy and painting, poetry, singing and dancing?She didn't know how much energy was spent on this since she was a child, and she didn't even want to recall too much about the painful learning process.

He is also beautiful, and the Suzaku Street will probably be lined up with suitors.Even after leaving Hewei with his father, people still came to propose marriage.

But when they arrived at Xingde Palace, the first thing they did was to take off their clothes and kneel in front of the king to serve him.

While complaining and pitying himself, there was a sudden burst of force, and Shao Shude embraced him and sat down on his left.

Zhao Yu smiled and moved to the side.

It is her own idea and the family's idea to befriend Xiao Shi.

When a person is old and decrepit, if the king misses the old love again, how many years can the grace last?After giving birth to this child, the color will be even more unbearable.Concubine Ji in the mansion, she and the Feng sisters are considered older.Heroes grow old and beauties grow old. Since ancient times, no one has been able to escape.

In the county king's mansion, all the big families sharpened their heads and stuffed young, beautiful and talented women into them, and they all knew what the king liked.

Xiao's daughter was raised according to the standards of the emperor since she was a child. She has a graceful figure, is good at singing and dancing, can call and paint, and can distinguish the sound of the piano.When I first came to Xingde Palace, I brought a volume of poems written by myself.

The handwriting is beautiful and the poems are beautiful, resembling Qi Liang Qi Yan's poems. It is said that he has studied with Han Donglang for several years.In front of such a beautiful and talented woman, the king couldn't hold back.

"Your Majesty studies poetry all day long, can you gain something?" Looking at the surging river, Zhao Yu asked with a smile: "Dianiang is good at poetry, let her appreciate it."

Shao Shude was stunned, Zhang Dashuai possessed his soul, and almost chanted.

Back then, Zhang Zongchang also asked the number one scholar to teach him how to read and write poems. Everyone knows his level.

Marshal Shao asked the concubine Ji in his mansion to teach him how to write, and he also studied poetry with Feng Wei, Huang Tao, and Wei Zhuang, but he always felt that their poetry style was not right, too graceful, and he couldn't learn it.

After holding back for a long time, after thinking hard, I still remembered a song. Looking at the majestic river, I chanted: "Is there anything wrong with pouring down the Milky Way? It only takes a moment to shake up the turbid waves. There are more storms and dangers in the world. It is said that the Yellow River is afraid of the road."

Zhao Yu glanced at Shao Shude, and Xiao Shi was also a little surprised.

This poem does not use gorgeous rhetoric, nor does it have any pretentious and profound allusions. It just said one thing straightforwardly. Could it be that it was really written by the king?
Shao Shude's face has been polished by the wind, sand, rain and snow so that he can't see anything, he just "self-modestly" said: "I have some income occasionally, I still need to ask the two ladies for advice tonight."

Xiao's figure is well-proportioned, but the front and back are huge. Zhao Yu is pregnant, so naturally he can only ask Xiao's advice.

After hearing this, Mrs. Xiao didn't know whether she was really scared or what, her body trembled reflexively, which aroused Marshal Shao's desire even more.

While teasing and laughing, Zheng Yong, the tenth personal soldier, came to report: "Vice Envoy Chen is here."

Chen Cheng arrived soon, panting, "The commander-in-chief climbed the mountain with his beauty, and saw the magnificence of the river, but he didn't know that we were still arguing with the Beisi Zhongguan, tired!"

Shao Shude laughed and said, "Dianiang, hurry up and prepare some tea. Chen Dalang is my confidant, just like a family member."

"I can't, I can't." Chen Cheng said hastily.

Mrs. Xiao had already got up, saluted and said: "I have heard that Deputy Envoy Chen has the wisdom of Zhuge and the talent of Wang Zuo. He often comes up with ingenious strategies on the battlefield, and his achievements are as great as those of the generals in the army. It's just tea. Please wait a moment. When I have free time later, my concubine can also play the piano here, and with this grand river scenery, I will be exhausted for the king and Chen Fushi."

After that, he left.

Chen Cheng quietly observed Shao Shude's expression.

Before Xiao's offering her daughter, she had a private conversation with him.There are too many Qiang and Hu women around the king, and the power of the Zhe family is also a bit strong, so it needs to be balanced.Judging from the meaning of the commander-in-chief, it seems that he has acquiesced to this, so it is very good.

To be handsome, what kind of woman is not available?If you offer your daughter up, they may not accept it.Since the commander-in-chief enjoyed it, he must have his own considerations.

"Marshal, there are two things. Liu Jishu's relatives came. Yan Shipu secretly sent his eldest son to bring 3000 people into the court a few months ago, bypassing Yan, Yun, Wei, Lu and other towns, and now they have arrived in Jiangzhou. I just found out that there are many discussions in the court, and there are no disputes. Some people want to get this elite soldier, and some people are afraid of offending Quanzhong, so it is still pending."

months ago?Shao Shude secretly calculated the time, didn't it not be long before Zhu Quanzhong was defeated, thousands of people were captured, a large number of people were captured, and money and food returned to the West?It seems that the news quickly spread to the east. Er Zhu and Shi Pu are very concerned about this war!

We all know that Quanzhong can't enter Guanzhong now, so at the time of life and death, sending a son into the court, or is it an excellent way to preserve the blood of the family?

"Let the master of the Shi family come to Yanzhou quickly, and I'll wait for him here." Shao Shude ordered.

"Follow orders." Chen Cheng replied: "Second thing, Li Xiang, a gold merchant, can no longer go out to watch matters. A month or so ago, he summoned all the generals to his dormitory, and asked everyone to support his son Li Bai to stay behind for the gold merchant's festival, and send him away. Make Feng Biao to Chang'an to explain the matter."

Li Xiang...

Shao Shude's thoughts drifted back to the war-torn years ten years ago.

At that time, Li Xiang was dressed in military uniform, laughing and talking to Yan Yan, and Wang Yu stood behind him, very mighty and extraordinary.

Li Bai, who seemed to be a general back then, was like a shadow beside Li Xiang, so inconspicuous, but now he is going to be left behind.

"Li Xiang and I have an old relationship, and the son of an old man must be taken care of." Shao Shude said: "If he calls me Uncle, I will keep him rich so what?"

"Commander, gold merchants are so important, why not let Li Bai move the town and seize the opportunity?" Chen Cheng suddenly suggested.

Xiao Shi came over with tea and poured tea for the two of them.

After Chen Cheng thanked him, he said again: "Li Kan in Kuixia doesn't seem to be very capable now, so he has to count several states in Kuixia. The big towns in Jingnan have separatist regimes one after another, and their power cannot be leveled. It is better to let Li Bai go to Jiangling and serve as the governor of Jingnan. .”

"It's not very appropriate." Shao Shude shook his head, and said: "After returning, the generals of the Marquis of Duyu will discuss it and come up with a strategy."

"Obey." Chen Cheng thought for a while, but he was really not very kind.Li Bai was a little poor in gold merchants, but he was relatively stable.Jingnan is certainly rich, but Li Kan is so easy to talk to?In addition, the old man's body is too good, he is still alive and kicking.

Of course, Li Kan can't control Jingnan at all.Lei Man, a barbarian, occupied Li and Lang prefectures in the south, and fought endlessly with Zhou Yue in Hunan.If Li Kan wants to control the town, he has to send troops to destroy Lei Man.

During the conversation, Zhao Yu fell asleep under the warm sunshine.Shao Shude took off his cloak and carefully covered her body.Then he stroked the hilt of his sword, stood on the high cliff, looked at the scenery on the other side, and said: "Next, the focus is on the river and the gold merchants. How to proceed will have to be discussed in the long run."

　Last night's dinner, completely disrupted the update rhythm, the second night.

　
(End of this chapter)