"Why are you here?" Qin Huaidao was a little surprised.
"When I returned home, He'er said that when the young master came back, he came to report some things."
"Let's talk while walking." Qin Huaidao nodded.
The two walked side by side, and Xue Rengui whispered: "We have found another printing point of Fan Yanglu's family, about ten miles east of the city, and are ready to take action tonight, but please take a look at this first." He handed over a letter.
, added: “I don’t know who lost his entire house.”
Qin Huaidao took it and looked at it. There was only one line on it: Fengyu Tower is at the Wentian Temple at the northern foot of Zhongnan Mountain. This was obviously an informant letter, and his heart moved: "Brother Xue, what do you think?"
"The other party won't reveal his name. He obviously doesn't dare or doesn't want to receive the reward. He has two purposes: to use our knife to kill people for revenge, or to eliminate dissidents from other killer organizations. No matter what, at least it is a clue and is worth investigating.
Dig." Xue Rengui said in a low voice.
"Aren't you afraid it's a trap?"
Xue Rengui smiled nonchalantly and said: "So what if it's a dragon's pond and a tiger's den? It can't stop us. Or, after we destroy another stronghold tonight, I will lead my men and rush over there?"
Qin Huaidao did not answer immediately, but stopped and said after pondering for a moment: "This matter is weird. It may be someone who is really secretive and borrowed a knife to kill people. It may also be a trap to attract us, but the clues are rare and we cannot give up. This matter
You pretend not to know about it and I will handle it."
"It's too dangerous. Let's follow. The combat effectiveness of the village guarding team has improved a lot, and they are capable of fighting." Xue Rengui said anxiously.
"The village protection team cannot be exposed yet. By the way, what happened to the saltpeter and other materials purchased?"
"We have purchased a lot, and they are all stored at the Qinjiazhuang training base. We are still purchasing."
"That's good. Buy more and never leak the secret. If you have nothing else to do, go back home. Be careful when you move at night. Don't worry about Fengyu Tower. I'll handle it." Qin Huaidao said in a low voice.
"That's fine, young master, be careful. Also, a new batch of new paper will come out within three days. I'll see you then. You've been in Chang'an recently, right?" Xue Rengui asked, and went back after receiving a positive answer.
Qin Huaidao returned the same way and came to the palace again. After some inspection, he entered and was taken to Ganlu Hall by the chamberlain. After getting permission, he entered. Li Er, who was reviewing the memorial, looked over in surprise, thinking that he was not from the imperial meeting.
Is there something wrong? He asked calmly: "Huaidao is here, is there something wrong?"
"Your Majesty, I have received this at home." Qin Huaidao took out the letter.
A chamberlain stepped forward to take it and gave it to Li Er respectfully.
After reading it, Li Er was shocked, his eyes gradually became sharper, and he tapped his fingers on the table, thinking about something.
After a moment, Li Er suddenly said: "I know this place. I heard that there is a group of Taoist monks who are seeking immortality. There are only a dozen of them. What do you think about this?"
"I would rather believe it!"
Qin Huaidao said loudly: "Your Majesty, I have two opinions. First, those who seek immortality may seem to have no desires or fights with the world, but this may not be a disguise. Secondly, those who seek immortality should pay attention to tranquility and indifference.
Return to nature, return to tranquility, pursue the unity of heaven and man, and don’t like to live in groups. Why are there more than a dozen people together?”
"It makes sense, come here." The Holy Master suddenly raised his voice and shouted.
Wang De hurriedly came in: "Your Majesty, this old slave is here!"
"Preaching the decree to Xu Shiji."
"According to the order!"
After Wang De left, Li Er smiled and said, "Do you have any ideas about today's court meeting?"
Qin Huaidao couldn't help but want to spit out the fragrance and treat himself as a swordsman, and asked him what he thought. He thought of compensating for the business of repairing the border town, so he held back and said: "Go back to the Holy Spirit, I think I should give it to you."
Master Xiao, a chance to atone for his sins."
"Oh, how do you say this?" Li Er didn't believe that Qin Huaidao was a loser. He must have wanted to dig a hole again, so he became interested and looked at him with a smile.
Qin Huaidao smiled nonchalantly and said: "Your Majesty, since Mr. Xiao wants to build a road, why not dedicate a section to him, for example, go out of Chang'an Road to Lantian and take Wuguan Road to Nanyang. If this road is opened together, grain can be transported from the Central Plains to Chang'an.
, Chang'an has two more large granaries. If something happens in the Central Plains, the army can arrive early and arrive in the evening. You can also choose the line from Chang'an to Luoyang. Of course, there are more."
"Oh, tell me what you think." Li Er didn't believe that Qin Huaidao was just kind-hearted in building roads for Xiao Yu.
Qin Huaidao did not hide anything and said bluntly: "Once Mr. Xiao takes charge of road construction and the treasures in his house are confiscated, he has no money but to look for someone. As for who to look for, then I don't know."
Li Er was revealed at one o'clock, and his eyes suddenly shone. If the person behind Xiao Yu is Prince Yin, once Xiao Yu takes charge of building the road, Prince Yin must provide money to support him and must not give up, otherwise Xiao Yu will be chilled, and even
The other people around Prince Yin will also be disappointed, and the hidden secrets of Prince Yin will be revealed.
If there are five surnames and Qi Wang behind Xiao Yu, they will also have to spend money to use Xiao Yu to dig out the hidden dangers behind Xiao Yu, which will benefit the court and even more benefit themselves. It can also build roads and benefit the people. It is like killing three birds with one stone.
Thinking of this, Li Er became a little excited and asked with a smile: "You brat, you have a lot of tricks, are you plotting against me?"
"Do you have to rely on your conscience to say this, Your Majesty? I have done nothing but be greedy for a little money. The money I am greedy for is within the court's laws and can be earned normally. Moreover, I am earning money for the sake of the princess." Qin Huaidao cried out to Tianqu, this time
Such words must be explained, otherwise it will be very troublesome. As for cheating Xiao Yu, who asked the other party to make the first move?
Li Er looked at Qin Huaidao with some surprise. Others must have been frightened and confused when they heard the question. But this guy looked aggrieved and quibbling, which showed that he had no guilt in his heart. He smiled and said: "Okay, Tangluo Road is suitable for building."
Okay? Give me some time."
"It is estimated that it will take about a month. I sincerely ask your Majesty to ask the Ministry of Household Affairs to have already calculated the charging standards. On the way, I will arrange the charging standards. If I don't have the money, I will lose money. It won't be enough to compensate all my belongings. I can only find the princess."
I borrowed money to eat." Qin Huaidao continued to cry about poverty.
"Come on, you really think I don't know how profitable your Dongmen shop is? Wine, food, quilts, boots, and recently an extra soap are all on the market, and the price is not cheap either. There are hundreds of them a day.
In terms of income, no one in the entire Chang'an store is more profitable than yours, so why can't you do more?" Li Er asked curiously.
"The production cost is too high, and the profit is actually not much. Moreover, the production is difficult and the output is limited." Qin Huaidao quickly explained, but he did not dare to let the other party know the huge profit. If the tax exemption was cancelled, he would lose money.
"I heard that you opened another restaurant?" Li Er asked.
"His Majesty, to be precise, it is not a restaurant, but a special business method that does not exist in the whole of Chang'an. The specifics are kept secret for the time being. It is expected to open in ten days. I will ask Your Majesty to come and give guidance at that time. We will know at a glance.
"Qin Huaidao took advantage of the opportunity to attract people. If he really invited Li Er over, wouldn't he become famous?
Li Er thought for a while and said with a smile: "I can go there, what's the benefit?"
"Your Majesty, it's inappropriate for you to be like this. It's your duty to care about, help, and take care of your ministers. I just invited you to have a meal and didn't ask for anything else." Qin Huaidao said quickly, only complaining about this guy in his heart.
He actually learned it and knew the benefits, but he couldn't open this hole, otherwise, Jinshan wouldn't be squandered by the other party.
Seeing if he wanted any benefits, Li Er smiled and said, "I don't need your meal. I'm busy with government affairs, so I won't go."
This is like a hare, but Qin Huaidao will not get used to it. He said with a smile: "I am not thinking carefully. The Holy One has everything to do. Time is precious, so forget it. State affairs are important."
Li Er was so angry that he almost threw the playbook at him. This kid is so stupid!
At this time, Xu Shiji hurriedly came in: "See you, Your Majesty!"
"Xu Aiqing is here. He has secretly dispatched a group of hundreds of cavalrymen to accompany Mr. Qin. The specific matters will be subject to Mr. Qin's arrangements." Li Er said and looked at Qin Huaidao: "Sir Qin, the soldiers cannot run away in vain. You will pay for the expenses along the way.
Already."
Qin Huaidao didn't know what to say. The majestic emperor was acting like a child. Suppressing Fengyu Tower was not only a private matter, but also a public matter. Why? But he didn't refuse and said loudly: "I obey the order!"
After coming out of Ganlu Hall, Xu Shiji was confused and asked in a low voice: "Master Qin, what is going on?"
"Shibo, just call me Huai Dao. It sounds friendly." Qin Huaidao smiled, looked around, and lowered his voice and said: "I got a clue. Wentian Temple at the northern foot of Zhongnan Mountain is suspected of being a Feng Yu Lou stronghold. The number of people is unknown, and the equipment is unknown.
It’s unknown, but Shibo will need to mobilize more troops and equip them with repeating crossbows, shields and sabers.”
"Wen Tian Guan, isn't there a group of monks living there?" Xu Shiji was a little curious.
"Shibo knows?"
"I know, I went to see it with the Holy Master back then. It's not far away via the Valley Road. It only takes half a day to get there by horse." Xu Shiji had a look of affirmation on his face.
Qin Huaidao pondered for a moment and said in a low voice: "Sending troops during the day can easily reveal their whereabouts. How about Shibo arranging his troops somewhere outside the city to assemble and wait for orders, then set off after dark, guard Wentian Temple all night, and then take action at dawn?"
"How many people do you want to transfer?"
"At least a thousand, otherwise I might not be able to surround you."
"Okay, I can find a way to arrange it so that it won't be exposed. How can I contact you?" Xu Shiji asked rhetorically.
"You are right at the right time, ten miles south of the city!"
"Good!" Xu Shiji agreed wholeheartedly.
Qin Huaidao left in a hurry after saying goodbye. It was still early and he came to the Dongshi courtyard to check out the decoration. He saw a carriage parked at the door and some guards. He was moved in his heart and slowed down. He saw the carriage curtain opened and he walked down.
The young man dressed in brocade is none other than Prince Li Chengqian.
"I've met the prince." Qin Huaidao stepped forward and saluted. Although he didn't like the other person, he couldn't be caught being rude. Being rude was a crime in this era.
"I have met Mr. Qin." Li Chengqian returned the courtesy and waved his hands. The guards dispersed and walked away. Li Chengqian lowered his voice and said, "I have heard about the matter of the fourth child. Thank you, Mr. Qin."
These words are not only a thank you, but also a test, an olive branch. If you accept the thank you, the other party will say something to win you over. Of course, Qin Huaidao will not let the other party say it, and pretends to be confused and asks: "What do you mean, Prince? I can't understand."
?”
Li Chengqian saw that Qin Huaidao was not acting according to common sense, and was unhappy in his eyes, but he quickly covered it up and said with a smile: "It doesn't matter whether Lord Qin listens or not, as long as he understands in his heart, I am grateful beyond words, Lord Qin."
He is talented in literature and military strategy, and in my heart, he is the number one person in the army."
This promise is not too high.
But Qin Huaidao didn't care at all, so what could he do if he was the first person in the army? After all, he was still a fire-fighting captain. He had to go wherever there was war. He was just doing odd jobs. He seemed majestic, but it was actually meaningless. Moreover, Li Chengqian's personality had begun to split.
If I really become an emperor in the future, God knows what will happen?
A person who dares to rebel against his own father cannot be trusted.
What's more, Qin Huai's Taoist ambitions were not here, and he refused bluntly: "The prince is ridiculous, I am just lucky, and I am tired of the battlefield, and I am thinking about how to resign and go home."
Li Chengqian's eyes turned cold and he was about to get angry, but he still held it back and said with a smile: "Master Qin is joking. With Master Qin's talent, if he resigns, it will be a loss for the Tang Dynasty. This prince will not agree. By the way, Fan Yang Lu's
I have some friendship with this prince, could you please Lord Qin to show your favor and let them go? The conditions are whatever you want."
"The prince is joking. It's too late for me to hide behind them. How can I dare to attack them? How can I let them go?" Qin Huaidao asked in return, his tone a bit more stern.
Just try to win over someone, but if you try to win over someone else, it's a good way to intercede.
so what?
Qin Huaidao would not be used to it. Since Fan Yanglu took action, human life was the bottom line. Since it was broken, he should be prepared to bear the anger. It would be difficult for anyone to plead for mercy.
The anger in Li Chengqian's heart could no longer be suppressed. He was a dignified prince and heir apparent, but he was rejected with kind words. Where is his face and his majesty? He said in a deep voice: "Master Qin, we have a long time to come, why bother?"
The words are full of threats.
When others heard these words, they would definitely be wary, have reservations, or even compromise, but Qin Huaidao smiled. The saying that the future is long is true, but there must be a future. Do you really think that you will be able to ascend to the great treasure in the future?
Having said this, there is no point in continuing. Qin Huaidao was too lazy to pay attention and walked directly around the other party into the courtyard, leaving only Li Chengqian behind him, his eyes cold and angry. It took him a long time to suppress the fire in his heart and waved to let him go.
A man came over and said coldly: "Tell them to act according to the plan!"
"Here!" the other party agreed and hurried away.
Li Chengqian also got into the carriage and left with his entourage.
Qin Huaidao didn't know about this scene. He went in to find Jia Youcai. He checked the loudspeaker first. The amplification effect was good. The stage was completely completed. He asked people to put the water on and gave instructions on decoration, decoration, placement of tables and chairs, etc., and did not return until dusk.
Arrive at the house.
After the meal, Qin Huaidao walked out of the city slowly, with a man and a horse, and two knives wrapped in cloth. The gatekeeper greeted him enthusiastically and asked where he was going. Qin Huaidao casually said that he was going to Qinjiazhuang, and indeed ran to Qinjiazhuang.
After some distance, he turned back to the south, avoiding possible eye spies, while thinking about Li Chengqian's actions today.
Based on the relationship between the two of them, it is expected that Li Chengqian would not come to the door to win over him. Could it be that he was interceding for the Fan Yanglu family and trying to win over her, or was there another purpose?
No, it's just a test. If you admit to letting the Fan Yang Lu family go, wouldn't it be a disguised admission that you destroyed the Fan Yang Lu family's printing stronghold?
Thinking of this, Qin Huaidao secretly felt lucky. Fortunately, he didn't agree before. However, Li Chengqian would definitely not give up until he got what he wanted. What conspiracy could be behind it?
After thinking about it all the way, I couldn't figure it out. Unknowingly, I arrived ten miles south of the city. I met Xu Shiji in a forest and a thousand troops ready to go. They all carried repeating crossbows, shields on their backs, straight swords at their waists, wearing infantry armor, and tall horses.
, majestic, I was shocked, this is - Habayashi Wei?
"Isn't it a surprise?" Xu Shiji asked with a smile.
"Why is it Habayashi Wei?"
Xu Shiji smiled and said: "The Holy One was worried that Nanya's Thousand Niu Guards would be watched by others, so he sent a Thousand Feather Lin Guards to accompany him. Mr. Qin also has a lot of face. If it were someone else, he would lose face by sending out flying cavalry."
After the cancellation of Baiqisi, Feiqi was re-established to replace the duties of Baiqisi and protect the safety of the palace. It is directly under the jurisdiction of the Holy Lord and is also called the Imperial Guard. It is Li Er's way of strengthening his own security. Everyone is carefully selected.
It came out, but when it comes to charging and killing in a battle formation, it is still not as good as the Habayashi Guard.
Qin Huaidao was a little moved. Li Er said it was time to go back to work, but he still felt really good about himself. He smiled and said: "It's not early, let's go."
Xu Shiji nodded and said to the captain beside him: "March quickly as planned."
"Follow the order!" Everyone accepted the order and left quickly.
Soon, the large army walked out of the woods and rode away.
Qin Huaidao and Xu Shiji walked side by side, walking in the middle of the team for the convenience of command. They ran all the way. Unknowingly, the moon came out and illuminated the way forward. The team took small paths and tried to avoid main roads and crowded places. The roar of the war horses could be heard far away.
It was so far away that the passers-by were so shocked that they gave way and stopped to look sideways, but no one dared to ask more than a word.
More than two hours later, the team arrived at the entrance of the Valley Valley Road. The two teams changed into one team, the formation lengthened, and they continued to rush forward along the narrow ancient road.
After another hour, the team gradually slowed down and moved at a slow pace. Xu Shiji looked at the surrounding mountains and said, "It will only take half an hour at most."
Qin Huaidao nodded. Slowing down the speed would not only allow the horses to recover their strength, but also reduce the sound of hoofbeats and alert the enemy. The soldiers would also be able to kick their feet. Most people would not be able to hold on while marching for several hours. Even if the Yulin Guards were used to riding horses, they would not be able to withstand it.
Panting, feeling uncomfortable.
After walking slowly for a while, Xu Shiji asked, "Huaidao, what do you think?"
"Shibo is joking. When it comes to marching and fighting, Shibo is the one doing this. How dare I, the younger generation, try to mislead others?" Qin Huaidao gave a thumbs up and said modestly.
"Come on, you're not good enough. How did we capture Goguryeo? I'm doing something for you. If you don't explain clearly, if the enemy turns around and runs away, don't blame me for not being careful." Xu Shiji laughed and scolded.
"No, no, Shibo, it all depends on you."
"You kid, you're so cunning!" Xu Shiji scolded with a smile.
The team unknowingly came to a stop at the entrance of a valley. Several captains came over on horseback. Xu Shiji looked at the direction of a mountain range. It was gray and couldn't be seen clearly. He pointed in one direction and said: "It takes three teams of people to touch it and surround it."
One person is responsible for the rear and the two wings. If you find the target, shoot it directly, wounding mainly, and capture as many people as possible alive. The Holy One is still waiting for a confession, who will go?"
"I'm willing to take this humble position!" the three of them rushed to say.
"Okay, leave the horses and go up in a roundabout way. Pay attention to whether there are hidden sentries along the way. If there are any, catch them if you can. If you can't catch them, kill them. Don't expose your whereabouts before encirclement. When you arrive at the destination, stand by a hundred meters away. When you raise the flag,
, lead the team in." Xu Shiji warned.
"Follow the order!" The three of them agreed and hurried away.
War horses cannot climb the mountain and can only stay.
The three captains each led their troops and left quickly. Xu Shiji pointed at the remaining two captains and warned: "You lead the troops to the rear to prevent someone from attacking from behind. Don't be careless on both wings. The other generals will kill them, dismount and leave!"
"Follow the order!" the two responded.
The soldiers dismounted one after another, took their weapons and walked up the mountain.
A small dirt road winds up, looming under the moonlight. The team cannot move forward, and the formation is very long. Qin Huaidao walks among the crowd with two swords on his back, looking around vigilantly.
It was quiet all around, and many unknown insects were chirping, adding a bit of tranquility to the night. The team rushed all the way, and unknowingly came to a mountain col. The mountain col was not big, surrounded by mountains on all sides, and a mountain stream flowed down from the top.
The sound was very clear in this silent night sky.
A palace with flying eaves and walking walls was built in the mountain col, surrounded by a courtyard wall. It was dark inside, with only the bell hanging from the eaves swaying in the wind. The sound was clear and clear. The courtyard door was closed tightly, and no one could be seen.
The soldiers rushed over and quickly dispersed their alert.
Xu Shiji waved to the captain in charge of the rear, and whispered: "Lead your troops to stay at this intersection, just in case. No matter what happens soon, you are not allowed to enter."
The intersection is narrow and easy to defend but difficult to attack. Once it is occupied, everyone will be trapped in the mountain col. This kind of defense is very reasonable. He is worthy of being a famous general who has left his name in history. Qin Huaidao nodded secretly and fixed his sharp eyes on Wentian Temple, feeling vaguely
Something was wrong, but I couldn't see what was wrong, so I was secretly careful.
"Let's go and take a look?" Xu Shiji looked over.
"Walk!"
Qin Huai was a very brave Taoist. He nodded in agreement and followed him. If it was a trap, he would tell if it was a trap. He was already here and there was no reason to go back without doing anything.
The two of them rushed forward quickly. The captain of the advance team stepped forward and said, "General Xu, Lord Qin, it's unusually quiet inside, and there's nothing unusual around. Do you want to break down the door and get in?"
"Don't worry." Xu Shiji looked at Wentian Temple and thought to himself.
A gust of breeze blew by, and the bells hanging on the eaves jingled, which was a bit strange.
Qin Huaidao turned his head and glanced at the bell, and then looked at the gray mountains around him. The uneasiness in his heart became more and more intense, and he whispered: "Shibo, come on calmly, let a few people explore the way first."
"That's fine." Xu Shiji looked at the captain.
The captain nodded, pulled out his straight sword, held his shield in front of him, and shouted to an officer: "Take the people to follow me, take cover, and go!"
After saying that, the captain hurried to the entrance of the courtyard, waited for the person who was covering him to catch up, and then pushed the door open. The door creaked open, and the sound was particularly clear in the silent night.
Qin Huaidao looked at the open courtyard door, his heart skipped a beat, and he shouted: "Stop, don't go in."
But it was already too late. The captain rushed into the courtyard, and countless arrows roared towards him. Fortunately, there was a shield to cover the front, otherwise he would have been dead. He quickly retreated, but was still hit in the leg by an arrow.
"ah--"
With a scream, the captain collapsed to the ground.
The team in charge of covering was rushing forward, using shields to cover and dragging the captain back quickly. The two soldiers also used shields to cover and quickly closed the door. However, the arrows were fierce and dense like rain. The small shields could not cover their whole bodies.
The soldier was also shot in the thigh and fell down.
"Spread out and take cover!" Qin Huaidao yelled, rushed to the entrance of the courtyard in a few steps, rolled with a fallen soldier in his arms, avoided the arrows at the entrance of the courtyard, picked up the opponent's shield and asked: "Is it okay?"
"Thank you, sir, for saving my life. You can endure it."
"Protect yourself." Qin Huaidao rushed to the gate of the courtyard with a shield. He heard a huge cry of killing coming from a distance. He looked up and saw countless torches lighting up the mountains around the col. Countless people rushed down the mountain crazily.
Come, at least more than 5,000 people, I was shocked - how could there be so many people?
"No, it's a trap!"
Xu Shiji shouted: "Brothers, retreat!"
"We can't retreat, it's too late!" Qin Huaidao shouted quickly, pointing to the entrance of the col.
Xu Shiji quickly turned his head and looked around. A team of nearly a thousand people also came out in front of the entrance of the mountain col. A hail of arrows fired, completely blocking the entrance and making it impossible to get out. The 100 people who stayed behind were suddenly attacked and suffered heavy losses.
, if there was no terrain that could be used, the group would have been destroyed early.
"You bastard, do you have any strategies to defeat the enemy?" Xu Shiji shouted.
Qin Huaidao looked at the roaring enemies, fighting from top to bottom, gaining the upper hand. The three troops of his own who were ambushing nearby were absolutely unable to stop them. There were arrows raining down inside the Wentian Temple, and it was obvious that there were many people hiding there. This was called
Surrounded on all sides, blooming in the center, with nowhere to hide, it is a certain death situation.
What a cruel trap, what a vicious plan!
A wave of unwillingness surged into his heart, and Qin Huaidao roared: "Shibo, order the surrounding soldiers to attack from three sides, climb over the wall and rush in. The narrow terrain is not conducive to the deployment of large forces, but it is beneficial to us, and the worst is possible."
"Quickly go and deliver the order." Xu Shiji is indeed a famous general. He knows everything. He shouted to a few people behind him. After they left, he asked: "The enemy's arrows are dense and the courtyard gate is narrow. If you rush in, you will die. Is there any way?"
"Take a ladder, two people in a group, one person squats down, and the other person sits on his neck. The height should be enough when he stands straight, shoot him with a repeating crossbow, suppress him, and then rush in." Qin Huaidao shouted quickly.
"Good idea, hurry up, take a ladder." Xu Shiji yelled.
The soldiers did not understand what a human ladder was and had no training in this area, but they understood Qin Huaidao's instructions and acted quickly. When they stood up, they found that the height was just right, and they picked up their repeating crossbows and fired quickly at the targets in the courtyard.