Huan Rong

After everything was ready, Huan Rong and his party boarded a ship in Guangling and returned to Jiankang along the waterway.

Xi Rong took a boat and drove to Jingkou, then bid farewell to Huan Rong, went ashore and returned to the government.

Before parting, Huan Rong specially gave four volumes of bamboo slips and a map, and said with a smile: "If General Xi can draw the whole picture, I will be very pleased."

Xi Rong solemnly took the gift from the emperor and thanked the emperor for his kindness.The map on the bamboo slips was not unfolded until the fleet was far away.

Bamboo slips are not too rare, but maps are not.

Xi Rong suddenly discovered that the four prefectures of Xu, Qing, Yan and You were drawn on the map, not only including the prefectures and counties of Huanhan, but also extending to the prefectures and counties in the north.

Seeing the blank corner of the map, Xi Rong's heart moved, his eyebrows frowned slightly, and he didn't dare to immediately determine how much meaning there was in Huan Rong's words.

Thinking about what Huan Rong said in his words, it seems to be implying that his time is ripe, he can send a large number of troops to the north, and simply take down several counties on the opposite side, filling in the blanks on the map.

Knowing that this is a god-sent opportunity, Xi Rong is still somewhat undecided.

If you send troops, you will have to pass through Youzhou.That's where Qian's mansion is, and without a decree, Xi Rong really didn't dare to make a decision easily.

Changing to Xi Chao, encountering such an opportunity must be another way of thinking.

It's a pity that, compared to his elder brother, Xi Rong always seeks stability first, and would rather not have this credit, but make things clear before he can take an important step.

Such a personality is usually not a big obstacle, but it has a lot of benefits.In the event of a war, the best opportunity is often missed.

On the official boat, Huan Rong sat idly and bored, walked up to the bow of the boat, stood facing the river wind, eyes slightly closed, did not move for a long time, the hem of the long-sleeved clothes rustled with the wind.

Not long after, Xi Chao walked up to Huan Rong's side, and said respectfully: "Your Majesty has favored the Xi family, and I have nothing to repay you for it, but I have nothing but dedication and devotion."

Huan Rong turned his head, there was no surprise on his face.

"Jing Xing understands what I mean?"

"Returning to Your Majesty, I thought about it for a long time before I fully understood." Xi Chao said truthfully.Seeing that Huan Rong raised his eyebrows, he couldn't help laughing, "Your Majesty is interested in going north, I'm afraid it won't be a day or two. I didn't do it before, but the time was not ripe. Last year and this year, the rice and wheat are ripe in every state, and the more young and strong are joining the army. "

At this point, Xi Chao slowly put away his smile, and his expression became serious.

"In contrast, the northern land has been plagued by natural disasters for many years, and the harvests of the fields have failed or even failed. The three prefectures of Qing, Bing, and You rebelled, and the treasury of Chang'an was bottomed out. The hearts of the Qin Emperor and the people were devastated. , willing to listen to his orders."

"Emperor Qin's age has passed, and all the princes have grown up, and the eldest grandson has also been married. However, the delay in establishing a crown prince makes people's hearts fluctuate even more."

"I think that after Tang Gongluo's incident, future troubles have already been buried. If there is a turmoil, I know that the court has the intention to settle accounts after the autumn. Even if there is no real evidence, the three prefectures of Qing, Bing, and You will raise their troops again and start a war again."

"Not to mention the power of the north, among the sons of the Qin family, Qin Xuanmin controls the division of tigers and wolves, has more than [-] cavalry under him, and has the support of the people, so he is the most likely to stand on his own."

"If you raise your troops, no matter how Chang'an responds, the defeat is already doomed."

According to Xi Chao, it is hard to say whether it is good or bad for Qin Jing to stand on his own.

When the flames of war ignite, there will be chaos in the north, people's hearts will be unstable, and the people will be displaced, which is most conducive to the Huan Han army's expedition.

However, once Qin Xuanmin made a quick decision, without waiting for the Huanhan army to go north, he would capture Chang'an as quickly as possible, ascend the throne and establish a system, and the stability of the regime would definitely surpass that of Qin Ce.At that time, it will not be so easy to capture Chang'an.If you are not careful, you will even be backlashed.

If you want to grasp the situation of the battle, you must advance quickly!

For the Huan Han army, which is mainly composed of chariots and infantry, it is really difficult to beat the cavalry led by Qin Jing in terms of speed.

To make up for this shortcoming, it is very important to take the lead.

Huan Rong gave Xi Rong a map of the bamboo slips, and hinted in his words that if the opportunity is ripe, it is advisable to take the border states and counties.Xi Chao and Jia Bing had discussed in private, and they both held a positive attitude.

Bianzhou assassination envoys to send troops can be classified as border frictions.Chang'an was angry, and Jiankang had plenty of time to argue.

As long as Qin Ce didn't make up his mind and planned to fight to conquer the world, Jiankang could continue to eat away at the border counties.Even if the land is not much, the population can still be obtained in large quantities.

The most intuitive condition: lack of food in the north, and just experienced the flames of war, refugees are common.Rice and wheat have been ripening in Nandi for two consecutive years, and there is enough food to support these victims.

Qin Bing obstructed?

There are policies and measures to counter.

The border between the two countries runs through the east and west, and the military strength is limited, so it is impossible to completely block it, without any gap.Huan Han didn't need to send troops, but just set up pots to cook porridge in counties near the border. The smell of rice and heat could attract many border residents.

In fact, after consideration, the current Youzhou Inspectorate is beginning to take similar measures, and write a note, and send it to Huan Rong.

Seeing the familiar handwriting, Huan Rong couldn't help laughing: "Zhong Ren knows me."

Xun You stated in the article that such means are far from enough.If you want to take down border states and counties, you must have the backing of the army.

It is Qin Jue who is stationed in Xuzhou. If Youzhou deploys troops on a large scale, he will definitely be aware of it.It is most suitable to transfer troops from Qingzhou and Yanzhou, and it is better for the Beifu army to be active.But to act accordingly, Xi Rong must not be bypassed.

Therefore, Huan Rong made the previous hint.

"Your Majesty, I have a message." Xi Chao said.

"Jing Xing just say it."

"With the character of my younger brother, safety must be the top priority." Xi Chao didn't want to admit it, but it was related to major national affairs, so he had to tell the truth.He was worried that Xi Rong would be undecided, hesitate for a while, and miss the best time.

"According to Jingxing's intention, how should this matter be?"

"When we return to Jiankang, your Majesty, Xu Chen, please tell the matter to the family lord, and the family lord will write a letter, so that the ministers will understand."

Since he wants to argue with Jiankang, Huan Rong can't make an explicit order, nor a secret order.

Xi Chao knew very well that this was an opportunity given to Xi Shi by Huan Rong, and he had to seize it firmly.

However, Xi Rong was too cautious and did not have the decision of Xi Yin and Xi Chao.Such a character, conservative is good, but leading the family further will become a shortcoming.

Xi Chao knows Xi Rong's weakness, and Xi Yin is also clear about it.

The father and son reached an agreement early on, thinking that what the Xi family needs is a conservative patriarch.Unexpectedly, the situation changed too fast, and Xi Rong might not be able to handle the pie-in-hand.

At present, Xi Rong's "seeking stability" has become a real weakness.

That's why Xi Chao asked Huan Rong for permission to disclose the matter to Xi Yin.

According to his thinking, once the Maharaja knows about this, he will definitely make arrangements.Xi Rong doesn't need to make a decision, as long as he acts according to the plan and doesn't make too many mistakes in the middle.

After listening to Xi Chao's analysis, Huan Rong pondered for a moment, and finally nodded.

"Alright, just act according to Jing Xing's wishes."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Xi Chao cupped his hands.After a while, he said again, "Your Majesty, according to my opinion, Qin Xuanmin must be on guard."

He knew that Huan Rong and Qin Jing had a very close friendship, which could be called an imitation.But as a courtier, what should be said must be said, and what should be reminded cannot be ignored.

"I know." Huan Rong said in a low voice, looking at the rippling river, "Even if Qin Xuanmin stood on his own, he would not send troops to Chang'an."

"How could Your Majesty make such a determination?" Xi Chao frowned.

"Jingxing don't worry, I can clearly distinguish state affairs and private affairs."

"Your majesty forgive me for your boldness."

Xi Chao bowed his head, knowing that Huan Rong was warning him that some things can be suspicious, but he must be careful.

The monarch and his ministers fell into silence, and it was not until Jia Bing boarded the bow that the silence was broken.

"Your Majesty, I listen to the boatman's advice, and I will arrive at Jinkou in half a day."

"Really?" Huan Rong's expression changed slightly, and a thought flashed through his mind, motioning Jia Bing and Xi Chao to approach, giving orders like this and this.

"You two understand?"

Hearing Huan Rong's words, Jia Bing and Xi Chao raised their eyebrows higher and higher, almost flying to the horizon.

Looking at the smiling officials, both of them wanted to say: Your Majesty, is this too unkind?

Huan Rong shrugged his shoulders and said innocently: Where is it unkind?Why doesn't he know?

Jia Bing and Xi Chao were speechless at the same time.

The fleet continued to move forward, and as the old boatman expected, the flag of Jinkou appeared in front of him half a day later.

Jinkou was set up on the canal. In Jinzhong, there were one Jinzhu, one thief Cao, and five Zhishui. Their duties were to check the merchant ships and peddlers, check whether they were carrying prohibited items, and whether there were people of unknown origin in the boat.If there is no problem, the taxes and fees will be charged according to the vessel and cargo, and then released.

Huan Rong and his party entered Jiankang from the east and had to pass through Fangshanjin.

Jintou got an order earlier that Shengjia will arrive in the near future. Everyone in Jinzhong cheers up and strictly checks unidentified ships and outsiders to ensure the safety of Shengjia.

Seeing the fleet coming from the east and seeing the flags floating on the bow and stern of the ship, Jintou immediately lifted his spirits and ordered the gate to be opened to welcome the official family into the city.

"Unleash the noose!"

Because it is Dajin, in addition to the manpower stipulated by the imperial court, there are more than ten young and strong people who help.

The Lord Jin gave the order, and the young and strong quickly took their positions, pulled the noose vigorously, and the fence gate was slowly lifted to allow the passage of large ships.

Dusk is approaching, and the afterimage of the setting sun is falling.

The sound of the gong at Jinkou rang, and the city was boiling.

"The official is back!"

"The officials are back from the north!"

The streets and alleys were noisy and full of people.

It was late autumn, the flowering period was early, the silver building and the grocery store were crowded with people, and the silk flower and wooden hairpins were out of stock in an instant.

The shopkeeper and his assistants were sweating profusely, and just about to take a rest, when they saw the female relatives at home, they immediately felt bad.

"Head of the family, how many flowers can you leave for our girl?"

"This, this..."

The shopkeeper was silent, and the visitor knew what was going on without asking.

"Remember it first, let's talk about it when we go home."

Seeing his wife walking away with his daughter, the shopkeeper wiped off the hot sweat, knowing that it would be difficult to go home.

Knowing that Huan Rong came back from the waterway, within a short while, both sides of the Qinhuai River were full of people.It doesn't matter whether it's a girl from a noble family or a young lady from a common family, their cheeks are flushed at this moment, and they are eagerly looking forward to the moment when the fleet appears.

The setting sun was half sinking into the horizon, and the sky was a fiery red.

Lanterns are raised beside the road, stretching into two long dragons.

The light reflected in the river, as if a little bit of starlight fell into the bottom of the water.

The water was rippling, and the first big boat broke through the river and appeared in front of everyone.The cheers rose suddenly and boiled instantly.

Amidst the cheers, silk flowers and colorful handkerchiefs fell like rain, falling on the river surface, rippling with the water waves, and gathering into a brilliant color in a few breaths.

The fleet moved along the river, one after another.

Flowers rained one after another, and colored silk danced.

Then the singing sounded, crisp and clear, still the old tune, every time I heard it, I would have a different experience.In the end, it was just as touching and intoxicating.

The Tang Brothers stood at the bow of the boat, with a silk flower on their head and colorful handkerchiefs hanging all over their bodies. They had already petrified into five statues.

When they were in the Northland, they had heard about the customs of Jiankang, and they also knew some kind of "tradition" here.Seeing it with my own eyes today, being personally on the scene, the shock is still huge, in addition to petrification, it is still petrification.

They used to laugh at the gentry's lack of physical activity. What was seen and killed was clearly due to his lack of endurance and his weak constitution.

Looking at it now, it is absolutely wrong.

Facing this kind of scene, no matter who you change to, without the slightest preparation, it is the rhythm of being smashed to death!

"Brother..."

"Don't say anything."

"The official..."

"Continue to remain silent."

"..."

Standing at the bow of the boat, the Tang Brothers thoroughly experienced the enthusiasm of the people in Jiankang.

When the crowd became suspicious and Hua Yu paused for a while, Huan Rong felt that the time had come and it would be inappropriate not to show up again, so he straightened his clothes and Shi Shi ran out of the cabin.

Standing at the bow of the boat, Huan Rong smiled and waved to both sides.Seeing silk flowers flying down, he immediately covered his face with his sleeves, and his movements were smooth and smooth, crisp and neat, which can be said to be very familiar.

"Your Majesty Qianqiu!"

Accompanied by the sound of the mountains, there is a more intensive rain of flowers.

The colorful light shone in the rain of flowers, and a certain girl was so excited that she threw the golden hairpin over.

After a few thuds, Huan Rong looked down, his heart beat faster, and the corners of his eyes twitched slightly.

In addition to the gold hairpin, there is a golden horse, which is as big as two palms.

Look at the craftsmanship, 100% Tuyuhun product, solid!

The Tang brothers looked back, and seeing what happened to Huan Rong, they suddenly felt ashamed.

It turned out that they were wrong, and the officials didn't think about pulling them to top the tank.Compared with the gold hairpins and golden horses flying to the official family, these things on him are nothing.

Xi Chao and Jia Bingtong were pulled out of the cabin to make human flower stands together.

The little lady in Jiankang has a wide range of hobbies, not only admiring beautiful young people, but also not missing beautiful middle-aged people.

The three monarchs and ministers stood at the bow of the boat together, bearing the baptism of passion together.

After a short distance, the official boat became a flower boat again.Every time Huan Rong showed up, it was an inevitable result, unshakable.

On the bank of the river, a girl raised her voice and sang, singing the words and phrases of the Book of Songs.Yu Huan Rong looked over, his peach cheeks flushed, and he said crisply: "Mr. Lang, I am happy with you!"

It's the gentleman, not the official family.

The girl's voice pierced through the night wind and fell into Huan Rong's ears clearly.

It would be a lie to say that I am not moved.

However, he already had his own heart and couldn't respond.

Huan Rong faced the girl and raised his voice and said: "The peach is young, and its flowers are scorching. When the son returns home, it is suitable for his family."

With this exit, the girl's singing stopped instantly.

"Peach's yaoyao, there is a truth. The son returns home, and it is suitable for his family."

The second line was sung, and the girls began to clap their hands lightly, playing the old tune.

"Tao Zhiyaoyao, his son Ye Zhenzhen, Yu Gui, is suitable for his family."

After the last sentence fell, Huan Rong smiled with a smile on his face, his features were handsome, elegant and refined.Reflecting the beautiful scenery on the river, it seems that a banished fairy came to the world, walking from the painting.

"Lang Jun, thank you Lang Jun!"

The girls stood by the river bank, their voices were as crisp as before, like an oriole's first cry, but tears were already in their beautiful eyes.When the official boat sailed far away, the singing was still flying and circling on the river, and could not dissipate for a long time.

"Peach blossoms, scorching its flowers. The son returns home, suitable for his family..."

At the beginning of the Chinese lanterns, dots of colorful lights are lit up in the city.

The Qinhuai River flows slowly, reflecting the stars in the sky and the colored lights beside the river bank.The rays of light scatter and intersect, weaving into an ancient and flowing picture scroll, sinking in the years, leaving behind a beautiful dream formed by the convergence of prosperity.

"Lang Jun, I am pleased with you."

The six characters drifted into the night sky, and finally disappeared without a trace.