508 Chapter 511
The two packed their simple luggage, left the inn, and embarked on a journey to Sichuan.Shen Mu filled a cup of tea for Xu Ziling, and said cheerfully, "Please Ling use less tea, it's so cold, drink it while it's hot!"

Xu Ziling asked in surprise, "Why did you become so polite all of a sudden?"

The two completed their journey along the Shu Road at dusk and entered the territory of Shu.They felt exhausted even with their physical abilities, so they stayed in a simple hostel at a post station after entering Sichuan, washed and changed their clothes, and went to the cafeteria to eat.They were the only guests in the cafeteria, and the waiter slipped away after serving the food. The cold wind blew in through the cracks in the door and windows, so Shen Mu said that it was cold.

Shen Mu touched his distended stomach that could no longer eat anything, and said with a smile, "I am grateful for your suggestion of taking the Sichuan Road, which makes me enjoy it and forget the pain of war for a while. On the other hand, I use you to practice humility and avoid To be proud of small victories, and become a self-important ignorant. Alas! I don’t know if the principle that the things you can’t get are the most precious can be copied and used in being an emperor. I really don’t want to be an emperor more and more. How can I get it? Shang and Ling Shao had the pleasure of visiting mountains and rivers without restraint, but when they sat on the dragon seat, they were already too busy to stamp and draw notes."

Xu Ziling sighed: "I knew this before, so why bother. You are riding a tiger now, do you want Yuzhi to be someone else's queen?"

Shen Mu said again: "I'm really afraid that Hanzhong has fallen into Li Yuan's hands, and things will be difficult. Hey! Someone is here!"

The sound of hooves came from far and near, and came from the official road. In this severe cold weather, the merchants on the Shu Road disappeared, and the sound of hooves suddenly sounded. Both of them had the feeling that they were coming towards them.

Xu Ziling listened carefully: "Seven to eight riders are in a hurry."

The horse neighed, apparently coming to rein in the horse and dismount outside the hotel.

Someone shouted in a low voice: "You guys let the wind outside."

Shen Mu asked in astonishment: "The voice is familiar, who is it?"

Xu Ziling cast his eyes on the closed door, which was pushed open by the visitor with a "crack", and the cold wind rushed in, blowing several wind lamps in the cafeteria to flicker on and off.

Shen Mu looked at it intently, patted his forehead and stood up to meet Xu Ziling, and said with a smile, "No wonder it sounds so familiar, so it's Brother Lin Lang!"

Lin Lang closed the door first, and saluted: "Lin Lang, on behalf of Sha Ming, the boss of our Wujiang gang, welcomes the young commander and Master Xu."

Xu Ziling remembered that when he left Bashu by water, Hou Xibai arranged to board Lin Lang's boat. It was on that voyage that he met Han Zenan's family of three, and Lei Jiuzhi, Gong Liangji, who was cheated by Lai Chaogui. Jiuzhi then joined forces to seek justice for Gongliangji.

The old man suddenly appeared in front of his eyes, all the past events happened just yesterday, he was happy in his heart, and said with a smile: "Brothers, why are you talking so strangely, sit down and talk."

Lin Lang laughed, sat down happily, and watched Shen Mu personally fetching a cup of tea for him, and said: "The younger brother is speaking on behalf of our gang just now, so of course you have to follow the etiquette. Being able to know the two of you is the most fascinating thing in my life, Lin Lang." A proud honor."

Shen Mu put down the teapot and said with a smile: "We are not alone, we will not grow three heads and six arms, we are brothers for a while, and we will be brothers for the rest of our lives. Let's have a drink!"

The three of them used tea as wine and enjoyed themselves to the fullest.

Shen Mu said: "Why don't you call Brother Lin's brother in to take shelter from the wind?"

Lin Lang said: "I can't stand a little suffering, how can I come out to mess around? What's more, our words should not be heard by the fourth party."

Xu Ziling asked: "Brother Lin's timing is very accurate, as if he made an agreement with us."

Lin Lang said: "Ever since Big Brother Lei informed us that the two of us would come to Bashu, we have been paying close attention to the water and land routes to Sichuan. I am the luckiest way. I only have to wait for two days to meet the two masters."

Shen Mu pretended to be impatient and said, "Here again! What's wrong with the father and mother? His name is Xiao Xu, I'm Xiao Kou, and your name is Xiao Lin. Ha! Xiao Kou is a little uneasy, like a little thief It seems like Xiao Zhong or Ah Zhong!"

Lin Lang showed a flattered expression, and said movedly: "It is indeed my blessing to have friends like Brother Xu and the young marshal."

Xu Ziling said: "What happened in Chengdu? Why did you stop us before we arrived in Chengdu?"

Lin Lang said: "The current situation in Bashu is very tense. The day before I left Chengdu, Song Que's naval forces occupied Luchuan County with an overwhelming advantage and drove all Xiehui's people out. In the future, anyone who wants to leave the waterway Leaving Shu requires the Song Family Army to nod."

Shen Mu and Xu Ziling's scalp felt numb when they heard this, Song Que did have unfathomable skills in using troops, one must know that Luchuan is located in the south of Chengdu, at the junction of the Dajiang River and the Mian River, and from there it would take two days to march against the river. Chengdu, hold the throat of Chengdu tightly.Luchuan fell, and Xie Huishi was suppressed to the point of being unable to move.The seemingly simple action actually involved many years of deployment and planning. Taking it by surprise, there was no chance for Xiehui's troops in Luchuan County to resist.

Shen Mu said, "How did Xie Hui react?"

Lin Lang said: "Of course I was extremely furious and declared that I would never give in. I am currently mobilizing people from all over the country to defend Chengdu. After the negotiations with the four major clans broke down, I ordered the members of the four major clans to leave Chengdu. The civil war in Bashu is about to break out. Brother Lei and Mr. Hou is afraid that he will lead the Tang army, and also afraid that you will rush into the city without understanding the situation, so we have to find a way to inform the two of you first."

Xu Ziling felt a big headache. Could it be that Shen Mu's words became a prophecy, and the matter in Bashu can only be resolved by force. Let's see whose fist is stronger?

Shen Mu said in a deep voice, "Does Xie Hui intend to recapture Luchuan?"

Lin Lang showed disdain, and snorted coldly: "It's pretty good that he can keep Chengdu, how dare he act rashly? But if the Tang army enters Shu, the situation is not optimistic. Although Chengdu is located in a plain, it is not easy to break through because of the high walls. "

He was obviously on Shen Mu's side, looking at the situation in Bashu from the perspective of his identity.

Shen Mudao: "Before entering Sichuan, we heard news that Li Shimin formed an alliance with Tong Yehu of the Western Turks, so Tong Yehu and his party helped Li Shimin protect Bashu, is it true?"

Lin Lang said: "There are indeed such rumors, but no one can tell the truth from the fake. However, Bashu is surrounded by mountains and mountains, with Qinling and Bashan in the north, Wushan in the east, Yushan in the west, and Wuling and Wumeng Mountains in the south. It has become a land of four dangers isolated from each other, and only the Shu Road and the Three Gorges waterway are used for communication. Even if foreigners in Xisai want to touch Bashu, they will be powerless."

Xu Ziling said: "Then is there a large number of Western Turkic and Dangxiang people entering and leaving the Domineering Fort?"

Lin Lang said: "Recently, there have been a group of people from the Western Regions in Chengdu, but I don't know their relationship with Xie Hui. They booked the Wumen Inn on Wumen Street. There are between 50 people AAAA, including men and women."

After a pause, he snorted coldly and said, "Xie Hui overestimated his own strength and wanted to fight against Song Que. It is puzzling. He used to say that Li Tang's power is growing day by day, and that the Song Clan is located in the south of Lingnan, beyond his reach. But now The Young Marshal assisted in the defense of Luoyang and fought against the crowd. Although the defeat was glorious, he did not lose half of the land. Song Que led the army out of Lingnan to support the Young Marshal. Du Fuwei publicly announced that he was on the side of the Young Marshal. The world situation reversed , no one can understand why Xie Hui still votes for Li Yuan who killed Li Mi and Jiande."

Shen Mu said in astonishment: "The news spread so fast, your elder brother seems to know the situation better than me."

Lin Lang nodded and said: "It's a bit strange! In the past, it took a long time for things to become clear about the war situation outside Shu, but this time, the brilliant achievements of the young general's conquest of the South and the North are fresh and endless every day. In the end, it was confirmed that it was not a rumor.”

Xu Ziling secretly praised Shi Zhixuan's precision in grasping Song Que's heart, subtly influenced the people of the world through the spread of news, planted an image of Shen Mu's benevolence and invincibility, overshadowed Li Shimin's front, and revealed Li Yuan's injustice. The wonderful use of "Soldiers without fighting and subjugating others", Song Que's methods in this area are superb and amazing.In the past, the days when Li Shimin was surrounded by everyone looked after the wind, after Shen Mu's rise, it will never return.

Lin Lang continued: "Especially when Du Fuwei announced that the Jianghuai Army had surrendered to the young marshal, Xie Hui was thrown into chaos. The 'Monkey King' Feng Zhen of the Qiang nationality, the 'Meiji' Sina of the Yao nationality, and the 'Eagle King' Jiaoluo of the Miao nationality Feng and Chuan Mouxun, the "Wolf King" of the Yi nationality, jointly expressed their support for Song Que, which led to a breakdown in relations with Xie Hui. People in Chengdu supported him, but of course the response was indifferent. I heard that many people under him disagreed with his proposition and believed that Bashu should at least maintain neutrality.”

Shen Mu was puzzled and said, "What capital does he have?"

Lin Lang said disdainfully: "Where does he have the capital to fight against Song Que? There must be no more than [-] troops in Chengdu under his Sovereign Fortress system. Compared with the Song family army, they are just mobs who are vulnerable. It is rumored that Xie Hui sent people to Chang'an to ask for help. , but far away water is hard to save near fire, Li Tang has just won Luoyang, his position is not stable, and he has to deal with Liu Heita, who raised an army to avenge Dou Jiande.

Shen Mu said in surprise: "Your brother is really insightful, seeing the situation so thoroughly."

Lin Lang said embarrassingly: "This news came from Chang'an, so everyone firmly believes it."

Shen Mu patted the table and said, "My future father-in-law is really amazing."

Xu Ziling nodded in agreement, only he understood Shen Mu's sentimental comment, while Lin Lang was at a loss when he heard it.

Shen Mu did not explain to Lin Lang, but only said, "How is the current situation in Chengdu?"

Lin Lang said: "Xie Hui tightly controls Chengdu, the gates are tight, and those suspected are not allowed to enter the city. A curfew will be enforced until dawn after midnight. Under our arrangement, Brother Lei, Young Master Hou and Young Master Die escaped to Gong Liang's house in Chengdu. The old house, so I have to inform you first, I have a way to get you into the city."

Shen Mu laughed and said, "Thank you Brother Lin for your kindness, but my two brothers want to enter the city in a dignified manner, the more sensational the better."

Lin Lang changed his face and said: "But Xie Hui has a lot of people, I'm afraid you will suffer."

Shen Mu glanced at Xu Ziling, seeing that he had no objection, he immediately became courageous, and said in a low voice, "We haven't seen any scenes before, as long as we make sufficient preparations, I am sure to smash Xie Hui's confidence and fighting spirit in one fell swoop."

Lin Lang frowned and said, "What preparation time?"

Shen Mu said happily: "Your brother is in charge of this aspect. You only need to talk about it, and spread the news that we are going to Chengdu to negotiate face-to-face with Xie Hui. The more people know, the better. We will stay here for two days. I started to go on the road after recharging my energy and energy, and I hope that when I arrive in Chengdu, no one in Chengdu will be unaware of this.”

Xu Ziling said indifferently: "Why don't you, Young Marshal Kou, write the pen yourself, edit a book, and ask someone to give it to Xie Hui, saying that you are visiting at a certain time on a certain day, and you want to have a friendly conversation with him face to face, wouldn't it be more dignified?"

Lin Lang praised: "As long as I spread the news of the post, it will be more well-founded."

Shen Mu scratched his head in disbelief: "But Old Master Bai hasn't given me the secret of how to write a letter yet."

Xu Ziling couldn't help laughing and said: "You don't need Mr. Hou, a master of swordsmanship, you can be his grandma's young marshal Xiong. This is called the art of employing people. No one in Bashu has ever seen you draw bets, so please invite them together." Xibai will do it for you."

Shen Mu laughed loudly and said, "I'm so confused, I just decided like that. Xie Hui! This will be your last chance, if you don't grasp it well, you will regret it later."

……

About two days after meeting Lin Lang at the inn, Shen Mu and Xu Ziling set off for Chengdu. To avoid people's eyes and ears, they did not take official roads, but hurried across mountains and mountains.When Chengdu was in sight, it was still dark and the gates of the city were closed.

The two hid in a dense forest about five miles east of Chengdu, where they had agreed with Lin Lang, waiting for the moment when the city gate opened.They sat cross-legged on the edge of the woods, feeling the coldness and silence before dawn, and silently watched the sky turn from dark to bright.

Shen Mu didn't seem to dare to disturb the solemn and peaceful atmosphere around him, and said softly: "The thing I fear most now is that the rice has already been cooked, and Xie Hui led the Tang army into Shu, so the only way to solve it is by force."

Xu Ziling shook his head and said, "I don't think Xie Hui would be so unwise. The lack of soldiers in Song Dynasty to attack Luchuan was to issue an urgent warning to him. As soon as the Tang army entered Shu, he would immediately attack Chengdu with thunderous force. Because of the support of the four great clans, Xie Hui Hui is indeed vulnerable. If Chengdu falls into the hands of Song Que, the Tang army entering Shu will fall into a difficult situation."

Shen Mu frowned and said, "So what if Tang Jun defends Hanzhong to death?"

Xu Ziling said indifferently: "Without Li Shimin, why would Hanzhong be afraid?"

Shen Mu pondered and said: "Bashu can be said to be the rear of Guanzhong. If it falls into my hands, it will open the door to attack Chang'an from the south. Li Yuan came from the general family, so he should know that Hanzhong is not as important as Xiangyang. Although there is no Li Shimin in the Presiding over the overall situation is not an easy battle.”

Xu Ziling said: "You have ghosts in your heart, so you gave birth to the view that Li Yuan had to guard Hanzhong. In fact, Li Yuan was not afraid of you entering Chang'an at all, and welcomed you to die. When you attacked Chang'an and suffered heavy casualties, all the cities in Guanzhong Lu Tang's army is all at once, and under normal circumstances, the young commander's army will wipe out the entire army. If I were Li Yuan, I would never spare Chang'an troops to defend Hanzhong City, which is only one-tenth of Chang'an's scale and defensive strength."

After a pause, he continued: "Since Li Yuan is a general, he should focus on the overall situation. First, he should try his best to pacify the north and the rest of Brother Liu's party in Hebei. After the snowstorm, divide his troops and go south to attack Peng Liang and the old man. This is the correct strategy. .Who would have thought that you would have such a rare work from Duke Yang’s treasure house. Alas!”

Shen Mu comforted: "Feixuan is definitely not this kind of person, I have 100% confidence."

The sound of breaking wind came from far and near.It was Lei Jiuzhi, Hou Xibai, Yin Xianhe and Lin Lang who came. At this time, the sky was bright and the city gate was wide open, and the four came out of the city to welcome them.Shen Mu and Xu Ziling stood up to greet them.

After entering the forest, Lei Jiu pointed his head and said: "If you don't want to go straight from the city gate to the Shu Palace, it's better for us to try to sneak you in."

Shen Mu asked in surprise: "Did Xie Hui move from Duzun Castle to Shu Palace?"

Hou Xibai sighed: "After Xie Hui received the letter, he withdrew the women and children of Duzun Castle and most of the soldiers from the clan to the Shu Palace in the city. Now only dozens of people stay in Duzun Castle, but this action shows that Xie Hui spared no expense. The determination to fight. No one in Chengdu understands how Xie Hui made such a big determination to throw everything at Li Yuan."

Lin Lang said: "After we handed over the letter at the east gate, we have been paying attention to Xie Hui's movements. We found that he immediately strengthened the city defense and dispatched manpower from nearby. I'm afraid he might misunderstand that Brother Kou is sending a letter of war to him."

Hou Xibai smiled wryly and said, "I wrote the letter of credit on behalf of the young marshal carefully, and gave him enough face. He won't fail to understand our intention to seek peace."

Lei Jiuzhi snorted and said: "Xie Hui is stubborn, let you write all kinds of hype in the letter, so what if he can't see it?"

Xu Ziling asked, "What happened to the Song family army in Luchuan?"

Lin Lang said: "The Song family army in Luchuan was commanded by Song Faliang, a famous general from the Song family. They are constantly gathering supplies and troops, and expanding to the surrounding towns. The intention of attacking Chengdu in the north is very clear. Let's ask the young commander to Xie Hui The story of Lu was widely spread, and after hearing the news, the four clans announced the formation of a four-clan alliance, claiming to welcome the young marshal to Shu, which made the situation in Chengdu even more tense."

Shen Mu frowned and said, "Do the four clans still have strongholds in the city?"

Lin Lang said: "Chengdu has always been a place where various ethnic groups live together. The four ethnic groups are deeply entrenched in the city. How could Xie Hui chase them away at will. Now more than a dozen Lifangs in the city are controlled by the four ethnic groups, and the young commander can say that it is too late." At this time, let Xie Hui suspend the crisis of going to war with the four clans."

Lei Jiu pointed out: "In my opinion, you'd better enter the city through the south gate, first talk to the leaders of the four clans, and then try to sit down with Xie Hui to settle the matter."

Shen Mu showed a confident smile, shook his head and said, "This will only lead to civil war. I still insist on entering the city through the east gate. If Xie Hui gets rough, I will teach him to suffer."

Xu Ziling frowned and said, "Aren't you going to start a killing spree? Once the bleeding starts, the situation will get out of hand."

Shen Mu calmly said: "Don't worry, Young Master Ling! We're here to seek peace, not war. After all, since the four major clans are looking at us from the sidelines, Xie Hui should not dare to mobilize the whole city to besiege us, let alone Xie Hui's internal forces. Unsteady, at most some confidantes will be dispatched to attack, we can attack if we advance, and escape if we retreat. I am not boasting, but with the current skills of my two brothers, Xie Hui is still not qualified to keep us."

Yin Xianhe, who had been silent all this time, interjected, "And I, Yin Xianhe."

Shen Mu smiled and said, "I hope you don't need brother Yin to help you. You go back to the city and be onlookers. After half an hour, Young Master Ling and I will enter the city through the east gate to see if Xie Hui is a sensible person."

Shen Mu and Xu Ziling talked and laughed freely along the official road towards the east gate. Xu Ziling was certainly unarmed. Because Shen Mu hid the long sword and sun-piercing bow in the sheepskin robe that Chu Chu had sewn for him and suffered a lot of disasters, the surface was also distorted. It was empty-handed, without the slightest intention of killing.

(End of this chapter)

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