"...This time I came to Jiangning City, there are three missions, which are the most special, because only these three have the status of righteousness. No matter whether King Gao Tian wants it or not, you have to choose one and cooperate..."
The autumn skylight shines in from the window, and leaves fall on the terrace outside. In the room, Zuo Xiuquan pours tea skillfully and pushes the tea in front of Gao Chang.
"It's not surprising which three families they are. The Black Flag in the southwest defeated the Jurchens in an honorable and righteous manner on the battlefield, showing both righteousness and strength; His Majesty in the southeast inherited the orthodox mantle of the Wu Dynasty, but his strength was compromised, but his righteousness
One is the most upright; third, Dai Mengwei, who is allied with Liu Guangshi, does not inherit the orthodox monarchical principles of the Wu Dynasty, but the Confucian principles based on the so-called old Confucianism in the southwest and arising from the fight against the Black Banner's move to exterminate Confucianism.
Today, many Confucian disciples who cannot understand the black flag and cannot find hope in Fujian will fight alongside him."
"Since ancient times, if you want to achieve great things, justice and strength are indispensable."
"The Fairness Party itself also has great righteousness, and your great righteousness is originally the word fairness. This is a title that countless rebels have naturally taken advantage of throughout the ages. Based on the results of Southwest Black Flag's discussions on human rights, Fairness Wang Hewen made it even better.
It has gone a little deeper, but in general, you are all using the rhetoric of the black flag to make a bet for yourself. Unfortunately, the ones who have been trying to hold on to this righteous name are He Wen and the Reading Club.
, now that He Wen is wooing the reading club, he has nothing to fear, but you, you, can no longer use this righteous name."
"If you don't have this title, you have no choice but to borrow it from outside. Of the three forces today, Black Flag is of course the most favored by people in the world. If Ning Yi is willing to send someone over, tell King Gao Tian that I am optimistic about you and will cooperate with you. I believe King Gao Tian
I can't refuse such a temptation... It's a pity that things are not that simple."
Zuo Xiuquan took a sip of tea.
"We are all not children. General Gao must understand that in cooperation in this world, the most important thing is often everyone gets what they need. Everyone in the world wants the good things in Black Flag's hands, but how many people can have the things they want?
How about entering the black flag's eyes? General Gao, you are good at leading troops in the Fair Party, but there are few people in this world who can fight better than the Jurchens or the black flag. General Gao, what you have in your hands, Ning Yi,
Look down on it."
In the room, the old man spoke calmly. Gao Chang looked at the smoke and dust outside the window. While listening, he tapped his fingers on the table. At this time, he turned his head and looked over: "According to this, He Wen must have what Ning Yi wants."
Something? Does your little emperor in the southeast have one? I know that he is not stingy with you, just for the sake of a favor from many years ago? "
Zuo Xiuquan smiled, and then answered without much hesitation.
"Over the years, Ning Yi has wanted many things. On the one hand, he has established a black flag, forged ahead with determination, proposed the concept of 'four people', enlightened the people's wisdom, established human rights, promoted things, and promoted commerce. He wanted to open up a world that has never been seen in a thousand years.
But on the other hand, the general knows that people outside are suspicious of his actions. Dai Mengwei said that he is strong and easy to break, and Wu Qimei even made many negative remarks. Even those who admire him, such as you and me, are unavoidable.
I have doubts about it.”
Gao Chang said: "However, he has already defeated the Jurchens."
"He defeated the Jurchens and could show his strength to the world." Zuo Xiuquan said, "But even so, what makes Ning Yi so unmatched by the world's heroes is that he is still wary of himself."
"Oh?" Gao Chang frowned.
Zuo Xiuquan smiled.
"In the eyes of outsiders, Ning Yi is decisive and domineering. Back then, Zhou Zhe went against the grain. He walked into the court and chopped the emperor with a knife. Since then, the world has been overturned. But if we analyze it carefully, from the time of regicide, he He chooses the most extreme path, but he never wants to block other people's paths, and he is even happy to see people who are interested explore other paths."
"Back then, when the Southwest War was imminent, the Chinese army was in short supply. In Lao Niutou, a group of rebels created Ning Yi. Like the Fair Party, they had to divide the land. Ning Yi silently bore the consequences and let them explore. Later, Lao Niutou evened out the land. In the event of failure, Ning Yi sent people to clean up the mess and even recorded the process of the failure in dividing the fields."
"Ning Yi committed regicide, and his friend Li Pin assassinated him in the past. He was forced to explore New Confucianism by his words of destroying Confucianism. Based on principles, he tried to focus on Confucius and Mencius. Since then, Southwest has experienced several conflicts During the exchange, several cartloads of books were even sent to Li Pin, all of which were the result of Hua Xiajun’s discussions on New Confucianism.”
"The Jurchen West Route Army was defeated, and the world was determined. He sold his technology and ideas to other forces. He helped a lot to the new king of the Southeast. He also helped a lot to Jin Yougong, the female prime minister who fought against Jin Yougong. He even helped Dai Mengwei. , he is not stingy with the flow of technology and ideas. Why? To the outside world, one day he takes the world by storm, and these things will all be his, but at the same time, there is something unsaid..."
"Ning Yi's uprising is to save China. If one day, his uprising fails, others can succeed..."
The aroma of tea filled the air, and Gao Chang turned to look at Zuo Xiuquan.
"...Is there really such a person in the world?"
"I am old and dull, with little talent and little knowledge, but my uncle Zuo Gong Duanyou can even break up with Qin Siyuan when his temper rises. He is not someone who can be convinced by a domineering figure who kills without calculation."
Gao Chang slowly took a sip of tea, laughed, and said slowly: "I thought Zuo Gong came here today to persuade Gao to form an alliance with Southeast. You admire Ning Liheng so much, so you are not afraid that Gao will yearn for him and switch to him." To the southwest, is it just a dog or a horse?"
"If General Gao is willing, I really want to suggest that you cooperate with He Wen and join the Southwest, and then carry out reforms to eliminate redundancies in the army and clean up all kinds of nepotism. If you can succeed, the world will have another strong army and many more Make a way out."
Gao Chang narrowed his eyes: "Mr. Zuo, these words are from the bottom of his heart, or he is sarcastic about Gao. Why can't I understand?"
"It is both heartfelt and sarcastic." Zuo Xiuquan said calmly, "If the army can be completely eliminated, people can be suppressed with military laws, and orders can be enforced, then it will naturally become a strong army like Black Flag. But through the ages, it has been so simple. Could it be that people really can’t think of the truth? Just like fairness, equality, equalization of land, and great harmony, these are what people thought about two thousand years ago. The reason why Confucius is called the most holy teacher by us is because he was the first The idea of Datong was clearly stated, but who did it? Who could do it?"
Zuo Xiuquan's smile was also helpless and sarcastic: "This world will never give in to your beautiful ideas. To this day, Ning Yi is still clearing military discipline over and over again. His Chinese army also has a lot of corruption every year.
People were found out because the Chinese army fought in adversity from beginning to end. Ning Yi presided over the operation of this matter with his authority. But if one day, their battles become less and less, and the number of cronies in the army becomes more and more serious.
When more and more people come here, is Ning Yi's authority still useful? One day he dies, and how many people can still be traced through the purges year after year? "
"There are also useful troops in the southeastern court. General Yue's Beiwei and General Han's Zhenhai are now forcibly supported by the authority of His Majesty and the consciousness of the two generals. Other civil servants are not allowed to interfere, and the war has just been preserved.
Strength. These things cannot last long... As for General Gao, where does your authority come from? Is it because of military discipline? Is it because everyone in the army under your command recognizes you? "
The old man shook his head and poured a cup of tea for Gao Chang: "Your authority does not come from the millions of people under you, but only from the dozens of people below you, the dozens of generals, each of them.
There are dozens of people, and by reasoning like this, there are millions of people. If you want to kill someone, it is actually good to change this rule. If people have the ambition to improve, everyone should cheer for it... General Gao,
Do you want to change it?"
Gao Chang looked out the window and remained silent.
Zuo Xiuquan changed the water and made tea.
After a while, Gao Chang smiled sarcastically and looked at Zuo Xiuquan: "Does He Wen really want to change?"
"How can an old man say this accurately?"
Gao Chang thought for a while: "I heard that in the southwest, Ning Yi and He Wen had a dispute. Although the Fair Party used the name of the black flag to start an uprising, He Wen's fear of Ning Yi in the past two years was not a lie.
Can they really join forces?"
"...It turns out that this is what General Gao is afraid of."
"No matter what, some things always have to be done, but before doing it, you must know yourself and the enemy, so that you can fight through a hundred battles. It is always good to have some clarity."
Zuo Xiuquan thought about it for a moment: "Back then, He Wen went to the southwest as an undercover agent for Wu Chao. He was suave and eloquent, and won the love of Ning Yi's adopted daughter. Later, the matter was exposed. Judging from Ning Yi's care for his family, he was not
I should have a good impression of He Wen. But on the other hand, when it comes to Ning Yi's pattern, he doesn't seem to stick to it on these major matters. Therefore, there are possibilities whether He Wen's words are true or false."
"Mr. Zuo has a close relationship with the Southwest. Have you seen anyone from the Southwest this time?" Gao Chang stared at Zuo Xiuquan.
Zuo Xiuquan laughed: "We haven't discussed the alliance yet, but General Gao has been asking for a lot of information."
Gao Chang smiled and said, "Young Master Zuo, you don't have to answer."
Zuo Xiuquan poured tea: "I haven't seen the legendary Black Flag envoy yet. But in my opinion, General Gao's choice does not depend on whether Black Flag comes, but whether you want to change your way of life...
Or just choose to die."
"...If there was no black flag, why would Wen do this? He would be dead." Gao Chang looked coldly.
Zuo Xiuquan smiled.
Gao Chang looked at him: "Since the old man asked me to choose Southeast, what can you give me? Apart from the great honor of Lao Shizi."
"Isn't it enough to have a great reputation? General Gao must not be underestimated."
"As you said, Dai Mengwei also has a great reputation, and he will soon take over Bianliang."
Zuo Xiuquan laughed: "What is General Gao's lifelong ambition?"
"Um?"
"I have been in the city for nearly a month, and came here for matters in the southeast. I have carefully looked at the five Fairness Party parties, and finally chose to formally negotiate with General Gao. There is a reason..." Zuo Xiuquan said with a smile, "
He Wen worked as an undercover agent for the Wu Dynasty. After returning from the southwest, he encountered a corrupt official and his family was ruined in prison. After he was released from prison, it happened that His Majesty ascended the throne and traveled to the south of the Yangtze River. He mingled among the refugees and was originally protected by His Majesty's army. Who knew?
His Majesty used the fleet to divert to the southeast, and these refugees were left behind again, and from then on the Fair Party was born."
"Hmph." Gao Chang sneered, "You also know what your little emperor did back then!"
"Your Majesty has been feeling guilty about this matter to this day, so he has made several offers to the Fairness Party to transport food for disaster relief, but he has not accepted the offer." Zuo Xiuquan sighed, "Of course, there is no point in exploring all aspects of this matter today.
Your Majesty has a reason to run away, and He Wen has a reason to make trouble, but no matter what, He Wen cannot accept the Southeast Court. He and Zhou Shang most likely chose to join forces with the Southwest..."
"Zhou Shang?" Gao Chang frowned, "Zhou Shang is a madman."
"Ning Yi too."
"..."
Gao Chang tilted his head.
Zuo Xiuquan spoke calmly.
"Removing He Wen and Zhou Shang, we are left with three generals: Xu, Shi and Gao. But to be honest, Xu Zhaonan and Shi Baofeng have ambitions to become emperor. Whether they are whimsical or not, they are ambitious people. They are not like Dai Mengweina.
Bian, I’m afraid it’s more suitable.”
"Why do ambitious people choose Dai Mengwei?"
"Because you can replace Liu Guangshi. But if you join forces with Southeast, it will be difficult for you to replace His Majesty."
Gao Chang fell silent.
"As for General Gao, you like to drink a lot of wine and eat a lot of meat, and to have dozens of friends, and to achieve a lifetime of fame. When it comes to things like killing people and seizing property, you have fewer bad deeds. Even if they happen, they are mostly in
On the battlefield, these things have been understood by people since ancient times. Therefore, General Gao, you are more suitable for His Majesty in the Southeast. If you can form an alliance, in the future you will be the most powerful marshal in the Southeast with Commander Yue and Commander Han.
In times of embarrassment, you led millions of people from the south of the Yangtze River to return to the Wu Dynasty first, which would be of great value to the southeast. As long as General Gao does not seek to usurp the throne, you will have good results in the future."
Zuo Xiuquan poured tea: "You see, things in the world are like this. Some things are good to say, but people take what they want and see what suits them. The road to the southwest is so powerful to talk about that it makes people admire them.
, but even Ning Yi himself knows that the risks are extremely high... Dai Mengwei's side, if you kill Liu Guangshi, you might be able to become the emperor, but the princes are rising together, and the careerists are all here... Your Majesty's side is the safest, Your Majesty
You are young and strong, and you are determined to forge ahead. You are not a mediocre king. You have a large army in hand and can provide help in times of need. It is the right time, and you can take this opportunity. Even if you do not make complete reforms, you can severely clean up military discipline. According to my many years of experience, this
What succeeds in the world is often not the most radical or the most conservative, but rather the one who is just right and the mean wins."
He talked about the tea cup and pushed it towards Gao Chang: "This is the way that suits you and me. Think about it."
In the distance, smoke and dust drifted away.
Gao Chang held the tea cup and looked over there. He was silent.
…
The smoke of war caused by the arrest of members of the reading club filled the city.
It was close to noon, close to the competition venue in the center of the city. Groups of people watching the competition came out of the venue and gathered in the nearby streets.
In just two or three days, the atmosphere in Jiangning City has become chaotic and restless.
On the one hand, the bustling martial arts competition is still being held in the city, with the semi-finals already on the schedule. On the other hand, the chaos caused by the pursuit of reading club members has broken out in hundreds of cases in the city, and some even spread.
He came to the competition venue and even briefly interrupted the competition.
In this sudden chaos, most of the first people to be arrested and killed were members of the Fair Party. As for the outside business travelers and knights, they were less affected for a while. Therefore, watching the chaotic scenes
As long as the outbreak has not affected themselves, some people even have a strange feeling of watching the excitement of the Fairness Party.
At this time, the morning's competition was over. The people coming out of the competition venue were either business travelers from outside or knights carrying swords. While talking, they walked to the entrance of the largest street nearby, and then they saw a shelf erected on the square.
There were countless cries of grief.
In front of everyone's sight, groups of prisoners were being escorted over in prison vans. These prisoners kept crying and shouting. After listening for a moment, everyone understood what was happening.
The subordinates of "King of Yama" Zhou Shang were cleaning up the members of the reading club and executing the order to kill each other. Every one hundred members of "King of Yama" must find at least one traitor of the reading club and they can report each other.
, exposure. And from large-scale arrests to executions, it took less than two days.
There are not many literate people under the command of "King Yama", and most of those arrested this time are such people. And a few people in the prison car kept shouting that they were wronged. These few people actually couldn't even
I don't even know the words.
The businessmen and greenwood people gathered in the surrounding streets were stunned to watch the execution scene that was about to be carried out.
In a corner of the street, a girl named Qu Longjun, wrapped in her dirty clothes, was watching this scene from a distance, looking for any of these prisoners to see if there were any companions in the "small yard". She was so anxious.
Keep stamping your feet.
A preacher loudly announced the crimes of these people on the stage:
"...These literate people are always arrogant and arrogant, looking down on us illiterate people... They also form some kind of reading club, unite in private, speak ill of our Fairness Party, and say that our Fairness Party has problems...
They just feel that we illiterate people are not worthy of being equal to them. They want to be superiors, officials, landlords, own private land, raise wealthy slaves, and marry many wives... Such people
, you have all seen it before. But today, we are going to tell them that we are equal."
There were whispers among the crowd.
A little further up in the attic, "Heavenly Killer" Wei Xuwen was watching this scene with great interest. After a while, someone reported something privately, and then, "Measuring the Sky Ruler" Meng Zhuotao appeared in the attic. in front of the window.
"It doesn't seem like this is the charge of the book club, right?" Meng Zhutao listened for a while.
"Who cares?" Wei Xuwen smiled half-heartedly.
"I happened to be passing by, so I came to join in the fun." Meng Zhuotao also smiled slightly, "However, killing people like this may cause problems."
"Brother Meng, isn't there any killing?"
"A lot of people were killed, but I also know that a lot of people were killed unjustly... Your side is the most outrageous. What's the benefit of killing like this?"
"One hundred and one kill, with such great pressure, we will definitely be able to find someone." Wei Xiwen smiled, looked down and tilted his head, "As for the reading club, I recently had an idea. I don’t know whether it’s right or wrong, does Brother Meng want to hear it?”
"Talk about it."
"One hundred and one kills, Wei Mou doesn't know how many unjust deaths he has committed. But under such circumstances, if he still dares to come to Wei Mou to speak for the reading club, no matter how reasonable he says, Wei Mou feels, then They are probably members of the book club." Wei Xuwen slowly turned his eyes to Meng Zhuotao next to him, "Brother Meng...do you think it makes sense?"
"...I originally set my heart on the bright moon, but the bright moon shines on the ditch." Meng Zhutao's eyes turned cold, and then he turned to look at Wei Xuwen, "Bite me."
"Hahahaha..." Wei Xuwen laughed, "Just a joke, how dare Wei dare to operate on Brother Meng, but... six people came to persuade me before, and they are all down now."
Meng Zhuotao looked at the scene downstairs. The executioner had already prepared his machete. The first group of people were being led to the execution ground. They kept crying and cursing. He turned around and said, "Goodbye."
Wei Xuwen looked at him: "Brother Meng, we are in the same group this time, right?"
"You and your boss are both sick."
"This world is really sick." Wei Xuwen smiled and murmured in a low voice.
Meng Zhuotao was about to leave, and then, out of the corner of his vision, he saw flags belonging to the "King of Fairness" and "Dragon Sage" surging through the streets not far away.
"There's going to be a war." Wei Xuwen said without surprise, and then said: "Call someone."
A huge confrontation is about to unfold in this square.
Among the forces of the Fair Party, the "King of Gaotian" Gao Chang, the "King of Wheels" Xu Zhaonan, the "King of Pingping" Shi Baofeng, and the "King of Yama" Zhou Shang have all issued orders to clean up the reading club. September 10 At noon on February 2, He Wen, as the "King of Fairness", issued an order to the entire Fairness Party territory not to kill members of the Fairness Party without reason, especially members of the "Reading Club", and began to issue orders to the entire Jiangnan, and began to directly " Brutally interfering in the internal affairs of the other four series. This has never been done before.
In the afternoon, in the north of the city, at the residence of Fair King Hewen, countless lobbyists and persuaders were arriving.
Many people are still unclear about He Wen's plan. In terms of political struggle, this recent approach is too rough. In the eyes of many people, it may be more like a reversal is brewing, but even if there is a reversal, such a This approach has also approached the bottom line of tolerance of the other four parties.
In the afternoon of the same day, Xu Zhaonan visited He Wen.
That night, Shi Baofeng visited He Wen.
On the second day, Zhou Shang visited He Wen.
After that, there were several rounds of conversations between multiple people.
At the same time, the sun rises and the moon sets in the city.
Under the inconspicuous bridge, a woman's life was slowly leaving her body. For this reason, two young people ran several rounds in the chaotic city...