In the quaint courtyard of Ankang City, the afternoon sun was shining, and the breeze was blowing, carrying a faint fishy smell. Dai Mengwei slowly talked about the situation in the world, and in the eyes of Lu Zhongming beside him, there was gradually a light of understanding.
"The Fair Party... He Wen... said that he came from the Southwest, but in fact it is hard to say whether He Wen and Southwest have the same heart. Moreover, even if He Wen has a good impression of Southwest and some respect for Mr. Ning, at this time
There are five people in the Fair Party, Lian He Wen, who can keep their word. Their subordinates turn the people into soldiers, and there is a mixture of good and bad. This is the flaw and problem..."
"Look at Zou Xu of the Central Plains. When he was in Xuzhou, he had only tens of thousands of troops. When Liu Chengzong led the main force to Liangshan, he started to be selfish and self-reliant. How could the Justice Party, with millions of people, be of the same mind as the black flag of the southwest? It's just the black flag.
After Qi defeated the Jurchens, he became famous for a while, and the Fair Party used his name to make things happen. They openly recognized this confusion and did not say anything about it..."
"In today's world, Southwest has strong soldiers and horses, and it is undoubtedly the leader. Who can wave the flag and stand on his own feet, who doesn't have the slightest ambition? Jin and Southwest seem to be close, but in fact, the female Prime Minister of the building can really become lovers.
The devil's pillow? It's just a joke... In southeastern Fuzhou, His Majesty was determined to revitalize after he ascended the throne. He talked about having a close relationship with Ning Liheng. But if one day he can really revitalize the Wu Dynasty, he
With Black Flag, is there really someone who would take the initiative to give in?"
"The Black Flag is number one. Now people in the world are seeking to gain a foothold. After gaining a foothold, they are seeking to be second. Once they become second, they will have to face the problem of fighting against the Black Flag. As long as there is a little bit of double-mindedness in the Fair Party, there will be no way around it.
This hurdle.”
"Disciple understands." Lu Zhongming on the side was convinced.
Dai Mengwei continued to move forward: "He opened the door and wanted to hold a heroes meeting, so we should go and support him. No matter how evil the Fair Party is, they won't randomly beat up the smiling people at this time. As long as there is a possibility of cooperation in the future, we should meet him at this time.
Let’s meet and talk. Moreover, the idea of a meeting of heroes is laughable for a moment, but as long as you calm down, all parties in the world will know that this is an opportunity. In the territory of the Fair Party, you will encounter it.
The Fairness Party will not be the only one, I think that anyone who has a long-term vision and is concerned about the southwest will not miss this convention."
Lu Zhongming nodded: "The military competition on the surface is trivial. Who is killed in private is the variable in the future."
"This matter needs to be adaptable, and it is not easy to be precise. Therefore, only if you lead the team there, my teacher can rest assured." Dai Meng smiled slightly, "Let's take a closer look after we go there. Maybe the female prime minister from Jin Dynasty who has the best relationship with the southwest
, they secretly sent people there, that would be interesting."
"Disciples will try their best to explore the reality of the five parties of the Fair Party. As the teacher said, millions of people must have their own agenda, and there will be no shortage of people to win over." Lu Zhongming said, "That's just it.
The war is about to begin, and the matter of food and fodder in the rear is the most sensitive. If the disciples leave at this time, I am afraid that among all the brothers... there will not be many who are good at counting..."
Dai Mengwei has been starving for a year. He finally managed to grow something and send troops to the Central Plains. It was a desperate move. But at the same time, every ounce of food and grass in the rear was dug out to ensure the smooth deployment of troops on the front.
On the one hand, these grain and grass must vigorously eliminate corruption and restrict all parties in the army. On the other hand, they must be ready to suppress rebellion at the rear. In addition, the entire system of collecting and transporting grain is a major project that tests the ability to do things. Those in charge only need to
A little selfishness may eventually endanger Dai Mengwei's entire power.
"I will personally take charge of the food collection for a period of time for the Master Association. I know your concerns well, so it's okay." Dai Mengwei said, "In addition, I also have new arrangements for the things ahead. Within a year, I will
By the time we take over Bianliang, we are already 70-80% sure. You can take this as a prerequisite for your trip to the east and discussing important matters with others."
"Has there been any big change in the situation on the front line?"
"It's not appropriate to say more about this matter. You are going to Jiangning. I won't tell you too many details for the time being. You just watch quietly... There is another thing that needs to be told to you first, which is related to your trip.
Know..."
The master and apprentice spoke slowly as they walked through the long corridor. At this time, some green forest heroes who had participated in the fight last night and took a short rest in the morning had arrived at the main hall of the courtyard and gathered in the hall.
.There were originally many unruly green forest tycoons among these people, but they were gathered together under the courtesy of Dai Mengwei. In the past few months, they have been tempered by Dai Mengwei's righteous teachings, and some of their original selfish thoughts have been removed.
With some cooperation, even the top few green forest tycoons were able to greet each other in a pleasant manner. After gathering, everyone formed a formation, and they no longer looked like the ragtag crowd before.
The afternoon sun shone into the courtyard, and soon Dai Mengwei and Master Lu Zhongming also walked in.
The old man who is known as the sage of today first picked up his crutches, kindly thanked everyone, praised them for their hard work last night, and mourned the dead heroes. Then he asked the leaders Wei He, Chen Bian, Qiu Changying and others to
People sit down.
"...recent events remind me of a hero who met last year. Many of you may have heard of him or may know him. This man's name is Xu Yuanzong, and he is a master of marksmanship in Hankou. He holds a gun
If you go forward, you can sting flies within ten feet, and you will always hit the mark. Mr. Chen has fought against him, so he should have a deep memory."
Chen Bian on the side raised his hand: "Brother Xu...died at the hands of the devil. It's a pity, but it's also heroic..."
"This matter is actually my fault." Dai Mengwei looked at the people in the hall, with compassion in his eyes, "At that time, I had just taken over the chaos here, and many things were not handled in an orderly manner. When I heard that there was such a hero in Hankou, I revised the book and invited him to
Come here. At that time... I didn't know much about the heroes in the Jianghu. I knew that he was very skilled in martial arts, and it happened to be a conference in the southwest, so I asked him to go to the southwest like an old hero from Zhou Dynasty to assassinate... Xu Yingxiong went there happily, but every time
Looking back on this matter, this is all my big mistake."
"Xu Yingxiong seeks benevolence and gets benevolence. How can it be Dai Gong's fault?"
Everyone in the hall said: "Yes, Xu Yingxiong sacrificed his life for the righteousness, just like Zhou Yingxiong did back then..."
"Even if there is a mistake, it is still in the southwest..."
"The devil must die a good death..."
During these words, Dai Meng slightly waved his hand: "Xu Yingxiong seeks benevolence and gets benevolence, which is what a hero does. However, what I am wrong is that I was too narrow-minded back then. Everyone, you used to live in the same place, practice martial arts, or be a hero.
Or just a common man, that's right. But in the past year, you have contributed to your family and country, so you are no longer a hero, but a common man. You should be called a national scholar."
He said: "You are here to put aside your past grudges and past sectarian opinions, communicate and exchange with each other, and this is how we are today. I have been studying all my life, but it is only now that I know the use of national scholars. Back then, Xu Yuanzong was generous at my request. He is a national scholar going to Yi, but if I am not too ignorant and keep him here to communicate and discuss with you, and even bring out available juniors, then his role will be far greater than if he went to the southwest to go to Yi. .Just like yesterday's clown, a mob, even if they are brave for a while, will never achieve anything. Xu Yuanzong is a hero, but I am ignorant and stupid. Every time I think about it, I feel ashamed."
When he said this, he raised the tea cup and poured the tea in the cup on the ground. Everyone looked at each other, their hearts were moved, and they bowed their heads in silence for a while, unable to think of anything to say.
Putting down the tea cup, after a moment of silence, Dai Mengwei said: "You are all national scholars, so you should use it in the most critical places, such as protecting an old man like me when you are next to an old man. It really shouldn't be..."
Chen Bian wanted to say something, but Dai Mengwei waved his hand in advance: "But there is an incident today that has made a lot of noise and is quite grand. I think it is time for you to be upright and establish your reputation... This matter, I believe you all have heard of it, it is the Heroes Conference that will be held in Jiangning."
When he said this, everyone looked at each other, and they all hesitated. After a while, Wei He and others spoke, and they also said some ridiculous things about the Jiangning Heroes Conference. Moreover, the Jiangbei War was imminent, and they were all willing to go to the battlefield to kill the enemy. , and pay a tribute to this side.
Dai Meng smiled, first praising everyone's will, and then said: "...but when I go to Jiangning, on the one hand, you can represent our side with dignity and dignity and make a name for yourself; on the other hand, you can represent my goodwill, I hope I can bring some suggestions to the heroes of the world."
The old man said: "Since ancient times, the status of green forests and grasslands has not been high, but whenever the country is in danger, ordinary people must rise up with passion and defend the country. Since the Jingping of the Wu Dynasty, the world has attached great importance to those who practice martial arts. There has been some improvement, but in fact, whether it is the world's best martial arts tournament in the southwest or the upcoming hero tournament in Jiangning, they are just a show played by those in power for their own reputation, and at most they are just to collect some for themselves. A common man serves as a soldier."
"Although I am a scholar, I was deeply touched after the incident of Xu Yuanzong. I don't want to hold a competition where three to five hundred or three to five thousand people gather together to fight for the first place. , I want to create something that truly belongs to you for the warriors of the world."
In the hall, the old man looked at the heroes and paused slightly: "Now everyone in the world knows that our Northern Expedition is imminent, and the goal is Jiujing and Bianliang. If there is no result in this battle, of course everything will be over. But if it can really To conquer Bianliang, everything will be destroyed in the future, and I will support you in organizing the largest martial arts competition in Bianliang."
"This martial arts club is not for you to perform a show and then be stuffed into the army, but to bring together heroes from all over the world to communicate, exchange and progress with each other. Just like you, each other will improve and there will no longer be too many sectarian opinions. Let your skills be truly used to fight against the Jin people and defeat those who are hereditary, so that all warriors in the world can transform from common men to national warriors without losing your original intention of practicing martial arts."
"Therefore, when you go to Jiangning, you are not going to assassinate someone as a brave man, nor are you simply going to the ring to fight fiercely. A soldier of the country should behave like a soldier of the country. You are here for the long-term plan, to discuss and express
If you want to show your own ambition, you can invite heroes and heroes who are also ambitious and knowledgeable to come and participate in the grand event. Of course, there are those who are willing to join the army in the Fair Party, and we will not stop them..."
"I have also thought about the name of this martial arts association. I originally wanted to call it the Central Plains Martial Arts Association, but after thinking about it, it was too narrow-minded. The Huaxia Martial Arts Association was also not suitable, as it would remind people of the Southwest. Then I came up with a name, and it was called - Zhonghua
Martial arts meeting!”
"...More things will have to be handled by Zhong Ming and you all together."
Dai Meng smiled and said this.
The afternoon sun was still shining brightly. Everyone in the room agreed one after another, and their hearts were already churning.
In the past years, when the Wu Dynasty was prosperous, there was an imperial boxing gym in the capital, but even Zhou Tong, who was said to be the best in the world, actually did not receive much attention from those in power. When the Wu Dynasty declined, on the one hand, external forces
The pressure was huge. On the other hand, Zhu Ji's martial arts was spread everywhere, and the status of martial arts practitioners had improved, but overall it still seemed embarrassing.
The biggest reason for this is, of course, that people who practice martial arts cherish their broomsticks and can be bandits but cannot form an army. After the fall of the Central Plains, large-scale population migration led to a wave of so-called spread of northern boxing to the south. At that time, some martial arts in Lin'an
People also gathered together to create several new sects, but there was no real big shot on the table to stand up for this kind of thing. In the final analysis, it was still impossible to fight on the battlefield. Even as scouts, based on the personalities of these warriors, they all seemed to be mixed, and the real ones
If they are useful, they can be included in the army. Why let them form a sect?
The Jurchens went south for the fourth time, forcing the world to fall apart even more. When Dai Mengwei appeared, he used his fame and means to gather this group of green forest people. Forced by justice and reality, these people also gave up some face and
Due to old customs, they began to abide by the rules, obey orders, and cooperate. As a result, their strength was enhanced, but in fact, of course, their personalities were suppressed.
For the sake of righteousness, some people are willing to become Dai Mengwei's eagle dog, or even generously serve righteousness like Xu Yuanzong. But at the same time, who doesn't want to gain real fame and wealth? The Southwest Chinese Army said it would hold the world's best martial arts competition.
, the last choice is to become a soldier? The same thing is true in Jiangning. So they didn't want to go.
But if the "Chinese Martial Arts Association" that Mr. Dai calls it is established, with the platform and endorsement of people of his status, wouldn't this martial arts association be equivalent to the boxing gym when martial artists are valued? Even if Zhou Tong is resurrected, I'm afraid
You should feel envious, and as the initiators in this matter, they may even leave their names on the book in the future.
Thinking about it this way, those who can see the prospect have their hearts boiling...
******************
Same afternoon.
Lao Ba, Jin Chenghu and others with ferocious scars on their faces started a confrontation with the swordsman who saved them last night in an old house in the south of the city.
The swordsman named You Hongzhuo told them his judgment: Dai Mengwei is not incompetent. He has a good command of the Green Forest people under his command, and he is not a complete mob. And around him, at least in his circle of confidants, there are
Some people can do things well, and the guards around them are well organized, so they are by no means ideal targets for assassination.
"...Furthermore, Dai Laogou has done many bad things, but they are all covered up... If we kill Dai now, it will only help him become famous."
After exploring Dai Mengwei's territory for several months, You Hongzhuo learned a lot of inside information. He also knew that Lao Ba, Jin Chenghu and others had been knights framed by Dai Mengwei. So he explained these things one by one and also obtained the information from the Huaxia Army.
Part of his thoughts were expressed, but when he heard about the Chinese army, Lao Ba became furious.
"...You saved me, Lao Ba, so you can't be said to be a bad person. But when it comes to the Chinese Army, it's not a good thing either-"
"...In those days when we were fighting against the Jin Dynasty, everyone said it was righteousness. I also tied up a bunch of brothers and sisters for righteousness! Dai Mengwei had evil intentions, and a group of us were fooled by him. I, Lao Ba, will be with him in this life.
We are irreconcilable. But I will always remember that when the Huaxia Army defeated the Jurchen West Route Army in Hanzhong, he could kill Dai Mengwei with his own hands, but Ning Yi said it grandly, but refused to do it——"
"...Others say that he killed the emperor in anger, but in my opinion, Mr. Ning, he is also a coward——"
"... In the past year or so, Dai Mengwei has killed many of my brothers here. You don't know this. But how many people here have he killed! How sanctimonious! You also know this brother very well.
.You ask me to endure it for a while, what should I do with these dead and dying people——"
"...I don't know what Xu Tuzhi is, I don't know what Mr. Ning said. I only know that I want to save people, and killing Dai Mengwei is to save people -"
"...I don't want to wait for Mr. Ning to come to save people. When he comes, many people who don't deserve to die are already dead... None of these big shots are good, because he has never been on the same level as us little people -
—”
You Hongzhuo turned his head and looked at the scarred-faced man who was roaring and spitting at the table in front of him.
"I'm not saying Dai Mengwei should die, but what should you do if you really can't kill him?"
"When Zhou Yingxiong assassinated Nianhan, were you sure he could kill him? What I, Laoba, used to do was collect money to kill people. I didn't know that my brothers and sisters around me were killed by Dai Mengwei. I just missed it a few times, but as long as he lives,
I’m going to kill him——”
In the room of the old house, You Hongzhuo looked at this hysterical man. He was ugly, with scars on his face, tattered clothes, and sparse hair. When he talked about Dai Mengwei and Hua Xiajun, his eyes became bloodshot... Finally he sighed.
Take a breath.
Jin Chenghu on the side saw him out: "Brother, are you from the Chinese Army?"
"I have competed with people from the Chinese Army and admired them, but I have not joined the army. Speaking of which, I was confused about what he was thinking..." You Hongzhuo looked back, "But he will kill you...
…”
"He only does this occasionally and can't control himself." Jin Chenghu said, "In the past year, Dai Mengwei has been chasing us very closely. During a fight, he was stabbed in the head to save his brothers. Although he was lucky enough to survive, he still
When it comes to Dai Mengwei and the Chinese army, it is difficult to control him. When it comes to making arrangements for the assassination, he can actually be calm, but the people around Dai Mengwei are becoming more and more difficult to deal with..."
There was a pause at this point: "Brother, you are very skilled in swordsmanship and you know the evil deeds Dai Mengwei has done. Why don't you help us and kill Dai Mengwei and make it quick?"
"...difficult, and not necessarily beneficial."
"...Whose benefit is it? Some people will die today, and some people will die tomorrow. Dai Mengwei killed them. What's their benefit?"
You Hongzhuo looked at Jin Chenghu in front of him. This man should have had a fierce face in the past, but now he only had a thin face covered with dust and scars. He had some answers at this time, but he opened his mouth and finally said nothing.
come out.
Jin Chenghu had already cupped his hand and smiled: "No matter what, I thank you for your kindness today. If we meet again in the future, I will repay you."
You Hongzhuo nodded and left the courtyard.
That night, he was on a nearby roof thinking about the scene when he first entered the Jianghu. At that time, he experienced the betrayal of his fourth brother Kuang Wenbai, saw that the eldest brother who was a chivalrous and righteous man was actually collecting money for Wang Juyun's rebellion, and also experienced the great
The filth of the Guangming Sect, when the prestigious Chinese army deployed in Jin, they overturned the Tiger King's regime in a flash, and actually caused a wave of chaos. He didn't know who the good guys were, and finally chose to go alone.
In the world of martial arts, guard your heart.
Now that he has seen more, he can certainly say that it is best for most people to let the Huaxia Army deal with it, but what about people like Lao Ba and Jin Chenghu who are among them? The "goodness" of the Huaxia Army, to them, is indeed
Meaningless.
In human affairs, only imperfection is the true meaning.
*************
That night, You Hongzhuo sat on the roof for half the night. The next day, he changed his appearance for a while, left Ankang City and headed east by land, embarking on the journey to Jiangning.
He left Jinland last year, just planning to go back after seeing something in the southwest. Unexpectedly, he was appreciated by the masters of the Chinese Army, and after verifying his identity in Jinland, he was arranged to be a sparring partner within the Chinese Army for several months.
, his martial arts skills greatly improved. After the training, he left the southwest and stayed in Dai Mengwei's territory for several months to gather information, which could be regarded as an act of repaying his kindness.
At this time, things were coming to an end, and then there was news about Jiangning's Heroes Conference. He had no desire to compete in the ring, but when he heard that the world's number one Lin Zongwu and his disciples would participate, he was finally moved - a few years ago
, he once saw the fat monk Da Guangming taught him once when he was seriously injured. At that time, he only thought that the martial arts of the best person in the world was unfathomable. But now, he has successively taught in Shi Jin, Lu Hongti and others.
After training under the Grand Master, and having experienced the iron-blooded training of the Chinese Army for half a year, I have already warmed up to the feeling of seeing the number one queen in the world again.
At the same time, the Fair Party opened its doors to welcome guests this time. As a member of Jindi, it was necessary for him to go there and see what kind of things would happen in Jiangning. He would wait until he could see the situation clearly in Jiangning.
Going back to see the female prime minister, Shi Jin and others, just like my exploration of Dai Mengwei's territory, this information is always very useful.
…
Ning Ji stayed in Ankang City for two more days, during which he secretly observed the defense situation of some suspicious places in the west of the city. His final conclusion was actually similar to that of You Hongzhuo.
It is very difficult to assassinate Dai Mengwei.
On the other hand, he currently had no evidence of Dai Mengwei's evil deeds. It would be irrational to take such a big risk and kill the old man.
In the end, I could only give up in frustration.
On June 23rd, he, the five Furu people, Wang Xiuniang and his daughter waited for a merchant ship heading eastward and went down the Han River...
…
A few more days passed.
Lu Zhongming and others set off from Ankang and embarked on a journey to Jiangning. At this time, they had already compiled a series of plans for the "Chinese Martial Arts Association" and were already in the process of exploring and completing information about many powerful people in the world.
They even carried a few letters written by Dai Mengwei with them. For great masters such as Lin Zongwu, they would try to lobby and invite them to go to Bianliang to serve as the first president of the Chinese Martial Arts Association.
…
Ding Songnan, who was preparing for the war, also sent a team and set off for Jiangning shortly after returning. At this moment, Zou Xu, who had gone to Jin, had already started to cross the Yellow River south with part of his military resources.
Xue Guangcheng, who was in Jindi, once met Zou Xu, and then there were endless protests and accusations against the female prime minister's house. Lou Shuwan was not ambiguous, and she and Xue Guangcheng exchanged insults without giving in, and even She hit him with an inkstone. Although Lou Shuwan said that "Xue Guangcheng and Hou Wu were collaborating and extremely arrogant," in fact, when Hou Wu came to intervene, she still scolded them so fiercely that they ran away.
"Only women and villains are difficult to raise——"
"Shrew—shrew—"
Xue Guangcheng's roar could be heard in almost half of the city.
Lou Shuwan turned around and complained to Zou Xu and raised the price. Zou Xu also smiled bitterly and said some happy words such as "Mr. Ning likes...no, I admire you the most", and the two of them got along easily. It was quite harmonious. So when Zou Xu left, Lou Shuwan waved and smiled very gently: "Remember to win."
"Yes! I will not embarrass you, Auntie Lou!" Zou Xu saluted and promised.
After Zou Xu left, Lou Shuwan divided 10% of the profit to the Chinese army here. Because he felt that the share was too small, and suspected that Jindi had falsified the books, the two sides started to quarrel with each other again.
Everyone in the world has their own choices.
In early July, autumn has arrived.
On this day, there were still many people lining up to enter the Jianmen Pass.
A thin man with slightly sunken cheeks, wearing the same uniform as others, was walking slowly in the queue. He stared and looked around, his eyes seemed to contain infinite curiosity, as he passed by When he was at the gate of the pass, he looked up at the tall city gate like a child and said "Wow...".
He took a pen and wrote his name with difficulty at the city gate registration office. The veterans on duty could see the inconvenience on his hands: at the tips of his ten fingers, the flesh and some nails had grown twisted. These are the marks left after the finger was tortured and was forcibly pulled out.
Since he was followed by two plainclothes soldiers, the veteran did not ask too many questions and just saluted him.
He walked in the team entering the mountain at a somewhat slow pace, because after entering the mountain, he often saw stone tablets on the roadside. The stone tablets either recorded the battles with the Jurchens, or recorded the names of martyrs who died in a certain area. Every time he walked,
After walking for a while, he had to stop and take a look. He even wanted to reach out and touch the words on the stone tablet, but was stopped by the red armband on duty next to him who cursed loudly.
"Oh, oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..."
He apologized quickly, but because he looked thin, kind and obedient, the other party did not continue to scold him.
In the mountains in July, the leaves turn a little yellow and make a rustling sound when the wind blows.
The mountain road is full of people walking, mules and horses passing by, the voices of people maintaining order, and the voices of people cursing. There are so many people that not many people pay attention to this ordinary "returner" in the crowd.