Cutting over the end of the Ming Dynasty: a dog-leg knife at the beginning

Chapter 215

The next day, Yang Menglong asked people to drive the livestock back to Wuyang first, and stayed in Daming Mansion to tour the mountains and rivers by himself.

There are many places of interest in Daming Mansion. The Northern Song Dynasty once built a companion capital here to deal with the impact of the powerful Khitan cavalry. Handan, the capital of Zhao State during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States Period, was also in the territory of Daming Mansion, which can be described as a gathering of humanities.It's a pity that these gorgeous makeups have been eroded away by the wind and dust of the years. The former Beijing Daming Mansion has long been swallowed by the flood and buried under the thick river sand. It is difficult to find a trace, which makes Yang Menglong very disappointed.He originally thought that in the Ming Dynasty, he could still see a glimpse of the peerless splendor of this famous city in the Northern Song Dynasty, but now he can't see anything except the thick river sand.As for the Handan King City, there are only some dilapidated buildings left. In the past, the capital of the Great Zhao Kingdom, which once faced the iron-blooded Qin Dynasty tit for tat and competed for supremacy for hundreds of years, has now been reduced to a small county with a population of [-] or tens of thousands, and is extremely poor. Looking at the ruins covered with weeds and scattered people, and recalling the splendor that once served as the core of the six kingdoms of Shanle against the Qin Dynasty, it is really emotional.

Wandering among the ruins for a long time, Yang Menglong supported a broken stone pillar that had obviously been burned, and sighed: "It's hard to imagine that this was once a powerful imperial capital with 40 elite soldiers in Hufu, and even the mighty Great Qin was in awe!"

Lu Xiangsheng said: "As early as the Warring States period, the Qin army attacked Handan many times, causing great damage to Handan. Later, the Zhao State fell. Because the Zhao people were stubborn, like the poplars, Qin State set fire to the city. , razed Handan to the ground, trying to erase the capital, cut off the last thought of the Zhao people, so that they could be good citizens of the Qin State... In the end, the Zhao people still did not become good citizens of the Qin State, but this Handan, in that After the catastrophe, I never recovered." He slapped a broken stone elephant covered with vines, and sighed: "Before it perished, the government of Zhao State became dark and corrupt. A generation of mediocrity, courtiers are more incompetent and shameless than the next, the demise of the Zhao country is really their own fault! It's a pity that the undefeated god of war Li Mu was still trying to turn the tide until the last moment, it's a pity that he was still defending the country until the last moment And the Hufu elite soldiers who fought bloody battles! Admirable and lamentable!"

Zhao Guoda lost the ability to fight against Qin on his own after the disastrous defeat in Changping, and he could only barely protect himself for the next few decades.However, the capital left by Zhao Wuling Wang Hufu's riding and shooting should not be underestimated. The blood and cohesion honed by the Zhao people in these four wars should not be underestimated. The Qin State's attack on Zhao State, Nine times out of ten it ends in fiasco.After Qin Shihuang succeeded to the throne, he launched three tentative attacks on Zhao Guo, which was already at the end of its strength, and was defeated by Zhao Guo three times. The most important thing is that he was defeated by Zhao Jun in the field. Human blood can be seen.Later, Qin State sent Wang Jian, the number one general, to lead the country's elite soldiers, and Li Mu also led Zhao's last Hufu elite soldiers to fight. The two sides fought fiercely at Jingxing Pass for a whole year. .But in many cases, the outcome of a war is determined outside the battlefield. At the most critical moment, King Zhao listened to Guo Kai's slander and replaced the invincible God of War Li Mu with Yan Ju and Zhao Cong. He was wiped out like fallen leaves by the autumn wind of the Qin army, and Li Mu was one step ahead of the Hufu elite soldiers he had painstakingly preserved. After being relieved of his military power, he was assassinated by Guo Kai, and a generation of famous generals fell. The heroic appearance of galloping horses has thus disappeared from the land of China forever, and entered people's memory. It is really embarrassing for the famous generals and powerful teams to end like this.Every time Lu Xiangsheng reads the history to this point, he shoots the railings all over, complaining for Li Mu and those loyal warriors of Zhao State.

Yang Menglong looked at him, and said in his heart: "The ending between you and Tianxiong Army is no better than that of Zhao Jun! However, you are better than Li Mu, at least you can give it a go, and finally seek benevolence and benevolence, while Li Mu Lian Zhan There is no chance of dying on the battlefield..."

The two boarded the Wuling Congtai again.Wuling Congtai was built by King Wuling of Zhao. This talented and generous monarch has stood on the high platform countless times. Under the steps, countless knights in red uniforms are riding tall horses, holding strong bows, carrying feathered arrows, and equipped with scimitars. Rows of people passed the stage mightily, like a flowing sea of ​​red flames. It is not difficult to imagine what kind of lofty ambitions surged in King Zhao Wuling's heart at that time.It's a pity that the years are merciless. After repeated wars, Wuling Congtai has been dilapidated. It was repaired more than a dozen times in the Ming Dynasty alone.But standing on the high platform, looking down, I can still hear Zhao Jun's whistling sound like a sea tide, and King Zhao Wuling's heroic long smile: "I am dressed in black clothes, and I draw a strong bow!"

Yang Menglong patted the railing of the high platform and said with a smile: "Pull out the grass on the ground and make the ground level. It's a good place for a military parade... It must be very exciting to parade here."

Lu Xiangsheng said angrily: "Where can I find this spare money!"

Just as Yang Menglong was about to speak, Lu Xiangsheng's servant came over in a hurry, climbed up the high platform wheezing and panting, saluted, and called: "My lord, big thing, big thing!"

Lu Xiangsheng asked, "Why are you in such a hurry?"

The slave said: "Sun, Sun Ge is here!"

Lu Xiangsheng was taken aback: "Sun Ge is old?"

The servant said, "I'm already waiting in the mansion!"

Lu Xiangsheng said to Yang Menglong: "Mr. Sun Ge came to Daming Mansion in his busy schedule. I'm afraid something big will happen. Young Shuai Yang, shall we go back first?" Originally, he could leave Yang Menglong aside and rush back, but he wanted to send Yang Menglong away. Recommend it to Sun Chengzong, and strongly invite him to return home together.

Yang Menglong was also very curious about Sun Chengzong, a famous official at the end of the Ming Dynasty. To be able to see this historical celebrity with his own eyes, of course, such an opportunity should not be missed, so he agreed immediately, and the two of them didn't care about continuing to play. go home.

From Handan to Daming Mansion, it is not close, nor is it far. The straight-line distance is [-] kilometers. Yang Menglong and Lu Xiangsheng rode fast horses along the post road and galloped along the post road without any hesitation. They changed two fast horses and ran for more than an hour. , hurried back to the Lu Mansion.Yang Menglong's butt hurt, and he complained secretly that Sun Chengzong was really good at tormenting people. Why did you come to Daming Mansion instead of just staying outside the pass to build the city?Of course, I was just complaining in my heart, but I never dared to say it out loud.

Back at Lu's mansion, Lu Xiangsheng rushed into the living room in a hurry, but he didn't see any sign of the guest, so he couldn't help being anxious, "Lu An, where is Mr. Ge!?"

The old servant Lu An ran out and said: "Ge Lao drank a cup of tea and went out!" When he said this, he raised his head and gave Yang Menglong a look, as if complaining that he dragged his lord out at this juncture.It is very disrespectful for the distinguished guest to arrive but the host is not at home. The old man is so honorable, can he be neglected!It's all because of this active monkey!
Yang Menglong shrugged, how could I have known that that dead old man would make a surprise attack!
Lu Xiangsheng asked: "Where did Mr. Ge go?"

Lu An said: "Ge Lao said to go to the market to see if it is prosperous and whether there are many commodities..."

An old and deep voice floated in: "Jiandou, I'm back." After the voice fell, people arrived, and an old man in his seventies, wearing a rich and purple official robe, strode in.Lu Xiangsheng took a step forward, knelt down, and saluted: "I'll see the old man!" He winked at Yang Menglong.Yang Menglong followed and knelt down: "The next official sees the old man!" That's awkward!
Sun Chengzong smiled heartily, helped Lu Xiangsheng up before he could salute, and said slightly reproachfully: "Look, I have told you so many times that you don't need to be so polite in private situations, but you just can't listen." go in!"

Lu Xiangsheng said sincerely: "Ge Lao is not only the superior of the lower officials, but also the leader of the Ming Dynasty, and he has the kindness to know the lower officials, how can the lower officials be rude!"

Sun Chengzong shook his head and said: "It seems that you can't change it in this life." His eyes fell on Yang Menglong, and he saw that this guy had a weird cut-cut hair, thick eyebrows and big eyes, and a baby face with a hint of childishness, but his eyes fell on Yang Menglong. The exuberant heroic spirit could no longer be concealed, and he was about to burst into flames. He couldn't help but look at the boy a few more times, and asked curiously, "Jiandou, who is this young man?"

Yang Menglong grinned, and said, "Your officer, Commander of Wuyang Guard, Yang Menglong!"

Sun Chengzong's expression changed: "Are you leading a group of military households and civilians to defend Dingxing to the death, cooperate with Jiandou inside and outside, wipe out the three Jiannu Niulu, and shoot the real sharpshooter Yang Menglong?"

Yang Menglong admitted generously: "It's just me, my little brother."

Everyone couldn't help frowning, thinking that this kid is really brave, he dared to talk to Ge Lao like this.Sun Chengzong felt that this kid was pretty good, with a bold personality, a humorous temper, and the most important thing was that he was capable——this was very important.For a capable person, he can tolerate no matter how big the other party's shortcomings are.Yuan Chonghuan is proud of his talents, Zu Dashou and Wu Xiang form cliques for private interests, Man Gui is reckless and rough, Mao Wenlong is unruly, and even Qin Liangyu confronts him face to face, he can tolerate and reuse them, because these people are outstanding talents in Ming Dynasty, compared with these people, Yang Menglong speaks casually, it's not a big deal at all.He helped Yang Menglong up with a smile, and said: "The old man has known your name for a long time. I don't know how many times Jiandou mentioned you in front of the old man, saying that you have the courage that a man should not be, dare to act, and the old man loves you." For the sake of appreciation, I was just busy with chores, and I have never been able to find a chance to meet you, but I didn't expect to meet you here today."

Lu Xiangsheng said: "Commander Yang, although Mr. Ge has never met you, he admires you very much. You have suddenly changed from a commoner to a commander of a guard in just one year. The support of Mr. Ge is very important. , haven’t you thanked Mr. Ge for his appreciation and support?”

Yang Menglong cupped his hands and saluted: "Thank you, Mr. Ge, for your appreciation and support!"

Sun Chengzong waved his hand and said: "Don't say polite words. I have never supported you. I just think you have talent, so I recommend you to the emperor. That's all. It is the duty of a minister to choose talents for the country. You have talents, and you have talents in Jiandou, so you should reuse them, and there is nothing to thank. You have done a good job. In less than two years, you have turned the Wuyang Thousand Households, which is like a beggar's nest, into a rich place where merchants gather and granaries are full. Thousands of military households were killed, and thousands of bandits were wiped out in one battle, which is really jaw-dropping. Letting you be the commander of the Wuyang Guard is the right choice!" He smiled at Lu Xiangsheng again, with a warm and kind smile: "You Well done, I just went out and wandered around, the market of Damingfu is prosperous, the shelves are full of goods, and refugees and beggars are rarely seen, if every city can be like Damingfu, then the Holy Majesty will laugh even in his dreams woke up."

Lu Xiangsheng said solemnly: "The work of the lower officials is not enough. The Daming Mansion is already quite prosperous, and the lower officials are just icing on the cake. Guangping and Shunde are far behind..."

Sun Chengzong waved his hand and said: "You have done a good job, being too eager is not a good thing." He found a seat at random and let these two sit next to him. Well, if Lu Xiangsheng was not always so serious , it really looks a bit like the second general Heng Ha.

The servants hurriedly brought fragrant tea and delicate snacks.

Sun Chengzong took a sip from his teacup, savored it carefully, and praised repeatedly.

Yang Menglong looked curiously at this famous official in the late Ming Dynasty and the founder of the famous Guanning Defense Line.The old man is quite tall, with a beard and hair like snow. His face is covered with wrinkles and his cheekbones are protruding, carving out hard and sharp contours.He is 70 years old, and "sixty years are rare in life." In this era when the average life expectancy is less than 40 years old, 70 years old is already an absolutely advanced age. He should be able to enjoy peace and happiness at home, entertaining his grandchildren, but he is still fussing over this issue. The empire is busy, dealing with powerful enemies outside the customs and political enemies more terrifying than the Eight Banners of Manchuria.Decades of battles and court battles have tempered his mentality to be extremely tough and strong, like an ancient pine tree that can stand tall despite the wind and rain, unfazed by honor or disgrace.If there is no miracle, the old man will soon take the blame and resign due to the fiasco of Dalinghe, fade out of the court, end his decades of official career, and then finish his legendary life in the isolated city of Gaoyang in the 11th year of Chongzhen.

Life is like this, what regrets do you have?

Lu Xiangsheng asked: "Elder Ge came to Daming, I don't know what is the important matter?" Even if he was beaten to death, he would not believe that when a big battle might break out at any time outside the pass, Sun Chengzong would come to Daming's mansion to ask for tea.

Sun Chengzong smiled slightly and said: "I heard people say that some of your actions are unusual... Ever since you went to Wuyang, some of your actions have become very unusual, especially the method of training troops, which is unheard of. I am curious. Then come and take a look.”

Lu Xiangsheng was slightly shocked for no reason!
(End of this chapter)