Zhao Shu rode on horseback and slowly entered Jianjia Pass. A guard of honor opened the way, halberds and spears were lined up on both sides, and thousands of people crowded the streets and alleys.
When men, women, old and young saw Zhao Mi, they knelt down and saluted one after another, as if they were seeing gods.
Compared with Xingluo County and Dongshengdu, Jianjiaguan is the place where Zhao Shui became famous. Although he did not stay here for a long time, he wiped away the chronic diseases left by Gao Pinggong when he was in office. The local people are extremely grateful to him.
Express with words.
Zhao Shu originally didn't want to show up. He always felt that when he faced the big snake Youzhu, he caused many casualties due to his incompetence, so he couldn't see the local people again.
However, Luo Yi, the Grand Sima who took charge of Jianjia Pass, sent a message in advance, saying that the local people were grateful and hoped to see Zhenming Hou Zhao Shu with their own eyes. The Grand Sima's letter was so sincere that he could not refuse, so he had to ride into the city in public.
Stepping into Jianjia Pass again, Zhao Shui didn't feel much honor and joy in his heart. He knew very well that his abilities were not as good as outsiders praised him. Many of his achievements in Jianjia Pass were only possible with the joint efforts of many soldiers.
Attributing all the merits to him alone has failed these people.
After crossing the long street, we came to the government office. Da Sima Luo Yi was leading a group of subordinates and military officials to wait outside.
"Marquis Zhenming came a long way, and it was a dusty journey. It was really hard." Da Sima said.
"You can't take the word hard work seriously." Zhao Shu got off his horse and bowed in salute.
The chief minister immediately stepped forward and held up Zhao Mi's arm: "You and I are officials in the same court, so we don't have to be so polite."
"Then consider it a courtesy for the younger generation to pay respects to their elders," Zhao Shu replied.
"That's even more unnecessary!" Da Sima Pang, a big man with a round waist, patted Zhao Shu on the arm and said, "I am a big old man. I can't even read a few Chinese characters, let alone the etiquette of respect and inferiority. In front of me, I am neither big nor small.
"
Zhao Shu smiled and said: "Then this junior is so presumptuous."
Although Zhao Shui and Luo Xixian once had a quarrel, they have long since put it aside, and there is no enmity between him and Grand Sima Luo Yi. Moreover, on the way to Jianjia Pass, Zhao Shui heard about it and learned that what is happening inside and outside Jianjia Pass is now
Under Luo Yi's governance, military and civil affairs were in order.
Along the way, the beacons at various stations have been repaired, and the soldiers are fully equipped with armor and weapons. There is no shortage of weapons like during the reign of Princess Gaoping.
Moreover, in addition to the acres of plains, bamboos and trees are widely planted in some barren mountains and wild areas. In addition to consolidating the water and soil, it can also provide for people's livelihood. It can be said that Da Sima Luo Yi has a long-term vision. Da Sima Luo Yi is by no means as rough as he appears.
With such a person in charge of Jianjia Pass, Zhao Shui could feel that his past efforts were not in vain, and the local soldiers and people could also rest and recuperate, so he was grateful to Da Sima.
"I heard before that the high priest of Shengsigu of Jiuli Kingdom married the goddess of Yongcui Temple?"
In the government office, Zhao Miao asked after sitting down.
Da Sima asked the other people to leave and nodded: "Yes, after I took over the Jianjia Pass, I sent spies to Jiuli Kingdom to collect military secrets. In fact, the high priest of Shengsi Valley has always wanted to marry the goddess of Yongcui Temple. This time
The rumor is that it is a prophecy that the goddess will obtain the Evergreen Sacred Tree, and it is rumored that the child born from their marriage will become the Lord of Kunlun."
Zhao Shu frowned slightly, and Da Sima asked: "What is so extraordinary about this Evergreen Sacred Tree? It can actually make prophecies? Could it be that it has become a spirit and caused mischief?"
"The Evergreen Sacred Tree is an ancient tree in the southern part of Kunlun that has lived for thousands of years." Zhao Shu said: "It is said that this tree was planted by the ancient God of Agriculture. Its leaves can weave clothes and its fruits can satisfy hunger.
Mortals living under trees can avoid wind, rain, snakes and insects.”
Da Sima smiled and said: "This kind of words are more like words sung by children in the market, and they cannot be taken seriously."
"Indeed." Zhao Shu said: "But as far as I know, this Evergreen Sacred Tree is indeed miraculous. The so-called prophecy does not mean that the Sacred Tree itself can speak clearly, but that the leaves themselves will show special veins, just like seal characters.
.For example, in ancient oracle bone divination, good or bad luck can be predicted through uneven cracks.
As for why the leaves have such special changes, it is estimated that the Evergreen Sacred Tree has a subtle connection with the flow of energy between heaven and earth. If a serious disaster is coming, the Sacred Tree will be able to sense it, causing the veins of the leaves to change. Throughout the ages,
All auspicious things and disasters have signs of germination, and the Evergreen Sacred Tree is one of them.
The Yongcui Temple enshrines the sacred tree, which is also responsible for predicting good and bad fortunes for the various tribes in the Southern Territory. When the Tianxia Dynasty opened up the Southern Territory, the Yongcui Temple seems to have received the prophecy from the divine tree and decided to stay out of the matter, but it was preserved."
Da Sima laughed loudly: "Isn't this just seeing that disaster is coming, choosing to be wise and wise to protect yourself? This also needs to be predicted by the sacred tree? The Tianxia Dynasty expanded its territory with millions of soldiers, who can stop it? It is not unwilling, but it is impossible.
"
Zhao Shu then thought about it, Da Sima's words were not unreasonable. Do you have to rely on oracle bones, yarrow, and stargazing to predict good or bad things in the world?
"However, it is difficult to predict whether the Lord of Kunlun said it was the prophecy of the Yongcui Divine Tree." Zhao Shu said: "The ten witches of Fengju were defeated, and the demon gods of the South Earth suffered many losses due to the return of the Buxing Star.
Jiuli Kingdom is at its most turbulent time. The marriage between Shengsi Valley and Yongcui Temple may be to stabilize the country. Shinto teachings will inevitably have confusing words."
"I think so too." Da Sima said: "Right now, the tribes in Jiuli are in a state of uncertainty. In fact, several nearby tribes are planning to join our Huaxu Kingdom. What do you think, Marquis Zhenming?"
Zhao Mo thought for a while: "If they are only canonized by the seal of Huaxu Kingdom, the tribes are still under the control of the local chiefs, I am afraid that the confrontation between the two countries will not change. Moreover, these tribes must have many requirements for their submission. I guess they must
I want to ask for a large amount of grain, cloth, and iron farm tools, so that I can persuade the tribesmen to come and surrender, right?"
Da Sima nodded: "That's right!"
Zhao Shuo snorted coldly: "I already knew from the beginning that there are several tribes in Jiuli Kingdom who secretly exchange pearls, jade and rare treasures for grain and cloth from Huaxu Kingdom, and then sell them to other tribes to make a fortune.
.
These tribes claim to be affiliated, but in fact they have sinister intentions. Food and cloth are related to the people's food and livelihood, and exchanging them for pearls and jade is just to satisfy the luxurious enjoyment of high-ranking officials. However, the Jiuli Kingdom obtained food and cloth to avoid hunger and cold, and instead grew stronger because of it.
This is an act of supporting the enemy and harming the country!"
"But there is someone in the court who is very happy about my achievements and wants me to help these tribes surrender." Da Sima sighed: "I just want to ask if Marquis Zhenming has any good ideas."
Zhao Shu thought for a long time: "There is a way, but it's not very good... Aren't those tribes going to surrender to our Huaxu Kingdom? It's simple, let the heads of each tribe bring their families to Dongsheng Capital, and ask the king to give them a mansion and a manor.
, allowing them to live in peace, and also disintegrating their power.
In addition, each tribe established counties and counties, appointed officials, and then reviewed the plans, measured the land, built roads and bridges, broke through the obstacles of mountains and rivers, and eliminated opportunities for separatist rule."
"This is a good idea!" Da Sima high-fived.
Zhao Shu waved his hand and said: "The situation of each department in Jiuli is not yet clear, and there are many variables in its implementation."
But Da Sima said: "With this method, I can also tell who is sincerely loyal, so that I can return my orders to the court and avoid causing gossip."
Zhao Shu was puzzled: "Who wants the Jiuli tribe to surrender? Although the two countries have temporarily stopped fighting, they surrendered rashly, so they should be more careful."
Da Sima's expression was subtle and he pointed upward. Zhao Shui immediately understood that the person who asked the tribe to surrender was the leader of the country.
Zhao Shu remained silent. The king may have hoped to use this opportunity to expand his territory, but he had not thought about the consequences of this move.
Every time he thought of the ruler of the country ordering the killing of Chiyundu soldiers and civilians, Zhao Shui felt greatly disappointed. Many of the seemingly gentle words of the ruler could be described as extremely vicious.
One of the reasons why Zhao Shu chose to assist Liang Tao was because he had seen through the character of the current leader of Huaxu Kingdom. Even though this leader may have other talents, his despising other people's lives is probably even worse than that of Liang Tao.
and.
"There is one more thing." Da Sima said: "I have recently discovered that there are Chiyun rebels inside and outside Jianjia Pass. What does Marquis Zhenming think?"
Zhao Shu pretended to be serious: "Chiyun rebels? Aren't they hiding in Cangwu Ridge? How dare they show up?"
"It seems that Marquis Zhenming didn't meet them at first." Da Sima patted his thigh and said, "After you and Wei Xiuwen returned to the court, these gangs of rebels and bandits were ready to take action. Now their manpower is not only in the countryside of Huaxu Kingdom,
They appear and appear, even in Jiuli Country."
Zhao Shu didn't find this strange at all. Chiyun also had the heart to help the world and benefit others, and the people of Jiuli Kingdom also suffered in their eyes.
"I wonder what they have done recently?" Zhao Shu took the opportunity to inquire.
Da Sima waved his hand: "It's hard to say. I arrested a few businessmen who were selling salt brine privately. After interrogation, I found that the salt and iron needed by the rebels suddenly increased significantly. They may be recruiting troops in Cangwu Ridge."
Chi Yun was prepared, which was what Zhao Shu had expected. They had contact with their teacher Zhang Duanjing, and they already knew Zhao Shu's true intention of setting up the mandala, so they should be able to deduce that the chaos was coming.
This is precisely the key moment for Chiyundu to turn its back on the defensive situation. However, considering that Da Sima Luo Yi is stationed at Jianjia Pass and also has the intention of guarding against Chiyundu, the war in several counties in the south may be fierce in the future.
Every time he thought about the rare few years of peace in several counties in the south, he did not expect that war would break out in the blink of an eye. Zhao Shu was helpless and intolerable.
"Then... what is Da Sima going to do?" Zhao Shu asked cautiously.
"I'm still sending people to investigate secretly, but in the countryside, there are too many unscrupulous people, and they are tight-lipped." Da Sima's face darkened: "If I find out which village is suspected, I will punish them. Since they are unwilling to say anything, then I will
Kill them one by one and let me see how long they can endure!"
Zhao Shu was shocked when he heard this. He didn't expect that Da Sima would use such cruel methods. In order to find out the disciples of Chiyundu, how many innocent people would be affected?
"Da Sima, will this involve too much involvement?" Zhao Shu said: "I'm afraid that the rebellious party will force the people to rebel before they are discovered."
Da Sima replied sonorously and forcefully: "I'm not afraid of them rebelling, I'm afraid that they will hide and not rebel! These thieves and unruly people often form villages, and sending people to conduct overt inspections and secret inspections always yields little.
I plan to withdraw the villages and merge them into settlements, gather all these unruly people, and keep them under strict supervision to prevent them from having any contact with the rebellious party. If they are unwilling to move, then I will burn all the acres, demolish the houses, and let them be exposed to the wind and rain.
This way, the rebels and thieves will have no place to hide!"
When Zhao Shu heard this, the corners of his eyes couldn't help but twitch. When Da Sima saw him like this, he smiled quite complacently: "How? Does my method satisfy Marquis Zhenming? I'm not boasting. I dealt with Chiyundu back then, or I was the best to Xiang Guo.
The Lord made suggestions and suggestions, but unfortunately his efforts fell short and he could not wipe out all the Chiyun rebellious gang, and their poison continues to this day."
"It's really...unexpected."
Zhao Shu really wants to doubt whether his eyes are in vain? First it was Ding Feiling, and then Da Sima Luo Yi. He obviously respected these people in the past, but how could they all become so despicable and hateful in the blink of an eye?
Face?!
"Have you ever thought that they are this kind of people to begin with?" Lingxiao reminded: "It's just that your power and status are now equal to theirs, and these people have shown their true colors."
"Da Sima, I have to say something." Zhao Shu suppressed the urge to kill in his heart and said in a calm tone: "Firstly, this matter will hurt Tianhe. I'm afraid I will be implicated and harm future generations. Secondly, if we go to war,
It is not conducive to recuperation and recuperation. I am afraid that there will be unrest in the local area and it will lead to impeachment and memorial. Doesn't this make the imperial court lose a pillar?"
In order to persuade Da Sima, Zhao Shu started to talk nonsense: "In addition, I still need to arrange the altar. If I kill too many people and make the blood boil, there may be something wrong. Can this matter be postponed for a while? I don't think Chiyun will rebel against the party.
Dare to offend the great Sima Huwei."
"That's fine." Da Sima didn't know which one he was persuaded by, and he said happily: "Thank you, Marquis Zhenming, for the tip, I'll remember it!"
…
Zhao Shu stood alone in front of the stone wall engraved with the names of the fallen soldiers, with incense burning next to him. He touched the wall with his forehead, and his regret turned into tears.
"I, Zhao Shu, are ignorant and incompetent and have made a big mistake. I believe in such evil spirits in the world!" Zhao Shu banged his head against the stone wall and did not stop until his forehead bled.
"That's enough." An old voice persuaded Zhao Shu, and when he turned around, he saw Mr. Jing Ming with his eyes covered.
"Luo Yi was recommended by me." Zhao Shui was not surprised by the appearance of Mr. Jing Ming. He went to the tomb of the fallen soldiers in the outer suburbs of Guancheng to pay homage. He was waiting for Mr. Jing Ming to show up. He said directly: "I didn't expect it.
It turns out that this person was the one who gave me the advice to deal with Chiyundu back then. His methods were extremely cruel and he would do whatever it took to achieve his goals. I...I really didn’t expect that."
"You don't have to blame yourself too much." Mr. Jing Ming held a bamboo broom in his hand, like an old man guarding a tomb: "We had fought in the air back then. We know how to deal with this person."
"Luo Yi plans to evacuate the villages and merge them into settlements, gather the villagers together, and also implement the Continuous Sitting Method to force the villagers from all over the place to identify the disciples of Chiyundu." Zhao Shu said with a sullen face.
"Killing civilians, Luo Yi is quite skilled at practice. During the Five Kingdoms War, he did similar things a lot." Mr. Jing Ming sneered twice.
Zhao Shuyan said: "I have advised him to postpone the matter, at least until I finish setting up the altar. This should buy you a chance."