Chinese New Year

Chapter 404 Instructions
In late May, another group of ship materials and craftsmen headed north from Guangling, passed through Kaocheng, and then went to Mengjin.

Almost at the same time as them, the left camp of the Silver Spear Army arrived at Kaocheng. After a short rest, they prepared to go to Mengjin.

General Sima Pi of the Zhenjun Army had just returned from hunting and was about to go see his mother, but he saw such a large group of soldiers inside and outside the city gate and immediately became worried.

"Are these people really soldiers? Why do they look like bandits?" Sima Pi quietly asked the Right Chief Clerk Zhao Mu when entering the city.

Zhao Mu took a look and found that these soldiers, known as the Silver Spear Left Camp, did look a bit like bandits, but not entirely like them, because they had a discipline that was difficult for bandits to match.

Even when they were resting outside the city gate, they were still meticulous and methodical. There were strict regulations on what they could and could not do, and everything was in good order.

Zhao Mu heard that the looting by the Silver Spear Left Camp when they went on expeditions was not the kind of looting that was carried out by the soldiers, but rather an organized looting, or to put it more elegantly: donations.

Most of the time, they forced the other side to collect taxes themselves and then send them to the camp.

Chen Gong Shao Xun felt that this way of looting was good for everyone.

They don't disturb others, they just collect money, and they can also transfer some of the hatred. There is no better way than this.

Zhao Mu felt that such an army could not be called bandits at all. At most, the soldiers were more ferocious and not docile enough.

Yes, soldiers are also divided into different levels.

Some soldiers are very docile. You can treat them as slaves and not give them any money or food as rewards.

Some soldiers are more fierce and cannot be humiliated too much.

The most important thing is to grasp the degree.

The Silver Spear Army is a unit that cannot be commanded by others because its personal imprint is too distinct. Perhaps, in the future, it can only be passed down between Lord Chen and his designated successor, and it will be difficult for outsiders to intervene.

"Stop." There were barricades placed at the city gate, and a team of soldiers shouted from afar.

"How dare you." The driver said angrily, "This is the general of the Zhen army coming—"

Before he could finish his words, the driver was pulled off his horse.

Two other soldiers came forward, lifted the curtain and took a look.

Sima Pi and Zhao Mu were sitting inside, looking unhappy.

The soldier lowered the curtain, waved his hand, and said, "Let them pass."

The soldiers moved the barricades aside and watched from a distance.

"Arrogant and brave generals!" Sima Pi cursed.

After cursing, he looked around guiltily, and only breathed a sigh of relief after making sure no one heard it.

"Even more ferocious than Zhang Fang back then." Zhao Mu sighed.

Sima Pi pursed his lips and remained silent.

Since the Chinese New Year, he seemed to have everything under control. But later he found out that it was just an illusion. Many important matters were sent to Xuchang or Chen County by express horse from the shogunate, and could only be implemented after the military commander Chen Gong nodded.

All he could decide were the little insignificant matters.

Zhao Mu knew what Sima Pi was thinking without even looking at him.

But given the current situation, he couldn't think of any good solution. He could only comfort her and wait.

If it really doesn't work, just go back to the East Sea Kingdom. After all, we have four counties there. If we manage them well, they may not be that bad.

"The king is seventeen years old this year. The most important thing is to marry a daughter of the royal family," said Zhao Mu.

Sima Pi nodded slowly.

"The Wang family is a powerful family in Donghai." Zhao Mu analyzed: "After marrying the daughter of the Wang family, we can get the support of the Wang family, and the four counties of Donghai will have a firm foothold. This is a way out, don't take it lightly."

"Mi Zihui is the Internal History of Donghai, do you want to--" Sima Pi asked.

Zhao Mu shook his head and said, "The Mi family has developed rapidly in recent years. Although it is not as good as the Wang family, it is already the second largest family under the Wang family. Mi Zihui is loyal to the previous king. He will not treat the king badly. With him around, the Wang family can be balanced. The king should remember that it is not a good thing for one family to dominate alone."

Sima Pi nodded in agreement, and then asked, "So Yanzhou is just going to watch? Shao Xun holds the power, and even the concubine is controlled by him——"

"Your Majesty!" Zhao Mu said solemnly, "There are some things that I have not heard, and Your Majesty has never said. The ancient sages have already said that disaster comes from the mouth, so remember it."

Sima Pi's face turned pale.

If the truth was revealed, Shao Xun would be in a very bad state, his mother's reputation would be ruined, and his fate would be even more uncertain. Shao Xun was furious, and even if he didn't say anything, if someone under him guessed his intention and took action, he would not be able to bear it.

When the carriage arrived outside the mansion, they saw another large group of soldiers. This time they were Shao Xun's personal soldiers. After seeing Sima Pi from afar, they did not even send anyone inside to inform them, but directly asked them to leave.

Sima Pi and Zhao Mu looked at each other, bowed, and left.

When you come, whether you can see it or not is one thing, but whether you come or not is another.

This is not done for the Concubine Dowager and Shao Xun to see, but for outsiders to see.

The country is based on filial piety, so the scene must be well-prepared.

"Mr. Chen will not stay for many days, he will leave soon." On the way back, Zhao Mu said, "The court has sent people to sail to the Mengjin River to worship the river god and deliver bricks. The Xiongnu are not blind, they will definitely find out, and a war is inevitable. Mr. Chen will leave sooner or later, so the king just needs to wait patiently."

Sima Pi nodded slightly.

******
With a loud cry, Shao Xun's third son was born.

Concubine Pei turned her head.

Sima Xiuwei, who came to visit her, understood what she meant, took the child from the maid and placed it next to Concubine Pei's pillow.

Concubine Pei stretched out her hand and carefully touched the child she had given birth to after ten months of pregnancy, and her eyes were blurred with tears without her realizing it.

She suddenly realized that there seemed to be a trace of concern in her heart, a concern that could never be severed due to blood ties.

She used to laugh at Xunniang for calling her "Jiao'er", but now she found that she also instinctively wanted to give this child a better future, to make him live a life without worries and rich and prosperous.

The man who had done evil was still wandering outside. After a while, a maid came out to report, and a hearty laugh suddenly sounded, getting louder and louder. As Concubine Pei listened, she smiled.

At least I still have some conscience.

At least she didn't put her trust in the wrong person.

Sima Xiuwei also looked at his son absentmindedly, his eyes unfocused, and no one knew what he was thinking.

"Are you still going to Yang Xianrong?" Concubine Pei suddenly asked.

Sima Xiuwei suddenly woke up and nodded.

"After the New Year, Mr. Chen went to Guangcheng Palace. You were there too, right?"

Sima Xiuwei nodded hesitantly.

Concubine Pei closed her eyes and stopped talking.

Sima Xiuwei was a little restless.

"Do you like children?" Concubine Pei asked softly.

Sima Xiuwei's face showed no expression, but the subtle movements of her body still betrayed her inner thoughts.

She has lived in Guangchengze all year round and has not had any contact with the Wang family for a long time, except when the whole family was offering sacrifices to their ancestors.

She is alone now, lonely, without family, without children, and only one sister with whom she can have a say: Yang Xianrong.

"I'll help you." Concubine Pei said.

Sima Xiuwei seemed to have heard something extraordinary, and his breathing suddenly became rapid.

She bit her lip and said nothing.

In fact, she had found opportunities to meet Mr. Chen several times, but he treated her with courtesy and didn't even think of taking advantage of her.

"How... help?" Sima Xiuwei asked with difficulty.

"Don't worry about it." Concubine Pei opened her eyes, looked at the child gently, and said, "Come here less often in the future, and go to Guangcheng Palace more often."

Sima Xiuwei stretched out his hands, covered his face, and did not speak for a long time.

Outside, Shao Xun stood for a while and then went to the front yard.

Cai Cheng came hurriedly and reported: "The emperor has sent troops to attack Xin'an."

"Is the emperor crazy?" Shao Xun asked in surprise, "How can we fight with only 20,000 or 30,000 imperial guards?"

"The emperor has recruited some more people, and there should be 50,000 people in total." Cai Cheng said.

"Fishing in a dry pond." Shao Xun sneered, "What kind of battle can these rookies fight? Who will be the commander?"

"Central Guard General Xun Song."

"A man who has never commanded a large army can actually lead 50,000 people to attack." Shao Xun didn't know how to comment, so he asked, "Is there any new news from Mengjin?"

"Governor Shao has not reported yet." Cai Cheng replied.

"Shao Du" is the shogunate's traitor Shao Fan. If he didn't report, there is no new news.

A city was being built on the south bank of Mengjin, and sacrifices were being made to the river god and earth, wood, bricks and stones were being stored on the river bank.

"It's come to this, there's nothing more to say." Shao Xun said, "Send a message to the shogunate to recruit 5,000 hereditary soldiers from Xuchang, 3,000 soldiers from Luyang, 1,500 soldiers from Kaocheng, 500 soldiers from Yingyang, Langling, and Ningping, and 1,000 men from Xiangcheng, Yingchuan, and Chenjun, totaling 14,000 men. Go to Mangshan as soon as possible and set up camp there."

"Write another letter to General Wang, asking for the allocation of swords, spears, halberds, armor, bows, arrows, and crossbow carts, as well as 300,000 hu of military rations."

"promise."

"The Yicong Army can set out first, passing Chenggao to Mangshan." Shao Xun also ordered: "In Xuchang - how is Cao Gong's health?"

Cao Fu had been ill recently and had been bedridden for many days. Shao Xun was worried about his physical condition and whether he could handle the heavy responsibility of staying behind.

"He has recovered, but he doesn't seem to have much energy and is still sick," Cai Cheng replied.

"Send a letter to the shogunate to appoint Cao Yin as the shogunate's secretary and concurrently as the prefect of Jiyang," Shao Xun said.

Cao Yin is the grandson of Cao Fu. He is currently serving as the East Pavilion Jijiu of the Yanzhou government. After serving as a Zhonglang, his rank is equivalent to Qianshi, a step up. After concurrently serving as a prefect, his power is even greater.

There is no doubt that this is a gesture of goodwill to Uncle Cao, and it can even be said to be a reward.

Shao Xun still wanted to let Cao Fu stay behind for once, because he found that the old man had clear ideas and rich experience. At the critical moment, he remained calm and knew what to do and what not to do.

As for the Yanzhou government, he felt very relieved with the presence of Left Chief Clerk Pan Tao, Left Sima Pei Shao, and Attendant General Pei Miao.

To be more precise, he trusted Concubine Pei.

If a woman is willing to follow you without knowing why and bear children for you without knowing why, what else do you have to worry about?
"Let He Lun, Liu Qia, Tang Jian, and Man Heng rush to Kaocheng overnight. I have something to say to them."

"promise."

"In Qingzhou..." Shao Xun continued, "Appoint Yang Jiongzhi as the military supervisor of the Xuchang shogunate to inspect Taishan, Lu State, and Jibei."

The two counties of Taishan (Yanzhou) and Luguo (Yuzhou) have been controlled by the Yang family for many years. Their power is deeply rooted and the order from top to bottom is as strict as an iron barrel.

Shao Xun was not very satisfied with this, but since the Yang family can help you hold on in one direction, you should just be happy and don't think too much about it.

This time, don’t we still have to rely on others?

"Please ask Lu Yuzhou to come over again. I will wait for him in Kaocheng." Shao Xun gave his final order.

Cai Cheng wrote them down one by one, and then sent someone to deliver the order.

(End of this chapter)