The fourth time to send Liu Xiang to present the imperial court
Outside King Yuwen's City in Mobei Grassland.
Spring is coming in the east, the new wind has subsided, and spring in the far north has come extraordinarily late.
A group of merchants from the Yan Kingdom were on their way to the Ministry of Education and Culture in the North.
"I said, Brother Wang, why did you set off so early this year? You usually wait for the snow to melt and the branches to turn green before leaving. This year's weather is so damn bad. Last year's war just stopped, so the road is not easy to walk.
"It's still cold." The speaker was an old man, leading a horse team and walking at the front of the team.
"I said, you have been running goods with Wang Che for so many years, and you still talk so much nonsense. He never talks about where he goes, and the money is not short of you. You just drive." Riding a white horse behind him
man.
"Okay, even if I didn't say it, I saw that in this chaotic situation, other people would not be willing to take this road, so you guys came to me. Look at the people walking in the north, there are not even a hundred and eighty, but there are five
Sixty, look at the situation last year. The fighting in the north was very fierce. No matter how much money I was given, I would not go there. I am the only one who, for the sake of Brother Wang, is willing to send you on this trip..."
"If you keep talking too much, I'll cut your tongue." The fair-skinned man made a sword-drawing gesture.
"I'm talking about you little kid, why are you so unruly in your speech? It's just the two of us who usually run the goods, and we've never brought a kid out. This time, it's strange. I don't know what Mr. Wang is thinking."
"Poof", suddenly a wine bag flew out from behind, "Have a taste of this wine, warm yourself up, drink it and hurry up." It turned out to be a middle-aged man sitting in the car behind him. Although he was not tall,
He has been weathered for a long time. Looking at his crown, loose robe, and a pair of boots on his feet. Because of the severe cold weather, he wears a mink fur cloak. At first glance, he is a business traveler traveling between the north and the south.
"Thank you, brother Wang. You know how good I am. You will definitely arrive at the capital on time this time as usual."
The driver unconsciously began to drink, and the driver's whip danced more cheerfully.
Although it is a time of war, with swords and swords blazing and swords blazing between countries, the trade, goods and travel are not aware of the situation. Why?
The purpose of fighting with swords is to take property, population, and livestock from other countries. It is said to be a business without capital. However, if you suffer frequent defeats and lose troops and generals, it will not help the country.
Merchants are basically meant to make up for losses and profits, and to level the playing field. What is not available on the battlefield, naturally depends on these merchant travellers, who circulate in various countries, to seek supplies.
The cattle, sheep, horses, furs, and iron sand in the north. The tea, salt, corn, and medicinal herbs in the south are all complementary products. Although countries are at war with each other, they really dare not mess with this business trip.
Firstly, it is for the sake of one's own reputation, and secondly, it is indeed a necessity for the country. Without this business traveler to exchange what they have, not to mention the shortage of supplies in the Hu tribes in the far north, there are abundant supplies in the Sili, Luo, Yu, Jing, and Yang lands.
, I'm afraid that all industries will wither and people will be filled with resentment.
Not long after, this group of people and the goods they were carrying had arrived at the capital of the Yuwen tribe. Although it was a capital, it was originally a place to avoid the cold during autumn and winter. Nowadays, various countries are busy with trade exchanges, and the original means
The tribute paid during the Taikang period is gone now. The barbarians in the North also imitated the people from the Central Plains and began to build cities and set up markets. At the end of last year, there was heavy snowfall and many livestock were frozen to death.
At the same time, they raided southward and found nothing. The whole Yuwen clan has been suffering from hunger and cold. They are looking forward to the coming spring when the trade routes will be smooth and the caravans coming from the south can bring good things. Therefore, this year, this year
The market opened early for everyone, and this group of merchants was also the first to arrive.
"I'm telling you, Wang Che, you know you've caught up with a good time." The person who spoke was a city gate guard who had always known Wang Che. "Last year, you looted everywhere, got nothing, and even filled the sky with food."
It snowed heavily, many cattle and sheep froze to death, and more than half of the blankets they lived in collapsed. These materials you have are valuable."
"It turns out it's Mr. He Ge. I'm disrespectful. According to you, this time I'm going to drive up the market price and make a fortune, haha." As he spoke, Wang Che called to the man on the horse to get a baggage from the car.
"I heard that Mr. Hege just got a big fat boy this year. This rattle is for your young master, and this rouge is for my wife. There is also a pot of fine wine I brought from the south for Mr. Hege to try.
"As he spoke, Wang Che slowly pulled out the stopper, and the aroma of wine overflowed, making anyone who smelled it salivate." Master He Ge felt greedy.
"Oh, I said this wine is the Lanling wine produced in Qingzhou. It was originally drunk by the princes and nobles. This time I came to pay special tribute. It belongs to you, Lord He Ge." The man picked up a bowl and said, "Master He Ge, you
Pinpin.”
"Well, good wine. I'm afraid Brother Wang's trip is not as simple as giving me a drink." Master He Ge finished drinking and smiled at him, "Last year, there was a military turmoil, and Yu Wen and Murong were at odds. Are you still secretly doing this?
It belongs to the Murong royal family."
Wang Che was startled, and then he made up his mind. This trip was very secretive and no news would leak out. He then calmed down and said, "Lord He Ge is joking. I am just a businessman who travels all over the country. Don't talk nonsense about collaborating with the enemy's military.
I don't dare to do such a thing, ha, ha, ha." After saying that, he picked up the wine bowl and congratulated Mr. Ge again.
"Brother Wang, are you exporting the good horses from our grassland as slave horses, and then selling them to the southern countries? As far as I know, our Yuwen Ministry is short of supplies, but only scimitars and war horses are invincible. You, a profiteer, can be deceived
There are a lot of good horses here." He Ge said while drinking.
"That's it. Lord He Ge has nothing to do. Whether this horse is good or not depends on what your horse supervisor says, ha, ha, ha." Wang Chedui said with a smile, and both of them looked at each other and smiled.
"Thanks to the medicinal materials you sent last year, my wife is well now and can come to my place for a few more drinks when she has time."
"Definitely, definitely, we will make the appointment when the handover of this batch of goods is completed." Wang Che said with a smile, "Master He Ge, please quickly ask your men to check the goods carried by our fleet. This is a market. Please give me your blessing.
The goods must be selling well, and I will definitely visit you at your house."
"Okay, okay, brother Wang, don't come here with my false courtesy from the Central Plains. I'll buy you a glass of wine when the time comes." Lord He Ge is also a generous person. "Brothers, let me go." Lord He Ge waved his hand.
, "This time you are going to make a lot of money again."
While walking, Wang Che took out a bunch of five-baht coins and scattered them around to the guards. Everyone was happy. The goods in the convoy were casually inspected. The three people accompanying him passed through the city gate together with the goods.
"Poof," just as he was about to enter the city, he saw that He Ge had only inserted a short knife into the sack of goods, and what came out was grain.
"Sir, what do you mean by this?" Wang Che was a little angry.
"Hey, aren't your eyes twitching? I'm a little worried. I'm sorry, Brother Wang. I'll apologize to you then." He Ge only smiled.
The king's chariot was not in trouble either, so he just headed towards the city.
Although this capital city is simple and simple, it is now becoming more and more prosperous. Restaurants, inns, and markets are gradually becoming more and more complete. There is a saying: the prosperity of the world is for profit, and the hustle and bustle of the world is for profit. This trading market in the north
Yeah, it's the biggest one here.
The three of them went to the warehouse to put down the goods first, and then went to a post house to rest first. It was near noon, and they were hungry, so the three of them went to a nearby tavern to order some food and drinks.
"You go back first this time and wait for my letter. I will stay here for a few more days this time." Wang Che said to the old man driving the carriage.
"Sir, I've been delayed a lot on the way back and forth. If I don't wait until the delivery is completed, I can go back and pull the goods back to the north. I can make a lot of money by going back and forth."
"Old man, why are you talking so much? Just go back when I tell you." The fair boy was quite impatient.
"I'm going to see an old friend again." Wang Che said calmly.
"That's it. Please don't worry, Master. At this age, when spring comes, horses are thin and people are hungry. The Yuwen Department has stopped a lot, and there is no risk. Sir, if you still want me to drive the carriage, please send someone to give the order.
That's it." After saying that, the old man drank down the wine at the table and left.
Bai Jingxiaosheng whispered: "Wang joins the army. This trip is very secret. Is this old man?"
"This man has always been loyal and knows how to read horses. We smuggled Yuwen's good horses before. If it weren't for his contribution, it might not have been possible. This time the future is unknown. Don't involve him."
"Lord Wang, you have good thoughts, but this matter is related to confidentiality. I'm afraid..."
"No, business people are most afraid of putting people's lives on the line, so he is familiar with me. If he had quit the army and not been with me, he wouldn't be where he is today. I used to be a businessman, and I have always been a partner with this person.
If something unexpected happens to this person, others will become suspicious." As he was speaking, there was a sudden commotion outside the tavern.
"Get out of the way, Lord Sheyegan is traveling at night, and passers-by should avoid it," the leading sergeant shouted loudly. The pedestrians panicked and retreated to both sides.
But I heard a commotion outside the tavern, and it turned out that it was Yuwen's most powerful general, Lord Sheyegan, who was traveling at night. I saw him riding a tall horse, riding slowly along the East-West Avenue, and he looked so majestic.
"It turns out that this person is She Yegan." Looking at this situation, the fair boy couldn't help blurting out.
"Don't call Sir She by his first name, and be careful with your head." A bartender next to him couldn't help but stop.
"It seems that this person has a good reputation." The young man replied.
"No, Yuwen is the best general." The bartender said, shook the rag, and walked to the next table.
"Have you heard that when Lord She went on an expedition last year, if it hadn't been for a general who surrendered from the south, he would have almost died at the hands of the enemy." A group of people at the next table said while eating wine.
"No, I heard that the surrendered general is still a prince of the Murong family."
"Who did you hear this from?" a person next to him asked eagerly.
"Do you know the origin of that man?" I saw the speaker, wearing a big felt hat, a crane cloak, and a hanging skirt and belt on his lower body. It was indeed the style of a northerner. Although he could tell at a glance that he was a Han, but when he went deep into the Hu area
It is indeed inconvenient to wear a wide-sleeved robe, but for a businessman in this business, the Hufu is still more lightweight. Therefore, the lower body is still worn in the Hufu.
Others kept asking: "I know that you businessmen are well-informed, so tell me about it." This man had his hair tied up without a crown, and was wearing a tight robe with small sleeves and a belt around his waist. He was a typical barbarian.
"Do you know why the surrendered general came to this bitter cold place in the far north?"
"What's the reason?" Seeing him hesitate to speak, others randomly filled the wine glass in front of him.
"This man was originally the concubine brother of the current King of Yan of the Murong family. Because he was hated by others, he first defected to the Duan family in Xianbei."
"But why are you here?"
"That's right." The businessman stuck his head out and whispered into the man's ear so that no one else could hear him clearly.
"That's right. It seems that he couldn't help himself when he got here. Wouldn't that be..."
"My heart belongs to the Kingdom of Yan. I am waiting for an opportunity to escape." The businessman directly pointed out what was in his heart.
"Absolutely impossible." The bartender interrupted, "Don't you know about a strange thing in the city?"
"What's this weird thing?" everyone asked.
"That's General Murong." The bartender glanced at the diners and said, "Crazy..."
"Ah" everyone was surprised
"As you can see, the judges know that he first drank several liters of alcohol every day and was drunk all day long. Later, he began to urinate and excrement, lying on his back in a filthy state."
After hearing this, everyone pinched their noses and sighed.
"Later, I don't know if I'm crazy. I'm naked in this cold weather, or singing loudly, or kneeling when I meet people. Do you think I'm crazy?"
"You naughty guy, are you trying to be lazy again?" the tavern owner shouted to the bartender.
"Okay, let's go and get busy."
"Come here." Wang Che called the bartender over. "You have some good wine and food here. Please bring it over."
"My dear guests, the beef and mutton on this grassland are the finest. My dear guests, why don't you try it?"
"It's up to you."
"okay."
"Wait a minute, let me ask you, who is the crazy person you mentioned just now?" Wang Che asked him abruptly while ordering the dishes.
"Two guests, my shopkeeper told me not to talk too much because he always wanted to cut my tongue. Now I see that the two guests are kind-hearted, but they say it's okay. Are you this crazy person?" He was about to continue.
.
"I said, you naughty boy, let me tell you a few times before you listen. I'll throw you into the grassland to feed the wolves." The shopkeeper scolded you again.
"Murong Han." The bartender finished speaking and went to the kitchen.
The fair-skinned man was eating the food with his head hanging down, looking bored.
"I said, you are trying to back out."
The fair man said: "How can you say it's not the case? You said it took a lot of effort to get here, but what you found was a madman. How can you not be upset?"
"Your father told you to say this on this trip."
"Erudition makes memorize more and increase my knowledge. Although the book covers the ancient and modern times and covers all parts of the world, it cannot be as profound as my own knowledge."
"You can teach me, but please listen to my uncle. This matter is not simple."
"Why?"
"You take out your walking stick and hang it on the front of the car, and get close to where the madman is. You should be able to tell the real thing from the fake one."
"Uncle Wang said, isn't Murong Han..."
Wang Che immediately made a gesture to shut up in a low voice.
It is said that the trip between Wang Che and the fair scholar had been agreed on ten months ago.
Half a month ago, there was a discussion at the Wende Hall in the King's City of Thorn City, and there was a lot of discussion.
Murong Huang, King of Yan, was the first to say: "Last year, the four realms were in turmoil. It was all thanks to your ministers to work together to ensure the peace of Yan."
Murong Ping replied in the court: "This is all due to the king's wisdom and martial prowess. As soon as the king's troops arrived in the new city, the Goguryeo army retreated and returned to the country. It was not enough." After that, the generals burst into laughter.
"Don't be careless when judging me. I heard that Xiangping is very dangerous. Before the war, the army supplies were not in danger of causing a mutiny. You heard it."
"Brother Wang, I have killed Cui Yi, who led the trouble, in front of the battle line. Otherwise, it will not be enough to strengthen the morale of the army."
King Yan nodded. Although he was leading the army outside at that time, he sent his younger brother Ping to go to Xiangping to patrol hunting on his behalf. Although he felt that Murong Ping acted recklessly, at this critical moment, because the general had the courage to calm the military chaos, King Yan still
Quite satisfied.
King Yan suddenly changed his expression and asked: "But I heard that there must be something hidden later. Has the person in charge been found out?"
"Reporting to Brother Wang, I think the Cui family has a lot of resentment towards our country of Yan. Their clan was originally a prominent family in Liaodong, and Cui Ao, one of his clan members, was the governor of Pingzhou." Murong Ping came out and said to the ministers: "Murong Ren
When Zhao rebelled and attacked me, all the Cui clan members were able to help me. It was our Yan state that spared me, and Cui Yi was not involved. Now it can be seen that no one from his clan can use him."
"Uncle Ping, what you said is wrong." Murong Ke stepped out and said, "Don't abandon our entire Yan family just because of Cui Yi. There must be a reason for this."
"I see, we should be careful with those who are rebellious in the family." Murong Ping said fiercely.
"Don't blame me for personal grudges when employing my younger brother Ping. Our Yan State employs people from all walks of life, and we don't stick to any one pattern." King Yan looked at younger brother Ping with a look of displeasure, "Let's put this matter aside for the time being. Now at the beginning of spring, there are two
It is an important matter, please all ministers and ministers to discuss it." Murong Huang immediately signaled, and a servant ran out in small steps and read out the decree of King Yan.
"I have not been ordered by the Jin since I proclaimed myself king. Now Goguryeo begs for an alliance with me. The Duan family has surrendered, and Yuwen's troops have retreated. Liu Xiang, the special commander, joined the army and went to Jiankang to present his victory and discuss his merits. He said that he had false power and asked him to
We will carry out a grand campaign to bring peace to the Central Plains." The chamberlain finished reading.
"Liu Xiang, the long history of the expedition to the north." King Yan shouted
"I'm here," Liu Xiang replied as he stepped out of the queue.
"Since the time of the late king Murong Xin, I, the Lord of Yan, have wanted to become the king. However, the country is in turmoil, and the weather has not changed. The mountains collapsed before my request for a title was granted. I feel very sorry for it." King Yan changed his expression and said excitedly: "Now I, Yan
The civil strife in the country has ended, Liaodong has been restored, and we are about to demonstrate the prestige of our country, the Yan Dynasty. Liu Changshi, my king, Su Zhi, the brother-in-law of Qing, Zhuge Hui, is serving in the Jin court. Our country, the Yan Dynasty, is now using force to show its power in the north, for fear that its reputation will not be known.
.When you go here, you can expect to get the title of King of Yan."
"I will fulfill my mission." Liu Xiang kowtowed and replied.
Feng Yi added: "The Liu family of Pingyuan has been in Yan for a long time, and all the people in the clan are loyal and loyal to our Yan country. His brother Liu Pei is also brave and invincible, and his brother Liu Bin is in charge of farming. There are no mistakes in his analysis. He will definitely be able to do this.
The story of Pei Yi, asking for a name."
King Yan nodded, suddenly stood up again, slowly came down from the throne, held Liu Xiang tightly with both hands and said, "I cherish the soil of Yan country, but I don't love the ten thousand taels of gold of other countries."
Liu Xiang hurriedly paid his respects and said: "Although I am a Han Chinese, it is difficult for me to repay Lord Yan for his kindness in knowing me. I will do my best and I will not hesitate even if I die."
The ministers discussed why King Yan only announced one thing when he said two things.
The Er chambermaid walked out from the back screen again.
"Xuanqi Captain comes to the palace."
All the ministers were discussing, who is this Cavalry Commander?
While the ministers were discussing, Murong Ba came forward with a long arrow in hand.
The prince Murong Jun said angrily, "Brother Ba, this is a major military and state matter, why are you meddling in it?"
Murong Ba stepped forward and said, "Father, dear ministers, I have something to report."
"My lord, don't be surprised. I have appointed Murong Ba as the Cavalry Commander, and I attacked the Yuwen tribe last year. This Ah Liu Dun, by surprise, killed the Yuwen tribe and was defeated, and almost killed its general Sheye Gan with a sword. Such a great achievement,
The child's future is limitless, so he is named Cavalry Captain."
"Thank you, Father." Murong Ba bowed his hands, raised the corners of his eyes and mouth, and his fourteen-year-old face was full of energy.
The chamberlain unfolded his hand and summoned the order: "Prince Murong Ba, filial to his friends and respectful to his younger brother, with pure thoughts, courage and strategy, is specially named the Cavalry Commander."
Murong Jun's face was dark, and he only stepped forward and said: "How could my father give me the title so lightly? My younger brother has just experienced battles. Although he has a little bit of skill, I am afraid that the public will not be able to calm him down."
Former military advisor general Murong Ping also stepped forward and said: "Among the princes and brothers, Ba'er is indeed very smart. However, he is still young and suddenly won the title. I am afraid that others will not accept it."
"Your Majesty, Brother Ping is worrying too much. Although Ba'er did not kill the enemy general in this battle, the crisis in the north has been resolved, and he can also gather important information..."
