"The red sun is scorching like fire, and the fields and rice fields are half withered.
The farmer's heart is like boiling water, and the princes and princes are shaking their fans."
On a hot summer day, Zhang Xing sat under the shade of a tree by the port on one side of the embankment, with obvious ice energy exuding from his body. He held a bowl of ice water and read out such a concluding poem unconvincingly.
There were more than a dozen big bosses sitting next to them. The bosses didn't know whether they were suppressed by the cold ice energy or the ice water, but many people were secretly trembling in their hearts.
In the end, it was Xie Minghe who couldn't stand listening anymore, and indeed he was the only one who dared to say:
"Master Zhang, five days ago you went to inspect the fields. You felt that it had not rained for many days. You were digging ditches in the fields to divert water and recited these few sentences with a hoe. Who in the world disagreed with your concern for people's livelihood? I called a few people at Jiangling the day before yesterday.
The old farmer asked about the drought situation at this time, and they all said that it is not a major disaster, but the ditches abandoned by the war must be cleaned up in time to prepare for drought relief. You ordered and distributed the documents to repair the ditches. When you read this poem again, everyone felt that you were here.
Pity the laborers... Now that the matter has been settled, everything that can be done has been done, and it may not stop raining, and we have to cross the river to do other things, how can we still say this?"
Zhang Xing nodded: "What Chief Xie said is true, then I'll change it to another poem."
People around him breathed a sigh of relief.
“It’s noon on the day of hoeing, and the sweat is dripping from the weeds.
Who knows dishes on the menu, A Journey?"
Zhang Xing blurted out and recited it. "How? It's catchy, short and powerful, and it might be passed down to future generations."
Xie Minghe opened his mouth, but didn't say anything anymore. He just lowered his head and took a few sips of ice water.
On the other hand, Dou Lide, who was about to go to the East for the first time, managed to say half a sentence: "It is always good for the leader to care about farming."
The rest of the people waited, and no one said a word. They just went to bring ice water to drink, knowing whether it was cold or warm.
Fortunately, we didn’t have to wait too long. After a while, a dozen large and small ships appeared from the other side beating gongs and drums. The middle one was obviously a converted grain-carrying sand ship during the imperial court’s three expeditions.
Upholstered in red and green satin.
Looking at this scene from a distance, Zhang Xing couldn't help but be stunned for a moment, because the last time he saw this posture was when he was choosing the Huaiyou League in Huaishang, and the other leaders in Hebei also laughed out loud.
"Who do you think it is?" Zhang Xing stood up and asked, feeling a little anxious and helpless.
"It can't be Xu Dalang's instruction." Chen Bin blurted out.
This is natural.
"It's unlikely that it's Chief Chai Da or Empress Bingliu." Wei Xuanding also twisted his beard and smiled. "It's probably the two brothers Lu Dayue and Lu Xiaoyue who made their own decisions... They were born in the water, simple-minded, and now they are rich."
"Is the navy... very wealthy?" Zhang Xing finally grasped a point. "As far as the Lu brothers are concerned, where did such colorful silk come from?"
"It's definitely not setting up traffic jams on the river or robbing merchants. They don't dare." Xiong Bonan immediately realized the meaning of Zhang Xing's words and immediately explained. "I guess it's the smuggling business in the east... Liquor
, grain, high-end silk and satin, these things come from Kinki, and if you want to distribute them downstream, Jishui is naturally the main channel, but there is no reason not to go along the river, especially after the four counties of Hebei are stabilized, Hebei business must go here.
.”
"Then there should be business connecting the river from north to south. Hebei is short of everything now, but wealthy families are still not short of money. They want fruits, livestock, grain, lacquerware, ironware, and even jewelry from the south." Dou Lide interjected.
road.
"So the river transportation is all the business of the Lu brothers?" Zhang Xing was suddenly confused and began to inquire further.
"That's not to say...with Jibei as the separation, the upper reaches are the Lu brothers, and the lower reaches should be Cheng Dalang and the former Pu Tai Army, as well as Fan Bao, Zuo Caixiang and several Qi County leaders..." Wei Xuanding blurted out
And yes.
"Both Cheng Mingqi and Fang Yanshi?" Zhang Xing was extremely surprised. "Isn't it enough that the Fan Bao family enjoys Zhangqiu's iron pot business and controls the transportation downstream of Jishui River?"
Wei Xuanding was silent for a moment and continued: "But as far as I know, it is indeed the case."
Most of the others remained silent. Wang Shuyong, Zhai Qian and others who were accompanying him went to look at the sky and the earth.
"I know this." At this moment, an unexpected person suddenly spoke, but it was Dou Lide. "The two Lu brothers are actually not strong enough. Their defense area is generally from Puyang to Sikou Pass.
It is not easy to distribute downstream. Then Chief Cheng Da, who has always been meticulous, saw that no one was doing the downstream transportation business, so he took the initiative to find Chief Fan who had shipping experience. Several leaders from Pu Tai who were responsible for downstream military affairs and Chief Zuo worked together.
I took this business.”
At this point, Dou Lide also explained a little: "The reason why I know this is because last month Fan Wang was ordered to guard Chiping... Cheng Dalang went to find him to join the army. He was a little unsure and asked someone to ask me.
.”
The others looked at this Hebei leader, each feeling strange and not knowing what to say.
"Good eyesight." Zhang Xing sighed. "It's also a good method... When you see a blank market, you don't take advantage of it directly. Instead, you bring people with technology and capital together with all stakeholders to eat, and the others are the original ones.
I don’t want to get involved, and in order not to offend anyone, I can only come together... As expected of Cheng Dalang, if it were me, I would do the same thing. In fact, this is how the Huaiyou Alliance started."
People around me didn't hear it right, and they didn't know whether it was praise or disapproval. Some words were completely confused, and they didn't dare to say anything.
"Let's cross the river first, and then we'll talk about it later." Zhang Xing saw that the red-colored boat had reached the center of the river, but he abandoned the topic and led the yellow gelding forward.
The people around him were relieved and followed him one after another, but they couldn't help but fell a few steps behind, leaving only King Xiongtian and Chief Wei behind.
However, when he arrived at the ferry and saw the ship getting closer and closer, Chen Bin couldn't hold it back. Regardless of the fact that there were many people behind him, and Wei and Xiong beside him, he went straight forward to persuade him in a low voice: "Longtou,
We still have to give the leaders a way to benefit, and we can't control things too strictly. That's the way things are in the world. If you are too strict, they will think you are unkind rather than strict in your laws."
"I know." Zhang Xing nodded immediately. "I know it in my heart... Cross the river and say."
Chen Bin nodded and stopped talking. Wei Xiong and the other two, as well as several leaders with high cultivation levels behind them, just couldn't listen.
After a while, the boats lined up and came to the harbor, and everyone boarded the boats one after another. Zhang Xing, who said he had a good idea, scolded him: "Lu Da... there are dozens of us crossing the river. Why are you looking for dozens of boats?" ! Those who are still wearing red and green, those who know naturally know that I am on a routine inspection of the Eastern Territory, and those who don’t know think that I have come to Henan to take a concubine and marry me! When word spreads to Dengzhou, am I still alive?"
After saying that, he laughed.
The people around him also laughed in apology. Lu Dayue was embarrassed for a moment and could only rub his hands: "Be careful next time... I really don't know that the leader doesn't like ostentation."
This matter was revealed.
It's just a crossing, the big ship is launched, but many times it turns back to the other side.
Accompanied by many leaders, including the Lu brothers, Zhang Xing boarded the Sikou Pass ferry on the other side. Here, Xu Shiying and the commander-in-chief of logistics in the eastern border, Dongping Liuhou Chai Xiaohe, plus Jibei Liuhou Bing Yuanzheng , Zheng Detao, who stayed behind in Qijun, Zhang Jinshu, the security and internal affairs officer of Nan'an, and other leaders came here with many people to welcome him.
Just after landing, with about ten steps to go, Zhang Dalongtou suddenly turned around, pointed to the river, and suddenly woke up: "You said... we have been crossing the river for almost half a year, why didn't we think of building several pontoon bridges on the river? There are some pontoon bridges on the east side of the river. The pontoon bridge has been standing for hundreds of years! Lu Da, you have been on the river for a long time and know the joints. Do you think it is possible to build a pontoon bridge?"
Lu Dayue was startled for a moment, and immediately responded: "Of course the pontoon bridge can be erected, but there is a saying... it is difficult to erect if the river is wide, and it is difficult to erect if the river is narrow, and it is difficult to erect if the water is strong. It freezes in winter and melts in spring, and it has to be neatly closed. It also needs to be easy to clean up and down the fleet... Therefore, it is best to be in a place with Hejian Island, and Hejian Island must be stable..."
"Yes! There is a large Hejian Island on the bridge east of Hedong, and there is not much water transportation up and down." Zhang Xing was stunned, and asked seriously again. The others also came to see Lu Da seriously. "Is there a Hejian Island on the big river? ?”
Lu Dayue thought for a while and continued to answer: "Yes, there is one between Wuyang County and Dongjun, and there is also behind Douzigang in Qijun... You can go and have a look."
Zhang Xing nodded: "It's hard work for you. Ask your men to walk along the river and see where it is convenient to build a pontoon bridge. If we can build it, we will build it... After all, the North-South China Unicom is a matter of life and death for our gang. It is a military and economic matter." We all have to rely on it, and the more convenient it is, the better. When there is a war, it freezes, and we need to put it away... we can just send it to Jiangling after the hydrological information is sorted out."
Lu Dayue quickly responded.
Among the other leaders, there were those who had just met him and didn't know anything; there were those who were careful and knew the whole story, but were either relaxed or nervous, or lamented that Zhang Longtou had great skills or felt that Zhang Longtou was unable to hide things and had a lack of temperament, but they didn't show it on their faces. ; There are also those who are not careful, but they are also ignorant...you can't tell it anyway.
In this way, everyone acted as if nothing had happened and set foot on the land of the Eastern Territory again.
On the day of arrival, Zhang Xing let the leaders who lived in the east do their own thing. When it was time to return home, including Jia Runshi, when it was time to visit relatives, they would only be notified to rendezvous in a few days. As for the rest, they were roughly divided. After that, Xiong Bonan took people to inspect Qi County and Langya County in the east. Wei Xuanding went to Jibei, Lu County, and Dongping to inspect. He himself was going to take Chen Bin, Dou Lide, Xie Minghe, Cui Suchen, Yan Qing, Wang Xiongdan, etc. People are going to look westward to see Dongjun and Jiyin.
However, it doesn’t start right away.
At least Zhang Xing only sent Wang Xiongdan to the east to fight at the front station, and the rest simply stayed at Sikou Pass that day.
Zhang Xing himself, together with Xiong Wei and Xiong Wei, had direct discussions with Xu Shiying, Chai Xiaohe, Bing Yuanzheng, Zheng Detao, Zhang Jinshu and others, and listened to their reports on the military, economy, people's livelihood, public security and other matters on the South Bank in turn.
After saying this, it was almost dark. Cui Twenty-six and Twenty-seven, who were taking notes, were so tired that their hands were sore. There were many forms handed over, but Cui Suchen, who hardly spoke along the way, was unhurried.
, organized quickly and properly.
Not surprisingly, in the evening they had dinner together in the public house at the ferry, and when they returned to the back hall, Xiong Bonan and Wei Xuanding had to go on patrol tomorrow. Even if they were not tired, they each had their own group of people.
In order to deal with it, they separated early and went back to their respective courtyards; then Chai Xiaohe, Bing Yuanzheng, Zheng Detao and other civil servants were probably shameless, so they left directly and went back to their residences; only Xu Shiying and Zhang Jinshu
But they all refused to leave. Among them, Zhang Jinshu reported several things that were difficult to talk about in public.
"What do you think of Chen's internal affairs?" After listening, Zhang Dalong looked around, but asked Chen Bin first.
"May I ask what the leader is asking about?" Chen Bin asked sternly. "Is it the official matters during the day or the things that Zhang Internal Affairs is talking about now? Is it the things on the river or the whole Henan thing?"
"We all ask." Zhang Xing is also a bachelor. "I want to hear your opinions."
"Of course the biggest thing is Langya County, but there is nothing to say about this matter." Chen Bin was slightly refreshed and immediately spoke. "Everyone is right overtly and covertly, but many local powerful people are doing it secretly.
Falling to Xuzhou Sima Zheng... If you find evidence, kill when you need to. If you can't find it, you must respond in time. I think the method Xu Dalang gave today is the right way. Force the big households over there to move here.
Come from the north."
Zhang Xing nodded, then looked at Cui Suchen: "What do Cui Erlang think? Is this feasible?"
Xu Shiying and Zhang Jinshu immediately went to take a look at this familiar person.
"This is an extraordinary matter for the frontline military and state. There is no need to refer to any laws." Cui Suchen naturally knew what Zhang Xing meant and immediately answered. "It's not just that. I think there are many reasons for many things in the East. The leader is only in Hebei.
Just ask me about the laws of the three counties."
"That's not the case. Isn't the East Territory still a place outside the law?" Zhang Xing immediately shook his head. "You still have to express your opinions more."
At this point, the person sighed again: "Langya's matter is naturally this matter, but the key is why people's hearts are not attached to it?"
"Isn't it natural that people in Langya are disloyal?" Xie Minghe disagreed. "It was the most chaotic place after the rise of the rebels. These rebels were undisciplined and the wealthy people hated them. However, those rebels were all under the banner of the Zhishi Army.
Banner, later we placed the Zhishi Army in Langya, so in the eyes of the big families, the Zhishi Army is of the same origin. Since our army has accepted the Zhishi Army, it is naturally one, and the previous accounts must be settled. "
"If you say that, what about Dengzhou and Hebei?" Zhang Xing asked immediately. "The rebels there had very poor discipline at the beginning, and we also acted as leaders of the rebels."
"Dengzhou and Hebei are afraid of being beaten." Dou Lide, who was entering this situation for the first time, couldn't wait. "People's minds are calm."
"Hebei is afraid of being beaten, but Dengzhou is beaten empty." Xie Minghe refuted.
"Dengzhou is so big and has a large population, how can it be considered empty?" Dou Lide retorted without hesitation.
"The ones that are empty are rich and big households." Xie Minghe corrected sternly. "The three campaigns against Dongyi were all conducted in Dengzhou. After the rise of the rebel army, the first place that the army gathered to besiege was Dengzhou... This
Under such circumstances, the rich and large households will be unable to protect themselves, and will either be ruined or dispersed long ago."
"Then Cheng Dalang..."
"What happened to Cheng Dalang's family just confirms my statement... First of all, his family is on the border between Dengzhou and Qijun, and it is on the edge. Moreover, when they arrived here, the imperial army's three expeditions happened to leave the river and go to Dengzhou.
He shunned him; secondly, wouldn’t even a person with Cheng Dalang’s family background be deprived of all livestock and forced to move by the Zhishi Army at that time?”
Dou Lide fell silent. How could he be Xie Minghe's opponent in terms of words?
"Brother Xie is right." Zhang Xing sighed with emotion. "The problem lies with the big households... There are not many big households in Dengzhou for a long time, and under the military fortress, the big households usually don't have much ability. Cheng Dalang is amazing.
. But not Langya. Langya has many mountains, is close to the sea, and has an exquisite plain land next to Xuzhou. The big families in Langya will be officials when they leave, and they will be rich when they enter. Even the army can hide in the mountains. There is some saying, but
These people were not included in our system, so they caused trouble."
"Then move!" Xu Shiying reiterated his position. "Let King Xiongtian watch this matter, and then send troops to Dengzhou. Let's see who can cause trouble?"
Zhang Xing nodded, but then slowly shook his head.
"Third brother, is there anything else you care about?" Xu Shiying couldn't ask further.
"I'm thinking about Sima Zheng." Zhang Xing sighed. "In troubled times, the so-called big families are also weak in front of the weapons of the established system... If they can live and work in peace and contentment, they will definitely not think about causing trouble... There is a reason for Langya's incident, and he is on the front line of the military state.
I have nothing to say... But how can Xuzhou attract them? They are violent to Wei, but can they appease the people? Sima Zheng can do this alone? Or is it that the Sima family has already controlled Jiangdu, making Sima Zheng
Is it true that Xuzhou is actually privately owned by the Sima family? So now that the three counties of Xuzhou have stabilized, people like Langya also have the mentality to speculate on the Sima family? "
The others looked at each other.
"It is possible for the Sima family to actually control the three counties of Xuzhou and even Jiangdu." Chen Bin slowly said. "But the leader, in fact, most people still think that if the imperial court can be stable, they will try their best to follow the imperial court.
Yes, there are only a few who are as firm as Longtou... Therefore, as long as Sima Zheng enforces stricter laws in Xuzhou and makes it similar to Langya, the big families in Langya will flock to him."
"Long Tou really overthinks it. How can the local tycoons in Langya recognize the Sima clan acting as Cao?" Xie Minghe was even more dismissive.
"Yes." Zhang Xing was startled for a moment and nodded. "For the time being, we will follow Xu Dalang's instructions and report to King Xiongtian tomorrow morning. Let's move on to other things..."
"Do you want to give Leader Zhang Jinshu a leadership position?" Chen Bin continued to talk, but suddenly he mentioned personnel matters. "He is in Henan and is in charge of public security and internal affairs. He is the same as me. There is no reason for him to be just a leader."
"How can I compare to Chief Chen?" Zhang Jinshu quickly stood up and expressed his position. "Besides, Chief Chen often consults with the leader, not just on public security and internal affairs."
"I'm telling the truth." Zhang Xing waved his hand. Although it was a bit unexpected for Chen Bin to talk about this topic without permission, it had obviously been discussed with Jiang Ling for a long time, so it was nothing unexpected. "What you said makes sense...
The reason why Chen Internal Affairs is the big leader is not because of his position, but because of his contribution to the conquest of Hebei. Without him, we would not be able to gain a foothold in Hebei, let alone today, when you are going south and worrying about public security and internal affairs here; and his duties are also divided into two
The first floor is for internal affairs, and the first floor is for the civilian leaders at Jiangling. But Zhang Jinshu, you also have something to say here. Now Hebei has clearly separated border patrol from internal affairs. Border patrol is now done by a separate leader, Lu Changheng, and at the same time, he
Chen's internal affairs report to the staff and the leading leaders will have to change it sooner or later. Since your powers and responsibilities have been divided, I must give you an explanation when the time comes to facilitate your control... And you can also consider it. Recommend
Come up personally and take on the full-time role of border patrol."
Zhang Jinshu was surprised and happy in his heart. The surprise was naturally that he could recommend one of his own to take this position and the possible political commitment. But he was also a little disappointed because he could not get a definite political commitment after all... But he also knew that he really didn't have much.
It was hard to go up the ladder for such a great achievement, and as soon as he thought about it, he became a little uneasy again, but that didn't stop him from coming to thank him immediately on the spot.
"Is there anything else?" Zhang Xing continued to urge. "Chen Internal Affairs continues to talk..."
Chen Bin thought for a while, but then shook his head: "Actually, that's the thing. Langya's matter is the most important, but there is nothing to talk about. Maybe other things can be talked about, but it is not appropriate to talk about it at this time. The leader should personally
Go take a look and talk slowly."
Zhang Xing was stunned for a moment, but then he glanced at the people in the hall and suddenly realized that Chen Bin was avoiding some people.
After discovering this, Zhang Dalongtou instinctively felt that Chen Bin was too meddlesome, or that he was obviously too technical in his mind. However, when he thought about the next few things that he was going to talk about, and thought about it carefully, he felt a little uncomfortable.
As soon as he thought about this, he simply said bluntly: "For nothing else, there is one thing that needs to be carefully investigated... I must make it clear that I think there is something wrong with the spring tax this year in the East and West Counties..."
"Is there a reason for this?" Chen Bin immediately said. "It's not wrong, but Qilu was originally hit by war and recovered quickly in the past two years, so this year's spring tax is still increasing, and the supply war in East County of Jibei has not been good in the past two years.
Stop, we are really a little tired, plus many people have transferred to Hebei... It is normal to have a few less."
"I thought there were more leaders in Dongjun and Jibei counties..." Zhang Xing said with a smile.
No one picked up on him, only Chen Bin looked at him.
Zhang Xing looked as normal and nodded: "It's okay, it's hot and everyone has dispersed. We have to go and check this matter in person before we can make a conclusion. It's not good to speculate, otherwise it will hurt the hearts of the brothers... Chen Internal Affairs
Stay a moment, I have something to say."
Everyone had their own thoughts and quickly stood up.
When Chen Bin was the only one left, Zhang Xing finally became serious: "I know what Chief Chen means. He must leave some profits for the leaders below! But according to me, profits can be kept, but there must be rules... One
You can't use Lila to form a gang. There are already many mountains, so what's the point of using profits to create entanglements?"
Chen Bin instinctively thought of Cheng Dalang's operation and immediately nodded: "Indeed."
"Secondly, you can't use private interests at the expense of public interests. The lessons of several dynasties in Jiangdong are not enough? Why should you oppose Guanlong? Isn't it just a private plan?!" Zhang Xing continued. "The same is true for letting Lu Da go today.
After all, he did not delay official duties because of his own business."
"That's the truth." Chen Bin continued to nod and asked again. "So, the leader must investigate the spring tax in Jiyin and Dongjun in detail?"
"yes."
Chen Bin couldn't help but sigh: "I'm just afraid that at this critical moment, some people will use this to argue with the leader."
"This is the third point." Zhang Xing answered simply. "I will never allow anyone to use these things to negotiate terms with me! If there is really a problem, tell it publicly, if you have meritorious service or disability, please reduce taxes, please
There is no problem with preferential treatment, but it must be open, fair and just. I am afraid that if you think you are holding the posts of a few big bosses, you can compete with me... If anyone really dares to do this, I would rather tear up my face and lead troops here.
Don’t do this stupid thing!”
What else could Chen Bin say, he could only give it up: "If this is the case and something is wrong, you should immediately mobilize troops and people and don't take risks."
"This is natural." Zhang Xing nodded.
Chen Bin was about to leave.
At this time, Zhang Dalong called out to the other party again: "Go out and see if Xu Shiying is still outside. If so, call him in."
Chen Bin was stunned for a moment and nodded again.
After a while, Xu Shiying came in, but he could only stand there with his hands tied.
Zhang Xingze went over with his hands behind his back, walked around the opponent a few times, looked around, and almost had a seizure, but finally regained his breath and returned to his seat, sighing faintly:
"Xu Dalang, do you know what I regret most now?"
Xu Shiying didn't dare to guess, but just handed it over: "Third brother, please make it clear, I really don't know."
"It's because I care too much about loyalty and dignity, and I respect Qin Er's personal wishes too much. I have softened my heart over and over again and left him in the Eastern Capital." Zhang Xing answered seriously. "I really can't control Li Ding, and Sima Zheng can't control him either."
It's not my fault, but Qin Er is my brother's fault."
Xu Shiying thought for a while and nodded heavily: "It is appropriate to do this based on emotion and reason... It is true loyalty that Third Brother has this idea."
"Then do you know what my second regret is?" Zhang Xing continued to ask.
Xu Shiying was about to speak, but suddenly froze in place, and then looked at the other party in surprise, feeling a little at a loss.
"It's just that I've always been too disrespectful to you!" Zhang Xing pointed at the other person's nose and suddenly got angry, and suddenly scolded him. "It's because I didn't take the opportunity to forcibly transfer you out of Dongjun after marching eastward the year before last! I also went to Hebei last year and didn't forcefully transfer you.
You stay with me! Your talents, intelligence, and abilities are displayed here. As far as I can see, I can only think of Li Ding, Sima Zheng, Sisi, and even King Xiongtian can't compare with you. But why can't you change and guard the world?
The problem of being a powerful person with three acres of land?! You can obviously be a dragon, but you have to learn how to drill into a mud nest? And you still treat smelly fish and rotten shrimps as treasures! You really didn’t hear what happened today. Isn’t it you Xu in Dongjun?
Is this Shiying’s territory? Why are you pretending to be dead for one night? Do you really think I dare not touch you?! Chen Bin advised me to be patient and clean up slowly. Lu Dazhai, Qian Cheng Zhili, I can tolerate it, and Shan Tonghai can tolerate it too.
, but I can’t bear to let you fall down!”
Xu Shiying was instinctively frightened, but she was also inexplicably moved, so much so that she forgot to pretend to be remorseful. In this picture, the third brother hates iron over and over again, regardless of the current situation. He is really loyal to himself.
Bar?
PS: Thank you Mr. Wu Mu and Mr. Zong Yue Qianli for another alliance. Happy New Year to everyone.
I'm very sorry, I fell asleep... I fell asleep at eight o'clock in the evening, and I slept until I got up at about four o'clock. It ended up being ten hours now.
A fast-paced and relaxing historical novel, produced by Lianyang... came up with this weird title.