Going through history, not many people care about the mental journey of losers.
Thirty-six years ago, Si Zhongxian was born in Xiuzhou, Zhejiang. This is the location of Jiaxing in later generations. It has been regarded as a prosperous and romantic place in the south of the Yangtze River since ancient times. There are many literati. The Si family has a scholarly family, and people have been in the court for several generations.
He was an official in the middle, and his father Si Wenzhong lived in the Ministry of Rites. Although his position was not high, he was still a respected official in the local area. His family background was profound.
When Si Zhongxian was born, it was the period when the Wu Dynasty was prosperous and prosperous. Except for the Blackwater Alliance that later highlighted the military fatigue of the Wu Dynasty, everything in front of him showed the prosperity of the prosperous age.
The prosperous age has come, and people have more choices. Si Zhongxian has been smart since he was a child, but he doesn't like to follow the rules at home. He has a lot of questions since he was a child, and he does not fully accept the things in the book. Many times
The questions raised even made the teachers in the school feel tricky.
Although my father is the most rigid official of the Ministry of Etiquette, he is also a man of real talent and learning. Not only is he not angry at the child's "deviant behavior", but he often praises him in front of others: This child will definitely be the Kirin son of our family in the future.
Although the Si family came from a scholarly family, after the Blackwater Alliance, Si Zhong showed his intention to practice martial arts, and Si Wenzhong also supported it. Later, the Black Flag rebellion, the Bianliang war disaster, and the humiliation of Jingping followed one after another.
When the imperial court wanted to revitalize its military preparedness, Confucian generals like Si Zhongxian, who were proficient in the art of war but did not break the rules, became the favorites of both the royal family and civil servants.
After the black flag crossed many mountains and took root in Liangshan, the Shu territory became critical. At this time, letting Si Zhongxian go to the southwest and guard the sword pavilion was the most trustworthy expression of his trust.
During his several years in Jiange, Si Zhongxian did not live up to such trust and expectations. He firmly grasped the various commodities and materials flowing out from the Black Flag forces. As long as he could strengthen the Wu Dynasty
Si Zhongxian gave a lot of convenience to things related to strength.
Si Zhongxian did not blindly suppress various luxury goods that could bring great benefits to the Chinese army. He only restricted them in a targeted manner. Si Zhongxian spoke earnestly on several occasions about some well-known, loyal and patriotic businesses.
He persuaded the other party to explore and learn the Black Flag Army's method of manufacturing items. In this regard, he even took the initiative twice to threaten the Black Flag Army to hand over some key technologies.
In front of Si Zhongxian, the Chinese Army also made a lot of concessions. Over time, Si Zhongxian's reputation became even greater.
While guarding Jiange, he did not only pursue such a general reputation. Jiange was under the jurisdiction of Lizhou, but Si Zhongxian was a capital official in name and was not under local control. In Lizhou, he was basically an independent person.
Si Zhongxian, the powerful Caotou King, used this power to not only protect local security and facilitate trade, but also mobilized local residents to provide supporting services. In addition, during the free period of training, the soldiers
Si Zhongxian followed the example of the Huaxia Army and mobilized soldiers to reclaim wasteland and develop water conservancy for the people. Soon after, he also made many achievements that were praised by everyone.
These things are actually the reason for the expansion of the military strength during the Jianshuo period. Si Zhongxian was good at both civil and military affairs, had great power, and had good relations with many civilian officials. Other places where the army intervened may be involved in several cases every year. Si Zhongxian
Lizhou here is barren, and apart from Jianmen Pass, there is not much strategic significance. Almost no one criticizes his behavior. Even if he mentions it, most people give thumbs up and praise him. This is a model for military reform.
As an official, he serves the world, the court, and the people. Si Zhongxian has actually done it all before. This is also the core of the culture he has learned since childhood. It was not until the autumn of the eleventh year that the most difficult choice was made.
in front of him.
The Jurchens came, Emperor Jian Shuo died, his family was arrested, his father was sent over, the Wu Dynasty existed in name only, and the black flag was not a righteous one. From the perspective of the world, there are some things that are easy to choose: join the Chinese army
, the Jurchen invasion of the southwest will be the greatest obstacle. However, he was an official of the Wu Dynasty, and in the end, he sacrificed his whole family's life for the Chinese army, so why did he come? Naturally, this is not a matter of choice.
Regarding this matter, even if he asked his father, who was usually upright and upright, he was completely unable to make a decision. Si Wenzhong was already old, and he teased his grandson at home: "... If it were for my Wu Dynasty, the Si family would be full of people.
Mie, you and I... also admit it. But now, Black Flag has committed regicide and is treasonous. I have sacrificed my whole family for them, and I... feel unwilling to do so."
Si Wenzhong said this in front of his son. Regarding the idea of protecting the southwest for the Wu Dynasty and then waiting for an opportunity to return, the old man also mentioned: "Although I, the Wu Dynasty, have enmity with both the Jin people and the Black Flag, after all,
This is the situation. The small imperial court in Beijing is now under the control of the Jurchens, but there are still a large number of officials in the imperial court who care about the Wu Dynasty, but they dare to be angry and dare not speak out... Although the new monarch is under siege after his succession, I think
Your Majesty is like a fierce tiger. As long as you get out of trouble, you may not be able to rise again in the future."
In the sword pavilion, Si Wenzhong lowered his voice and talked about Jun Wu with his son: "As long as the new monarch can get out of trouble and the Jurchens conquer the southwest, they cannot stay here for a long time. Those who still care about the Wu Dynasty will definitely rise up.
In response, the only chance for Tiannan to return to the Wu Dynasty may be here... Of course, I am old and my ideas may be dim. All decisions must be made by Zhongxian. No matter what decision is made, there is a great cause.
, whether our family will die or survive...it doesn't matter, you don't have to pay attention."
However, although the old man speaks openly, he is not without tendencies in private. He is also concerned about his family in Jiangnan. Who can not care about the few talented and intelligent children in the family?
In fact, until the switch decision was made, Si Zhongxian had been considering the idea of conspiring with the Chinese army to lure the Jurchens into the pass and annihilate them.
By the end of September, the lobbying from all parties was intensifying. Outside Jianmen Pass, hundreds of people were dying in front of their eyes every day. Further away, the Jurchens were intensively preparing for an attack every day. A decision needed to be made.
The time is near.
On the third day of October, his father came to talk to him about making a decision again. The old man verbally expressed his support for everything he did. Si Zhongxian said: "In this case, I am willing to hand over Jianmen to Black Flag."
The old man did not persuade, but half a day later, he privately told the Jurchen envoys and some people who were inclined to lower the money at the gate. They tried to launch military remonstrances and capture Si Zhongxian, but Si Zhongxian had been prepared for the whole incident.
They were all held down by him. When he saw his father again after that, Si Zhongxian cried: "Since my father insists on doing this, let's pay him the money. It's just that the child is sorry for his father. From now on, although the crime of paying the money will be carried by his son,
, this sin of dropping gold will fall on my father..."
On the fifth day of the lunar month, Jianmen Pass officially surrendered to the Kingdom of Jin. It was raining, and Wanyan Zonghan walked past him and just patted him on the shoulder. For the next few days, there were just all kinds of banquets and flattery, and no one cared about him anymore.
Si Zhongxian's thoughts on this choice.
fair enough.
In either sunny or rainy weather, the sword gate was closed and the flags were quickly changed. Jurchen carriages and horses came like a torrent. The Wu Dynasty army moved out of the pass and went to garrison in nearby Cangxi County. Si Zhongxian
In numbness, he waited for the flow of history to quietly pass by him, only hoping that when he opened his eyes, the world would already take on a different shape.
However, everything did not go as he wished.
On October 15th, Wanyan Xiebao came to look for him. As the son of Wanyan Zonghan, Wanyan Xiebao was a man with a rough appearance and unscrupulous words. During the banquet in the past few days, he and Si
Zhongxian once drank several glasses of wine while talking about his own affairs. This time, after seeing him in the military camp, he took him out for a horse race with his arms around his back.
The horse team ran up the nearby hills, with Cangxi County in front of them.
The county town is not big. Due to its remote location, before Si Zhongxian came to Jiange, there were occasional bandit raids in the nearby mountains. In recent years, Si Zhongxian has wiped out the bandit villages and taken care of the surrounding areas. Life in the county town has been stable and the population has increased. But with the addition of
It only costs more than 20,000 yuan.
Wanyan Xiebao also heard about Si Zhongxian's actions that benefited his neighbors. Looking at the peaceful scene of the county, he praised him profusely, then patted Si Zhongxian on the shoulder and said: "One thing has been decided.
Coming down, we need Sir Si’s cooperation.”
"What's the matter?" Si Zhongxian frowned.
"I'm just here for Cangxi County." Xie Bao smiled, "Master Si also knows that the war is coming, and food and grass must go first. The battle with Black Flag is the last step for me, Dajin, to conquer the world. No matter how prepared I am,
It’s not an exaggeration. Now, autumn has just passed. Food and grass are needed, and civilians working for the army need to be pulled. Cangxi also needs to do its best. Mr. Si, if we put this matter elsewhere, we will kill half of the people and pull half.
But considering Master Si's face, as for Cangxi's long-term care, it was decided in the big account today that this matter will be left to Master Si. There is also a number in the middle. Master Si, please take a look, there are more than thirty thousand,
Six hundred thousand dan of food..."
Si Zhongxian gradually widened his eyes as he listened: "There are only more than 20,000 people in the whole city."
Xie Bao said: "There are more than one in the whole county."
"...There are also 600,000 stone grains. Most of them are mountain people. This may be the food for more than 30,000 people for a year! Your Majesty."
Si Zhongxian cupped his hand and wanted to speak, but Xie Bao's hand had already been patted down, and his eyes were impatient: "Master Si, brother! I treat you as a brother, so there is no need to pretend to be confused. The place west of Jianmen Pass,
We have close contact with Heiqi. Who knows if these villagers will pick up swords and guns and become soldiers. If my uncles come over, there will be no living people here. Moreover, this is an opportunity for you. To you
It’s a test, Brother Si.”
Si Zhongxian's eyes trembled, and his emotions were extremely intense: "Si... has taken care of this place for several years, and now, you let me... destroy this place!?"
"Tou, name, status." Wanyan leaned over and patted the back of Si Zhongxian's hand. He said in a very low voice, "If you do this, you will be one of your own."
"...I have given way to the sword gate."
"You gave up the sword gate because you knew you were outmatched, but who knows if you are of the same mind as us in private?" Xie Bao shook his head, then smiled, "Of course, brother, I believe in you, father.
I believe you, but what about the uncles in the army? This time the expedition to the southwest has been decided, and we will do what we promised you. We will not move your troops forward, but after the southwest is conquered, you will be Shu
King, with such high honor and high position, to convince the uncles in the army, you just need to do a little bit..."
Wanyan Xiebao made a rather "slightly" gesture, waiting for Si Zhongxian's answer. Si Zhongxian was holding the soldier on the war horse, his hands were already trembling. After being silent for a long time, his voice was hoarse: "If
...What if I don’t do it? You...didn’t say this before, and you said it well, but now you are going back on your word and going even further. Aren’t you afraid that other people in the world will see it and won’t compromise with you Jurchens again?”
He obviously took great courage to say these words. Wanyan Xiabao's mouth gradually turned into a sneer, his eyes became fierce, and then he took a long breath: "Master Si, first of all, I, the Jurchen, dominates the world.
It has never been negotiated! You are the most special one. Then, Mr. Si, you are my brother. Say it yourself, what would you do if you were us? The land of Shu is thousands of miles of fertile wilderness, and this battle
After that, you will be a prince, and I want to give these things to you today, but you think, if I, Dajin, trust you, would it be better to give you this place, or would I be jealous of you and give you this place?"
"Master Si, brother, I am speaking from the bottom of my heart. After doing this, I will hold it in my hand, so it will not be hot. Otherwise, of course I will give it to you. If you can get it, Master Si, you can do it yourself."
I think the uncles in the army really care for you when they gave you this mission. They also hope that when you become the king of Shu in the future, you will truly be of the same mind as me, Dajin... Not to mention you personally, your 20,000 brothers are also waiting for you.
I hope you can make a fortune for them."
When Wanyan Xiebao said this, he looked towards the direction of the county town and paused slightly. The cool wind was blowing from there. Si Zhongxian listened to him and said: "Besides, even if you don't do it, what difference will it make...
…”
His words were so understated that Si Zhongxian's body trembled and he almost fell off the horse. After that, he said a few words in a nonchalant manner. Wanyan Xiabao handed over his hand and said goodbye, but Si Zhongxian didn't react at all.
He didn't feel dissatisfied, so he rode away with a smile.
At this time, he has given up the most critical sword pavilion. His 20,000 soldiers are said to be elites. In fact, there is a considerable gap between the Jurchens and the Black Flags. Without the key bargaining chip, if the Jurchens really do not intend to speak out
Credit, he can only let it be slaughtered.
After Wanyan Xiebao's cavalry completely disappeared from sight, Si Zhongxian stayed quietly on the hillside for a long time before returning to the military camp. He had a dignified appearance and was not angry but powerful. It was difficult for others to read his face.
He could see too many emotions, coupled with the recent change of flags and the complicated situation, it was normal for him to look a little haggard. When he met his father in the afternoon, Si Wenzhong still sighed and persuaded.
"...Now that things have come to this, what can those who do great things do except look forward? Zhongxian, you are the Qilin'er of the Si family. You have protected all the family members. The people in the family will remember you for generations to come.
…”
"...Actually, my father has been in the Ministry of Rites for many years, and I have read some articles by sages and talked about some rules and etiquette. But after reading more books, I will find that there are only four words in these things, which can make a king or a bandit..."
"...When you return Sichuan and Shu to the Wu Dynasty in the future, everyone in the world will thank you..."
Si Zhongxian seemed to have figured it out. He nodded solemnly and saluted his father. That night, he returned to the room to get some wine and drink alone. Someone was brought in from outside. It was the person who had come to Jian on behalf of Ning Yi earlier.
Ji Yuanjing, the black flag messenger who negotiated the gate, was also a serious-looking person, and seemed to be a little more wild than Si Zhongxian. When Si Zhongxian decided to offer his sword to the gate, he took all the black flag messengers from the gate.
Drive away.
"The Chinese army has great magical powers."
Si Zhongxian was not surprised that Ji Yuanjing could sneak in. He put down a wine glass and poured wine for him. Ji Yuanjing sat down, picked up the wine glass in front of him, and put it aside: "Si
General, step back from the brink, it's not too late, you are a person who understands the general situation, and I am here to persuade you."
Si Zhongxian smiled: "I thought Mr. Ji just looked serious and always smiled... Is this your true self?"
"The Chen family has promised to dedicate the entire Qingchuan to the Jurchens. All the food will be swept away by the Jurchens, and everyone will be driven to the battlefield. Cangxi must have the same fate. We must mobilize the people and resolutely fight against the Jurchens
Go ahead and take shelter in the mountains. On this side of Cangxi, if General Si is willing to do whatever it takes, countless people can be saved. General Si, you have been protecting the people here for many years, are you going to watch their families be destroyed?"
Si Zhongxian sat there, silent for a moment, and moved his eyes: "Save them, my family will die."
"General Si really means to be righteous anyway. It shows that Ji's risk today is worth it." After hearing Si Zhongxian's wavering words, Ji Yuanjing's eyes became clearer, with hope in his eyes, "About General Si's family
, it was our fault that we could not save them. The second batch of manpower has been mobilized. We will make sure nothing goes wrong this time. General Si, the Han people are about to fall. The Jurchens are cruel and cannot be friends. As long as you and I have this consensus, we will not be able to make friends now.
It doesn't matter if we don't take action anyway, you and I can make an alliance. As long as Xiuzhou's operation is successful, General Si will give the Jurchens a severe blow from the rear. It's not too late to make a decision at this time."
"...I understand the meaning of the Chinese Army's fist." Si Zhongxian had a sarcastic smile on his face and drank a glass of wine. "But at this point, how much can things be saved? Mr. Ji, I gave up the sword.
We have already made a big mistake at the door, and we have to make mistakes again and again, and now we have to do it anyway, and maybe even my family will die due to exhaustion... Why should I bother to come?"
"If General Si could bring Jianmenguan with us to fight against the Jurchens, it would be a great thing. But since bad things have happened, we should not blame others. If we can save a point, it is a point. General Si
, for the sake of the people of this world, even if it is just for the tens of thousands of people in Cangxi, we will always turn around. As long as General Si can figure it out at the last moment, our Chinese army will regard the general as one of our own."
Ji Yuanjing's words were sincere. In fact, he had dealt with the Chinese army a lot in the past few years. Si Zhongxian had already understood the other party's behavior style and knew that what the other party said was sincere. He just sat like that, not
For a while, "Haha" came out laughing, then changed to "Hey", and finally turned into a choked sound of "Woo".
This emotional out-of-control didn't last long. Ji Yuanjing sat quietly waiting for the other party's reply. Si Zhongxian lost his composure for a moment and calmed down on the surface. There was silence in the room for a long time. Si Zhongxian said: "Mr. Ji, I have been
I have been pondering over it day and night to find out the truth. Do you know why I want to leave Jianmen Pass?"
Ji Yuanjing thought for a while: "General Si's family fell into the hands of the golden dog. It was a last resort and it was human nature."
"Hey, it's human nature..." Si Zhongxian repeated and shook his head, "You said it was human nature just to comfort me. My father said it was human nature to deceive me. Mr. Ji, I have been born since I was a child.
From a scholarly family, Confucius said Chengren and Mencius said righteousness. When foreign aggression comes, I still understand what choice to make. I know too much about principles and think too clearly. I know the pros and cons of surrendering to the Jurchens. I can unite with the Chinese army.
I also know the pros and cons, but in the final analysis... I found out in the end that I am a weak person, and I can't even show the courage to make a decision."
He poured himself wine quietly: "If you take refuge in the Chinese army, your family will die. It is human nature to care about your family. If you take refuge in the Jurchens, everyone in the world will scold me in the future. I will be placed in the history books and on the pillar of shame."
I have been scolding people for thousands of years, and this is something I have already thought of. So, Mr. Ji, in the end I didn’t make this decision myself because I was... weak and incompetent!"
Ji Yuanjing frowned: "General Si didn't make his own decision, so who made the decision?"
"Let's not talk about him. The decision was not made by me, but I have to resist the regret now. Mr. Ji, after betraying you, the Jurchens promised that I will be the king of Shu in the future, and I will turn into stomping and shaking.
Big shot in the world, but I finally see clearly that to reach this level, you must have the courage to see through human nature. If you resist the Jin people, your family will die. Even so, you can only choose to resist the Jin people. In the face of the world,
You have to have such courage." He drank the wine, "I don't have this courage."
"...This statement is a bit extreme." Ji Yuanjing hesitated.
"I didn't choose to resist gold when I was at Jianmen Pass. Jianmen Pass was lost. Today I resisted gold and all my family members died. I am a joke again. No matter what, I am a joke... Mr. Ji, when I go back
, please bring a message to Mr. Ning for me, okay?"
"..." Ji Yuanjing was silent for a moment and nodded solemnly.
Si Zhongxian laughed: "Tell him for me that he should have killed the emperor. It's amazing that he dared to kill the emperor!"
"General Si..."
Drinking one glass after another, Si Zhongxian's face only occasionally sneered, and occasionally looked blank. He looked out the window, with tears sliding down his face in the dark night: "I'm just a coward who doesn't even dare to make a decision at critical times, but...
But why? Mr. Ji, this world... is so difficult. Why does it have to be such a world where people have to calmly deal with things like the death of their entire family in order to be considered a good person... This world..."
His emotions were suppressed to the extreme. He smashed his fist on the table and spit out wine. After venting like this, Si Zhongxian was quiet for a while, then raised his head: "Mr. Ji, do what you should do, I...I
Just a coward."
"General Si, knowing shame is close to courage. Many things can be changed as long as you know the problem. You care about your family. Even in the history books in the future, I may not be able to give you a..."
"Here comes someone, send him out!" Si Zhongxian shouted, and the personal guard came in. Ji Yuanjing wanted to say something, but Si Zhongxian waved his hand: "Safely! Send him out!"
Ji Yuanjing knew that the negotiation had failed.
He turned and left, but there was still some hope in his heart. Si Zhongxian was obviously emotionally disturbed tonight, but he already felt regret in his heart. If this war continues, sooner or later he will be incited to rebel against a team of more than 20,000 people. At the critical moment,
It can also play a big role.
We can only rely on the next meeting.
The stars and moon were dim and the mountains were distant. After leaving the military camp, I looked towards Cangxi County not far away. It was a peaceful and quiet night.
That night, Si Zhongxian sharpened his sharp knife. He slit his own throat in the room and committed suicide.
At this point, he has no choice whether to go forward or to go forward. Surrendering to the Chinese army at this time and taking advantage of his family is a joke to him. Cooperating with the Jurchens to send all nearby residents to the battlefield, he also has no way to start.
.He killed himself so that he no longer had to be responsible for what happened to Cangxi and endured the torment of his soul. His family was no longer of use and they were finally able to survive.
The news reached the Jurchen camp, and Wanyan Zonghan nodded: "Well, he is a man... Find someone to replace him."
"...then Si Zhongxian." The deputy general hesitated.
Zong Han thought about it: "Write a condolence message in my name, saying that General Si was upright and was assassinated by the Black Flag bandits. The Jurchens must destroy the Black Flag to avenge General Si. In addition..."
"Erect a good monument and give General Si a generous burial."
"yes."
Going through history, not many people care about the mental journey of losers.